357 ammo

Doug M.

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I am looking for a decent ammo maker who produces certain loads in good quality at a livable price. Quality is the more important. The revolvers are in .357 and .45ACP. Generally, in revolvers, I have gone completely reactionary, preferring wadcutters for my (wife's) snubby in recognition of her limitations, and SWC for other loads. Obviously, in 45ACP, I can use anything I would in the auto pistol with assistance of moonclips, so not as big a deal.

However, in .357, I would like to find a maker that makes good quality .357 medium-heavy bullet weight (158-170 grain) Keith SWC loads. I am not looking for the hottest or the heaviest. I want these loaded in .357 brass if at all possible, and I am looking for something in the range of 1200-1300 fps from a 4" barrel. Double Tap makes what seems to be a decent .38 +P, but no corresponding .357; I might consider it anyway. I am not interested in having a ton of lead deposited in the barrel, either. A similar 45AR load at 250-260 grains, 900 fps would also be of interest.

Yes, I know I need to hand load, but that is not in the cards at this time. I want to be able to buy in 500-1000 round quantities. If Black Hills had loads like this, I would be good to go, but no such luck; likewise ASYM. Buffalo Bore is not an option.
 
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Doug, Give Georgia Arms a try. They have a copper washed 158 grain semi wadcutter round that is decent.
 
I don't think Double Tap makes anything that light (158-170) or slow (1200-1300) in .357 SWC? And if you're looking to reduce leading, a semi-jacketed round will do that for you as well. Have you tried Winchester Double X?
 
Doug, Give Georgia Arms a try. They have a copper washed 158 grain semi wadcutter round that is decent.

I've shot a fair amount of there ammo and have been pleased with it. They are currently offering copper washed 158 Gr. SWC's at 1,100 fps for $20.50 per bag of 50 rounds.
 
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I'm sorry to say but if you are looking for an affordable .357 Magnum round loaded with a 158gr LSWC bullet @1200/1300 fps you will probably have to load your own.

If you're willing to buy re-manufactured ammo MasterCast in PA makes almost what you're looking for. They sell a 158gr Cast SWC round but the velocity is below what you asked for @1085 fps. You do however have to supply the brass but the cost is only $10.50/50 rounds.

Cabela's has bulk UltraMax .357 Magnum ammo for sale but they don't list the velocity. That might be an option too.

There are plenty of choices online but all seem to be in the $40/box range and you are looking for a reasonable price. (and $40 isn't reasonable IMO)
 
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