Last week at the range...

[sniper]

FWIW...I avoid full snort 357 Magnum loads...I just don't like 'em, but I bought two boxes (They are EXPEN$IVE!) of Speer 357 Magnum 135 gr. Short Barrel ammo, "just to see".

I went to the range as soon as the weather moderated enough so my old bones could stand it, and found it to be a mild-shooting, accurate load.
I sighted in my Match Champion 4" at 18 yards, just to be sure I could hit the paper after a lengthy time away from shooting.

I moved the target to 25 yards, and then alternated the Speer loads with my old and tested IPSC load...5.5gr. Unique/158 cast SWC, and with the Speer 135 gr. 38 +P Short Barrel load I use for EDC. The recoil and accuracy were very similar. I was surprised! My old IPSC load gave slightly less recoil, and the accuracy was there!

One minor difficulty...the Ruger's black rear sight disappeared into the black of the target, making it a bit difficult to establish a good sight picture. Surprising results...I had been shooting a mild Magnum load all these years and didn't know it! I may increase my load of Unique to 6 gr., so the recoil may be "more equal". And...I have Universal and AA#5 To play...uhmmm...experiment...I mean EXPERIMENT with!

 

[stansdds]

I have also had a life-long love affair with the 357 Magnum. My first CCW firearm was a S&W Model 640-1. I initially stoked it with the tried and true Federal 125gr SJHP 357 Magnum. It was a real handful! I tried the Federal 110 gr SJHP 357 Magnum and they were a little easier to control, but such light weight bullets often do not have adequate penetration, so I went back to the 125's.


I have tried to find some Speer 135gr Short Barrel 357 Magnum ammo, but to no avail. I was able to buy a good amount of their short barrel 38 Special +P ammo and I find it pleasant in that little revolver. If I ever come across the 357 Magnum load, I'll give it a try as well.

 

[brucev]

5.5gr. Unique/158 cast SWC. Yep! Very fine load indeedee! Sincerely. bruce.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Might try some yellow or pink fingernail polish on the front sight
so you can improve your sight picture on "Black" targets......

or carry a can of white spray paint or 2" wide masking tape?

 

[fredj338]

I wouldn't call any 38sp +p a mild magnum load but I get your point about blast & recoil. Though I have always been a fan of the 357mag in its full house form.