LSWCHP in 38/357 Question

[Eddietruett]

Well I'm happy to say that my situation has been solved in a sort of strange way. My biggest concern was getting a decent load for my girlfriend. She's new to shooting so I wanted something at least starting out with decent performance, but that she would be comfortable with in regards to recoil etc. wanted her to be accurate, be able to make a follow up shot and most important not get discouraged. When we were loading up to go shooting over the weekend she told me that with her eyesight she had a tough time focusing on Sights and target at the same time so she was not real sure where she was aiming. On a whim I took a 4 inch 19 with a set of crimson trace grips. Solved everything. She hits everything she shoots at. 1st try at 15 yards everything on a silhouette target every shot inside 7 ring. She's so focused on the red dot that recoil is not an issue. Even shot some light magnum loads with no hint of flinching. Only downside now is she doesn't want to quit. Normally after 20 or so rounds she was done. Sunday she shot at least 50 and was disappointed I didn't bring more! I've created a monster! Now if I can just get to reload ammo and clean guns. Well it doesn't hurt to dream.

 

[Jupiter01]

In the Hornady #9 manual, the 357 Magnum pages recommend 5.0 gr. Unique as a max load for their swaged 158 gr. bullets @~ 950 fps from
their 8 in. Colt Python. 4.0 gr. is supposed to give ~ 800 fps. Loading 148 gr. wadcutters, the manual sez use .38 Spl. data. Of course, Hornady .38 Spl. data is for their swaged HBWC.

 

[rwsmith]

For in the house use......

I load low end .357s for use in the house. Better than any .38 but not too damaging to the shooter.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Fredj has got it right..22LR bullets are soft lead and are driven at way over 1000fps without any leading.Like he says;bullet size is much more important than bullet hardness as far as leading is concerned.
I shoot only lead in my handguns and 97% of my rifles;velocity runs between 600fps and 2200fps and believe me,I'm no Mr Clean.I hate cleaning guns.If leading would be a problem in my guns,I'd drop casting as if it'd be a red hot branding iron.
To me,BHN 14 and over is pure waste in handguns;save that antimony for rifle bullets!
Qc

 

[IAhunter]

Hot 125 grain loads (.357 mag) should not be regularly used in model 66 revolvers. There are about a million threads concerning the topic on this forum, possible cracked forcing cones, etc.

I like either 145 grain Silvertip factory loads or a handload consisting of a 158 grain XTP with a healthy dose of 2400.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Well I'm happy to say that my situation has been solved in a sort of strange way. My biggest concern was getting a decent load for my girlfriend. She's new to shooting so I wanted something at least starting out with decent performance, but that she would be comfortable with in regards to recoil etc. wanted her to be accurate, be able to make a follow up shot and most important not get discouraged. When we were loading up to go shooting over the weekend she told me that with her eyesight she had a tough time focusing on Sights and target at the same time so she was not real sure where she was aiming. On a whim I took a 4 inch 19 with a set of crimson trace grips. Solved everything. She hits everything she shoots at. 1st try at 15 yards everything on a silhouette target every shot inside 7 ring. She's so focused on the red dot that recoil is not an issue. Even shot some light magnum loads with no hint of flinching. Only downside now is she doesn't want to quit. Normally after 20 or so rounds she was done. Sunday she shot at least 50 and was disappointed I didn't bring more! I've created a monster! Now if I can just get to reload ammo and clean guns. Well it doesn't hurt to dream.

It sounds like you have a great problem. Load up some more,ammo and take that girl shooting even more. I'm happy to hear another revolver lover is born!