640-3 Ammo Question

[gtmtnbiker98]

I'm relatively new at revolver shooting and am curious to know with such a short barrel, is bullet weight a concern? The basis behind my question is, when shooting PPU (PRVI Partizan) .357 Magnum 158gr FPJ (jacketed flat point) I experienced what I believe to be evidence of jacket separation on the target at 5-7 yards.

Prior to this 158gr, I have only shot 158gr Norma .38 Special and various 125gr and 130gr .38 Special with a few 125gr .357 Hornady CD - without issue.

Perhaps just a less than quality lot of ammo, thoughts?

 

[L-2]

My thoughts in no particular order.

-bullet weight is not a concern to me. Weight is just one of the factors I consider: availability at time of purchase; point of impact; recoil; penetration to barrier or threat; accuracy (or not).

-I'm wondering what the evidence of jacket separation is and what effect on anything does-it-imply whether it's separating or not. I've no opinion as to whether the jacket is actually separating or not at this time. I also don't know what the OP's target was (paper, a rock, etc.).

-I personally seldom shoot .357 Magnum anymore, but might carrier it as a reload. I just don't plan on shooting at threats in vehicles or at distances where I'm no longer accurate (beyond ~25 yards for me). When carrying, I'm usually loaded with a 125 grain JHP .38 Special +P (no particular well-known brand).

-the 640 snub-noses, whether .38 or .357, are some of my favorite revolvers (I've only got one right now, but had two).

Hopefully someone with more opinions and knowledge on this issue will respond (or perhaps even if it turns out to be a non-issue).

 

[Bill In Texas]

I reload, mostly. 38 special. I'll either use a 148 grain wadcutter bullet or a 158 grain bullet in a semi wadcutter, semi wadcutter hollowpoint, or a roundnose. These are all for target shooting.

For self defense, while there are many good choices, my favorites are the Speer Short Barrel 135 grain in either .357 or .38 special. Hope this helps.

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

The target was a cardboard IDPA target. The target exhibited shrapnel perforations and the rounds were oblong, which meant the rounds were unstable and tumbling.

 

[stansdds]

Could be the quality of the PRVI load. A true, jacketed bullet should not be shedding its jacket at 357 Magnum velocity, but if the bullet is not really jacketed, but is plated, the plating can strip, which will expose the underlying soft lead, it will also strip, leading to bullet instability and fragments. Did you notice any leading in the barrel after shooting the PRVI ammo?

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

Could be the quality of the PRVI load. A true, jacketed bullet should not be shedding its jacket at 357 Magnum velocity, but if the bullet is not really jacketed, but is plated, the plating can strip, which will expose the underlying soft lead, it will also strip, leading to bullet instability and fragments. Did you notice any leading in the barrel after shooting the PRVI ammo?

The first thing I checked for is leading and/or barrel rifling issues. Nothing noted. I just won't shoot this PPU in the 640, anymore. The Colt KC shot the PPU fine.

 

[kaaskop49]

I would set the PPU ammo aside. Something seems irregular. I wouldn't even bother shooting it in another, perhaps longer-bbl'd .357 revolver. Mfg defects can occur with any ammo at any time, given the huge amounts of cartridges produced. OP's experience is a good reason for testing a round extensively before using it in an EDC gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103