Are mid level power 357's worthwhile?

[VAdoublegunner]

I certainly think they have their place, particularly with so many lightweight 357 chambered guns out there now. I also think they have their place for those carrying K-frame S&W 357s who wish to practice a lot with factory ammo but are concerned about undue wear on the gun.

No doubt many people find them more pleasant to shoot out of lightweight guns, and they offer a slight ballistic advantage over most 38 SP loads. I much prefer to shoot full on 357 Magnum loads when I am shooting a gun chambered in that, however. Why not? It think it is a pretty moderate shooting cartridge compared to the big bores anyway, especially with loadings like the Win Silvertips. I often carry those in my Ruger SP101s chambered in 357.

I also have an early SP101 chambered in 38 Special. Because the gun can handle them, I use 38-44S&W equivalent handloads in it, based on articles Brian Pearce has written in Handloader. They give a significant ballistic advantage over any commercial 38 SP loadings, exceeding even some of the mid-range 357 loads with 125gr JHPs. They also consistently shoot palm sized groups from a rest at 50 yards (not feet) from that small 2 1/4" revolver and are far less "flashy" than commercial 357 loads in the other short barreled guns. They have become my preferred carry ammo for it. What more can you ask for in a carry gun?

 

[badge 851]

A real sleeper load, good for practice and carry is the CCI® BLAZER™ 357 Magnum 158gr JHP (#3542) @ 1150 fps. I shoot this round in my J & K frame snubbies. It is very accurate & low recoil. My cost is $20.89+tax for 50 rounds. To be able to shoot at the range & carry the same load at reasonable cost is a big plus IMHO.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Useful... I think so.

I make them for my K frames because barrels are no longer available and I have L and N frames to shoot full power stuff.

Besides, considering distance in a confrontation, we're probably talking something in the 10' or less arena. This means that its retained velocity, although less from the start, is still pretty high. Perhaps it's similar to what a full house load would be at 50 yards or greater, and that's plenty power to down something.

Add to this the controllability of a round that doesn't buck so hard and you have the potential for a follow-up shot.

They also cost less to make and over time that adds up.

 

[DonD]

Why not? You can get .38 Special +P performance at lower pressure levels if you want to be easy on yourself and the gun. Lower pressure with the proper powder will also reduce the probability of leading all things being equal. Don

 

[gunfan]

Yes, yes they are. I would like to draw a wonderful analogy is one of the sports car being driven continuously at all-out racing speeds. This not only shortens the life of the automobile, but fatigues the driver as well.

A moderately fast 145-grain .357 Magnum load is quite serviceable, without wearing out the handgun or the shooter. fairly good sized game will drop to such a round, and a mild 158-grain LSWC in the larger case will prove quite accurate and fun. After all, isn't enjoying the sport what it's about?

Scott

 

[S&W Fan]

I like the silvertip, 145gr., in my 2.5" 66. Very accurate, recoil isn't too bad for me-yes I'm recoil sensitive. It's the round I keep in it when I have the 66 with me.