Practice Loads for Winchester .357 Silvertip

[RayG]

I have a few boxes of Winchester 145 gr Slvertips for SD/HD, but it has gotten so expensive and hard to find. Can anyone recommend a loading to use for practice which would simulate the silvertip? I am aware that Silvertip bullets are available (from Midway, for instance) but these too are expensive for practice compared with LSWC for instance. Also, i would probably be using Unique. The silvertip factory specs are:


Muzzle Velocity: 1290 fps
Muzzle Energy: 535 ft. lbs.

[M29since14]

I just use a fairly standard 160-gr LSWC and a full-charge of #2400. In all my guns, the handload and the STHP will shoot to the same point of aim and have very similar recoil.

[Nevada Ed]

You might try Hornady #35740 140gr xtp bullets with either Unique or BlueDot powders,with a medium crimp.

I can get a light mag load for both at 1250fps with cci primers,using 158 jhp data.

25 yard groups put 5 @ 1.80 to 1.18 inches in my 686 6" off a rest.

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, a 140gr XTP will make a good practice round. You can match the velocity and if you play around with different powders you can also match the felt recoil. I use a 140gr XTP bullet to replicate the Speer 135gr SB ammo because those bullets are also too expansive to load in practice ammo. Here's a hint, give Power Pistol a try and see if the ammo you build feels the same as the Win Silvertips...