Factory Loaded .357 Magnum LSWCHP?

[Landric]

Does anyone know of a manufacturer, large or small, that factory loads .357 Magnum ammunition with a 158 grain LSWCHP? I've always thought a LWCHP at about 1100 fps would be a fantastic defense load, but the closest available seems to be the Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P which is both hard to find and expensive. And, of course, its loaded in a .38 Special case, and I need ammunition in magnum cases for qualification purposes.

 

[flop-shank]

That's funny, Landric. I was thinking earlier today that someone should make a 158 gr. managed recoil .357 load for POI reasons. Unfortunately, I don't know that anyone does. I would think that a semi-jacketed load would be ideal for that application. What length barrel are you refering to when you say, "1100 fps."

 

[Landric]

I was thinking from a 2 1/4" or so, like from my SP101. Its easy to do with handloads, and I much prefer the LSWCHP over the SJHP in that application. I was hoping for something in a magnum case, and as I said, the Buffalo Bore +P .38 Special load comes up about 100 fps short of my goal anyway. I might just have to go with that though, or break down and get a SJHP load.

 

[flop-shank]

Landric, I'm .99% sure that Sierra makes a 158 gr. JHP that would work perfect for that application if you're not adverse to running handloads. Otherwise I would think that Corbon would make you a limited run if you're willing to spend the cash. Maybe you could put the bug in their ear and get them interested in making such a load? No doubt they would have a 158 gr. Sierra sitting on the shelf.

A SJHP would be ideal, but IIRC, Remington's might not "pop" so well at those velocities. I don't recall where I got that idea in my head, but it's there. At the same time, I would guess that the Sierra would expand very well. I could be totally wrong on that. Maybe someone with more than hunches and vague recollections will chime in on this one.

I've also been thinking for some time that the Sierra 140 gr. JHP, or a plated lead hollow point such as Rainier makes, would make a neat short barrel .357 load as well.

 

[SWAT Lt.]

The only ones I remember from a major manufacturer is the now discontinued 158 Nyclad hollow point from Federal. I would like for them to bring it back as it sounds like a good defense load.

 

[Kid Sopris]

The only ones I remember from a major manufacturer is the now discontinued 158 Nyclad hollow point from Federal. I would like for them to bring it back as it sounds like a good defense load.

They still make it in the 125 gr.
P38M
38 Special
125 / 8.1
Nyclad HP
Personal Defense®

 

[SWAT Lt.]

Kid,
Thanks. Although it is pretty popular, I don't care much for the 38 Spl. 125 Nyclad. I would like to see the .357 158 Nyclad HP brought back though.

 

[Charles]

Drop a line to Blue Bunny.

Blue Bunny Ammo Nashville, TN

I'm thinking one of the smaller manufacturers would be more willing to make a new load, and a downloaded .357 might fit nicely with the rest of their line. I'd buy some for sure. They could probably get the velocity you're looking for with Ramshot's Silhouette powder which would make for a low-flash load, too.