357 mag. 180 grain hard cast LSWC out of model 65?
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All depends on the powder charge you use!
oldgranddad
Member
It's not bullet weight that makes a load hot or not. Just like Trooperdan said, it's the combination of powder type (fast or slow burning), powder charge weight and bullet weight that matter most. If you start with the lowest charge rate of a powder that has published charge weights for a 180 gr LSWC, you shouldn't be in the "HOT" range. I suggest you spend some time in the Reloading section on this forum.
scooter123
Member
As someone who loads for a 357 Magnum Rifle I consider a 140 grain bullet at 1875 fps to be just a bit warm, for hot you drop the bullet weight down to 125 grains and increase the velocity above 2300 fps.
However, those velocities are out of a 20 inch Winchester Short Rifle. Out of a 3 inch barrel I just don't think "hot" is possible with any weight bullet. The problem is you don't have enough barrel length to efficiently utilize a "slow" powder such as H110 or Lil Gun and a "fast" powder such as Accurate #5 just won't produce chart topping velocities. So, you'll be doing well to get your 180 grain bullet above 1000 fps. BTW, I would suggest using either Longshot or Accurate #7 for that weight bullet in a 3 inch barrel. With a 6 inch barrel I'd use Accurate #9 for a 180 grain bullet.
As for potential damage to the forcing cone on your revolver, the heavier weight bullets will exit the cylinder at a reduced velocity when compared to a lighter bullet and since Kinetic Energy is 1/2 Mass x V^2 that heavier bullet will strike the forcing cone with less energy than a lighter bullet faster load. To put it in simple terms a load featuring a 180 grain bullet will be gentler on your revolver than a load featuring a lighter bullet.
However, those velocities are out of a 20 inch Winchester Short Rifle. Out of a 3 inch barrel I just don't think "hot" is possible with any weight bullet. The problem is you don't have enough barrel length to efficiently utilize a "slow" powder such as H110 or Lil Gun and a "fast" powder such as Accurate #5 just won't produce chart topping velocities. So, you'll be doing well to get your 180 grain bullet above 1000 fps. BTW, I would suggest using either Longshot or Accurate #7 for that weight bullet in a 3 inch barrel. With a 6 inch barrel I'd use Accurate #9 for a 180 grain bullet.
As for potential damage to the forcing cone on your revolver, the heavier weight bullets will exit the cylinder at a reduced velocity when compared to a lighter bullet and since Kinetic Energy is 1/2 Mass x V^2 that heavier bullet will strike the forcing cone with less energy than a lighter bullet faster load. To put it in simple terms a load featuring a 180 grain bullet will be gentler on your revolver than a load featuring a lighter bullet.
Doug M.
Member
Depends on how much powder and what type is used under the bullet. That's a topic for the reloading forum, most likely. Not my lane at all. BUT: for almost any reasonable scenario with that revolver, 900 fps is likely enough to do anything you would need to with a good quality hard SWC. 1000 might do a bit more, but I doubt that putting up with the increased recoil would be worthwhile.
As noted, it all depends on the load.
A Mdl 65 (if in good shape) should be able to handle one of the slower loadings in a 180 grain bullet that develops less pressure. One of the hotter 180 grain loads that is trying to be a .41 Rem Mag might push the limits for a K frame revolver. It would all depend on the specific load and the pressure developed.
Looking at www.handloads.com, their 180 grain .357 Mag loadings that get up around 1400 fps all carry caveats that say for use in large heavy frame/cylinder revolvers only.
If you were using the 180 grain .357 Magnum round made by Buffalo Bore (hardcast lead flat nose) that they rate at 1,400 fps (with a muzzle energy of 783 ft. lbs) out of a 5" barrel, or 1302 fps out of a 3" barrel S&W J frame, that's a lot of muzzle energy! Hot, yes. Buffalo Bore claims it will not harm a modern steel frame revolver, including a J frame (and a 65 is of course a larger K frame). https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=396
A Mdl 65 (if in good shape) should be able to handle one of the slower loadings in a 180 grain bullet that develops less pressure. One of the hotter 180 grain loads that is trying to be a .41 Rem Mag might push the limits for a K frame revolver. It would all depend on the specific load and the pressure developed.
Looking at www.handloads.com, their 180 grain .357 Mag loadings that get up around 1400 fps all carry caveats that say for use in large heavy frame/cylinder revolvers only.
If you were using the 180 grain .357 Magnum round made by Buffalo Bore (hardcast lead flat nose) that they rate at 1,400 fps (with a muzzle energy of 783 ft. lbs) out of a 5" barrel, or 1302 fps out of a 3" barrel S&W J frame, that's a lot of muzzle energy! Hot, yes. Buffalo Bore claims it will not harm a modern steel frame revolver, including a J frame (and a 65 is of course a larger K frame). https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=396
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I have tested, chronographed and shot a few of the Buffalo Bore 180 grain .357 Magnum hard cast LSWC loads from my 3" M65 as that is what I tote along with me in the woods. Lots of bears up where I hike - LOTS! While the loads are really punishing in the small 3" K Frame and actually hurts my shooting hand, at least I know that both the gun and I can handle it if push comes to shove!
While the .357 mag is certainly not the absolute best for Bears, the M 65 3" with the BB 180 grain Mag's is at least adequate and the package is such that I always have it with me. Yes, a .44 Magnum or larger might be better but I'd hate hauling that big heavy gun all day long through the woods.
I have shot the BB's sparingly through the M65 and don't shoot them on any regular basis. The bottom line is that the gun is no worse for the wear but again, I've only shot a dozen or so for familiarity and accuracy testing. Now I just carry them and practice with less violent loads.
Hope that helps you out.
While the .357 mag is certainly not the absolute best for Bears, the M 65 3" with the BB 180 grain Mag's is at least adequate and the package is such that I always have it with me. Yes, a .44 Magnum or larger might be better but I'd hate hauling that big heavy gun all day long through the woods.
I have shot the BB's sparingly through the M65 and don't shoot them on any regular basis. The bottom line is that the gun is no worse for the wear but again, I've only shot a dozen or so for familiarity and accuracy testing. Now I just carry them and practice with less violent loads.
Hope that helps you out.
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ColbyBruce
Member
I also carry the Buffalo Bore 180 grain loads in my two S&W 65's due to black bears around our house in north Georgia. If we go out hiking, I usually carry my S&W 1006 with Underwood ammo.
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