Fiocci .357 magnum loads need opinions

[627 city hunter]

products

Particularly this round:
products_full

Seems potent. No info I could find any where. Cannot find them locally in Louisiana.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I've shot this stuff in FMJ and LHP. Fiocchi seems to load all of thier ammo hotter. I never had any problem with it in 9MM, 45ACP, and 357.

 

[627 city hunter]

RE: hotter loaded ammunition from Fiocci

kanewpadle,

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I have heard the European loads are sometimes hotter than our USA loads. These also seem reasonably priced in comparison to the very hot USA loads available which are about $10 more per box of 20 (Buffalo Bore). I think I am going to have to buy them online.

I do believe they are more powerful than my Cor-bon 125 grain .357.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The US companies abide by SAAMI limits but European companies use CIP standards which are slightly hotter than SAAMI specs on most calibers. SAAMI limits for the .357 Magnum are 35,000 PSI whereas CIP limits are 44,000 PSI, even more than the older 40,000 PSI limits from SAAMI. (a lot more) I highly doubt Fiocchi is going anywhere near the 44,000 PSI numbers but they are probably up near the older 40,000 SAAMI numbers.

In any case European companies also have lawyers watching everything they do so I'm sure that ammo is safe in any .357 Magnum revolver that's in good operating condition.

 

[brucev]

I have not fired the particular load you mention. I have fired 140 gr. Fiocchi .357 Magnum rounds in a 6" 28-2. I did get the very distinct impression that they were loaded into the "red." If you can't find the load you mention locally you may be able to find it on line. However, there are many multiple 125 gr. JHP .357 Magnum loads on market. The 125 gr. JHP from Remington and Federal have very good reputations.

 

[627 city hunter]

Thanks ArchAngelCD,

If I use CIP specification ammunition would that be potentially damaging in a self-defense case? Whats the legal status of its use in the U.S.A.?

Thanks brucev,

I am aware of the online option. Will probably be my only option it seems. I am also aware of the Federal and Remington standards for 125 gr JHP (Ford and Chevy?).

I just want some exotic ammunition. I really enjoy range time and want the best rounds I can use to protect my loved ones and myself.

 

[Steve C]

While the ammo sheet shown is perfectly good for the range and hunting small to medium game I would not select a JSP as a defense round to be used against people unless I lived in New Jersey which is the only stae I know of that restrics hollow point ammo to law enforcement only. A JHP is a much better choice with less chance of excessive penetration and much more likely to end a self defense encounter.

Whats the legal status of its use in the U.S.A.?

There is no particular restriction regarding any brand of ammo use in the US though local laws vary and there may be certain restrictions regarding ammo in general in a few localities where purchase may require a firearms card. There is also an age restriction Federally on purchase of handgun ammo to 21 YO or older where as rifle ammo is 18 YO. Posession of ammo is regulated by the state or localities.

Fiocchi ammo is neither unusual or exotic in the USA. The company set up a plant in Missouri for US production and it is carried by many sporting goods stores both small and big box.

Regarding the ballistics of the ammo published you will note the tests listed a test barrel of unknown length and type though a copy of the 2008 catalog listed the test barrel at 6" hence the indicated higher velocities compared to the typical US made 1,450 fps. The big 3 US manufacturers currently use a 4" vented test barrel to simulate the typical revolver with cylinder gap. I doubt you will find the Fiocchi making significantly higher real world velocity than any of the domestic full power 125gr JHP's from Winchester, Remington, Federal from the same revolver if you where to run them over a chronometer.

 

[627 city hunter]

Thank you SteveC for the informative post. I will try this stuff out and maybe some others to compare. I will give you guys some input from my experience with this ammunition and some others back to back with separate targets to compare. I am really interested in firing as many manufacturers rounds as possible at the range. Till then. Any other input greatly appreciated.

 

[pps]

The Fiocci I shot a while back, when I ran it over the chronograph, I got around 1150 to 1200 out of a 5" barrel. These were the 148 grain sjhp

 

[Knightrider03m]

I carry their 158gr round. I have found that the recoil is lighter along with the flash is lower.