125 vs 140 vs 158 grain for 357 magnum defense loads?

[sigp220.45]

I picked 140 because it was the closest to the only .357 Magnum round I carry - Winchester's 145 grain Silvertip.

It's expensive enough to keep me from just shooting people willy-nilly, and I believe it is effective on werewolves too, which is a nice bonus.

 

[lrrifleman]

Honestly, while I may occasionally carry a 357 revolver, I would rather load it with 158gr 38 Special +P! Reduces chance of over penetration and assists with easier bullet placement.

 

[armadillo]

I'm old school and only use 158 gr. in my K-frame S&W revolvers.

 

[375hh1973]

I own a 6" 686, mostly for a range toy with 38sp. My wife has pretty much claimed it as hers, but thats another story.

Once in awhile I feel like CPLing a revolver and I have a nice shoulder rig with the 2 speed loader holders on the off side that makes that 686 disappear under a light jacket. Years ago, I walked into a gunshop that was clearing out all their COR-BON ammo.

I drove out of that parking lot about 600 lbs heavier lol

Most of what I bought was 140gr .357mag.

Shoots lights out in my 686 and I still have over 300 rounds of it.

 

[M29since14]

It's expensive enough to keep me from just shooting people willy-nilly…

That's a good one. True, too!

Another vote for the STHP. Seems too good to worry about replacing it with something more recent.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I know the 125gr bullet is the darling of the .357 Magnum SD loads but other than the 145gr Winchester Silvertip ammo I prefer a 158gr bullet in the .357 Magnum even for SD.

That's just my preference.

 

[ddixie884]

I'm a heavy bullet kinda guy but the 158gr bullets don't do well in ballistic gel tests and I became enough of a believer in the 145 gr STHP that I bought a bunch of it when I caught it on sale with free shipping from Midwest a coupla 3 years ago and I use it for carry in my .357s.
These are some of the last ones with nickel cases. Real Lone Ranger style.....

I also have some 135gr GDHPSBs for use with snubs.......

 

[Fishinfool]

My personal go to is the 125 jhp for SD. I started in LE with that load, and have seen what it does up close with body hits. I do believe that extra velocity, along with dramatic bullet expansion is what makes it such a noted SD load. Plenty of penetration against human targets.

Of course, really any full power .357 load is going to be effective for the intended purpose. Shot placement is always key.

Larry

 

[Rpg]

I doubt the bad guy it's used on would know the difference.

 

[stansdds]

Back in the day, my choice for a self-defense 357 Magnum load would have been the 125 grain JHP. But that was then, this is now. With modern design hollow points, screaming velocity is no longer required for reliable expansion. Today, I would pick a reduced velocity load from Federal, Remington, Speer, or Winchester, using a bullet in the range of 125 to 145 grains.

 

[gwpercle]

I grew up reading the books and magazine articles of Elmer Keith .
My judgement has been clouded by the heavy & slow beats light & fast bunch for years .
158 grain SWC - HP works for me .

Jack who ?
Gary

 

[BillBro]

No matter the caliber I usually try to go as heavy for caliber as is practical, so 158gr for me.

I do have a bunch of the 135gr Speer Gold Dots though, fine bullet.

 

[IAM Rand]

How bout we worry more about where we hit the bad guy than what we hit them with. Sooooo frustrated with this what bullet do you prefer, what weight, is it +p or regular. Give me a break fellas...... and felicias.

Worry less about what and more about WHERE!!!

 

[bmcgilvray]

Save the light bullet loads for lesser cartridges like .380 ACP and 9mm Luger. I only use 158 grain bullets in the .38 Special and .357 Magnum.

I like weight.

 

[murphydog]

A one-month old thread but a couple of extra points.

Since you have a 686, use whatever .357 you like - no concerns about cracked forcing cones and the like with the L frame. But consider if you will be using tactical nuclear 125 gr loads indoors, and perhaps several at a time - the blast and flash will be substantial.

Also, since the Great '20s Ammo Shortage seems to be abating somewhat, find and try several different loads yourself. What others think about one bullet weight or another won't mean much if you and your gun don't like, or doesn't reliably function, with it. Still have to check that out, even with a revolver.

 

[Catwrangler]

To post #20

Bullet behind the powder? Please reread your loading manual.

 

[Skeet 028]

Well my vote went to 125s.. I get more penetration etc with 158...but I happen to have 1000s of loads and reloading bullets in125 gr. What I carried as F/Investigator. For any "woods carry" I go big. My M-57 with 245 gr WFNGC bullet at 1100