357 magum self defense rounds for model 27-2 . 5 inch barrel

[agent00]

I will be soon the lucky new owner of nice smith and wesson model 27-2 with a . 5 inch barrel.

It will serve as my main target/fun shooting and will replace my model 19 in that function.

For the model 19 I use some 38 SPL 158GR LSWC from magtech as my target/fun shooting and self defense.

In order to not damage the model 19 too much I rarely used 357 mag stuff with it.

The model 27 is going to be more sturdy so I plan to use more 357 mag loads with it.

For self defense I still going to use the 38 special lead semi wadcutter rounds. They should be more than powerful enough for a short range self defense load.

Just in theory would it be ok to use some classic 125 grain semi jacketed hollow point rounds with .5 inch barrel or would these light rounds be to be fast in a longer barrel gun.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the 357 mag 125 grain rounds got their fame when used in a .4 inch or shorter barrel six gun?

If so would be a 158 grain jhp round a better pick for a longer barreled revolver? Is there certain 158 grain load you would particularly recommend?

Here in Austria lighter 357 mags loads are not common anyway. It seems that in 357 mag the 158 grain loads are way more common.

It would be easier for me to some 158 grain 357 mag jhp rounds.

 

[TheTinMan]

The precursor to the 357 Magnum was the 38/44. The revolver had a 5” barrel, and 158 grain semi-wadcutter bullets were typical (as far as I can tell). There is nothing wrong with a 125 grain bullet in a 5” 357 Magnum revolver either. If muzzle energy is your preferred metric, the lighter bullet produces more muzzle energy. Personally I would choose the 158 grain for a 5” barrel, especially if that is more available.

Here’s a fun read:
Attention Required! | Cloudflare

 

[Pisgah]

With a .5 inch barrel, I wouldn't expect much difference in performance between any of those loads...

 

[M29since14]

My opinion is that the .357 is at its best with 158 grain ammo, but as you say, the 125 grain round has a good reputation in self defense applications and is not going to unduly harm your Model 27. In reality, SD is usually such a small consideration that the ammunition you normally use for target shooting is much more important.

Either round is suitable for your 5-inch barrel. In the .357 there is usually not much difference between a typical 4- or 5-inch barrel, usually around 50 FPS, or thereabouts. Often individual guns of the same barrel length show as much or more variation. If you intend to use the ammo mainly for casual target shooting, I would stay with 158s.

Since you intend to begin handloading soon, consider handloading your own cartridges with coated bullets. You can adjust your powder charge to give some “magnum feel,” but stay clear of maximum pressures typical in European brands of factory ammunition. The 5-inch 27 is a great “general use” .357. Trust you will enjoy your new revolver.

 

[robertrwalsh]

If I recall correctly the old Treasury Load (.357 magnum +P+ with 125 grain HP) was supposed to be the epitome of butt-kickers in it's day. The guys who rode shotgun on the Piggly-Wiggly trucks that were actually carrying A-bombs carried them, again back in the day when such things were semi-routinely moved around on the countries highways.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The "Treasury Load" was a .38 Special 110 grain +P+...it was loaded by Winchester and Federal. Winchester loads an equivalent in their .357 110 grain offering...same specs but in the magnum case.

The FBI load was 158 grain .38 Special LSWCHP +P.

Both agencies swore by their load but each had their own specific needs for an issue round to meet. For self-defense an individual needs to identify his own needs and determine what round best meets those needs.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

For self defense I still going to use the 38 special lead semi wadcutter rounds. They should be more than powerful enough for a short range self defense load.

Correct. Good choice.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have found that a 140gr JHP from Hornady or any company loadings
were very accurate in my 357 revolvers and easier on the light frames, if used.

Todays 110 JHP, .357 Magnum , has been wattered down and might be another offer,
if you go with a lighter weight bullet.

Many like the 135gr JHP from Speer.

Enjoy the new revolver.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Perhaps a list of what 357 Magnum ammo is readily available in Austria would help in any recommendations...?

Cheers!

 

[cd228]

For a 5 inch barrel I'd look at 125 gr .357 Magnum. You could also do a 158gr LSWC in .357 magnum. I wouldn't want to be shot with either. Depending on the round, they'll flash something fierce. My 28 4" soaked up a lot of recoil form me (I could feel a difference compared to my 686 using the old Remington 125 JHPs).

Your .38 SPC +Ps will also shoot fine. It'll reduce the flash and recoil and probably price.

 

[Doug M.]

As noted above, the 5" M27 is a fine "do all" platform. In my M66, I mostly shoot .38 SWC because placement and adequate penetration are good enough for use against people. I would give consideration to the politics of home defense (I am presuming that carrying outside of home/work is not a thing there) and ammo choice. Also consider the possibility of being injured and having to shoot one handed, maybe from the "weak" hand. With my shoulder injury, my pocket carried G42 is the only choice; the Mika pocket holster is ambidextrous.

If you do obtain any of the 125 grain, you will find that they tend to be hot, and not all that practical unless you train a lot. Neat to touch off, but that's a different thing. When I carry full power ammo in my M66, it is usually 145 grain Silvertips. They are not made often, so I snag a bunch when I can.

 

[agent00]

Perhaps a list of what 357 Magnum ammo is readily available in Austria would help in any recommendations...?

Cheers!

Here in Austria I can get 158 grain jhp rounds, from federal, winchester, magtech easily. I have also seen 158 grain jhp rounds from gecco, Norma and fioochi.

In 125 grain I have just seen the 125 grain sjhp rounds from Remington and Fioochi.

I could also get some 158 grain semi lead wadcutter hp rounds. I have also seen a 158 grain soft point round from remington in the HTTP line. Not sure if soft points would deform at normal handgun velocities or not.

It would also be able to get some 110 grain 357 mag High Terminal Performance rounds from remington.

@Neveda Ed would this be one of the 110 grain loads you have suggested?

@all Thanks a lot for the many pieces of great information. The link about the 38/44 was also interesting to read.

 

[Peak53]

Stick with the 158 grain SWC at moderate FPS. It's a 357 for crying out loud. What more do you need? No need to push it.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Of the available manufacturers and bullets mentioned I would suggest the Remington HTP 158gr SJSP would suffice in just about any situation where true 357 Magnum performance might he required.

Multiple review indicate reliable penetration and expansion: you probably won't want to shoot more than a couple cylinders-full on the average range visit, though...?

Cheers!

P.S. A wonderful aspect of reloading is the ability to load from mild to WILD! with various projectiles , and 38 Special/357 Magnum is a great place to start.

 

[hardluk1]

Most 357mag defensive ammo fired from a 4" or longer barrel in 357mag tend to reduce the bullet diameter over shorter barrel's .

The barnes XPB bullet is available loaded in140gr down there 125gr bullets loaded by federal , buffalo bore- low flash load and barnes ammo and these loads might be your best choice . I keep some of the Barnes brand 140gr xpb for our defensive choices . Recoil is just under 1200fps from my DE 15-2 4" revolver , The faster loads can over penetrate .


I bought and have carried a 40sw since late '90's do to better defensive bullet performance over the 357mag LE loads of the day and still carry a 40sw today even thought my old DW revolver now wears only the 4" barrel I also load 357 and 38 loads for plinking with . I hope I never need to carry a revolver over a pistol do changes in the laws !

 

[Muley Gil]

Most 357mag defensive ammo fired from a 4" or longer barrel in 357mag tend to reduce the bullet diameter over shorter barrel's .

The barnes XPB bullet is available loaded in140gr down there 125gr bullets loaded by federal , buffalo bore- low flash load and barnes ammo and these loads might be your best choice . I keep some of the Barnes brand 140gr xpb for our defensive choices . Recoil is just under 1200fps from my DE 15-2 4" revolver , The faster loads can over penetrate .


I bought and have carried a 40sw since late '90's do to better defensive bullet performance over the 357mag LE loads of the day and still carry a 40sw today even thought my old DW revolver now wears only the 4" barrel I also load 357 and 38 loads for plinking with . I hope I never need to carry a revolver over a pistol do changes in the laws !

What does mean, "reduce the bullet diameter"????

 

[Muley Gil]

agent00,

The Remington 158 grain lead semi-wad cutter load from back in the day (1930s into the 1980s) was loaded with a soft swaged lead bullet and leaded horribly. The 125 grain jacketed hollow point was known as the best stopper for many, many years.

My recommendation is to load your M27 5" with the ammo that you shoot the best. Anything fired within a house is going to be VERY loud.

 

[WR Moore]

The Remington 125 SJHP-at least in pre bankruptcy days-is a very good performer. Especially in 38 Spl +P loads. I did a test yesterday (handloaded version) and to my great surprise, out of a 2 inch barrel I got 0.545 in expansion and 12.58 in penetration. The Remington Golden Saber round is loaded to a more moderate velocity and should be a bit easier on the gun.

 

[Daimler1989]

Hi from Germany

my experience: soft lead bullets in .357 Magnum left the barrel of all my .357 S&Ws heavily leaded. So did each .38 Special ammo I tried. I suggest you use Fiocchi 38 Spl. Lead Round Nose (Teflon coated) 158 gr for range time, no leading. For personal defense you can stick with 158 gr SWC Lead Hollow Points unless you expect yourself being caught in a gunfight with multiple recharges. Or you stick to aforementioned Fiocchis, they bring about 400 J from a 5" barrel. If you like to use .357 Magnum, I once had a WW White Box 158 gr swaged Lead SWC that deformed very well at impact. So should do the old Magtech in same configuration. Don't know if both are stille made.

regards from Germany
Ulrich

 

[gym cat]

Anything factory ammo with 357 stamped on the case is more than enough for self defense. Muley Gil said it best. Obviously shot placement is most imp't. Know your house --- you don;t want to put one through a wall and hit a family member or through a window at the neighbors house. Have a plan. Great discussion.