Model 66 357 Mag Hunting Ammo?

[Davexx1]

I have a nice Model 66 (no dash) 4" 357 mag and do carry it at times when catching big feral wild hogs. My question: is the heavy hunting load ammo such as the Double Tap, Buffalo Bore, Magtech, etc. 357 mag 180 or 200 grain hard cast lead flat nose bullets safe and OK in the old gun? The load data indicates these are very powerful loads in the 1300-1400 fps range.

Is barrel leading a concern with the heavy hard cast flat nose bullets?

I have always used the 158 grain semi-jacketed soft point bullets hoping to prevent any barrel leading issues.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Stu454]

I wouldn't do it. I expect that you'd beat a K frame to death in short order with those heavy loads.

 

[JAREDSHS]

if it were my choice, I would not do it. Get a Black Hawk to shoot the
heavy stuff with. Why stress a fine revolver? The 66 is not a 44 mag. I have a 4 inch 66, and can not understand why regular 158 gr loads are not up to the task.

 

[David LaPell]

Keep in mind back when the .357 Magnum was used by Doug Wesson to kill nearly every big animal in North America that the factory load consisted of a 158 grain bullet that went 1,500 fps. If it were me with a K-frame I would use some .38-44 loads, say a 170 grain Lyman #358429 SWC (which killed ALOT of game) and 12.5-13.0 grains of 2400 which would give you something like 1,200 fps on average but does well on game and might not kill your K-frame. If you want to go really hot, then get an N-frame or a Ruger .357.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Keep in mind back when the .357 Magnum was used by Doug Wesson to kill nearly every big animal in North America that the factory load consisted of a 158 grain bullet that went 1,500 fps. If it were me with a K-frame I would use some .38-44 loads, say a 170 grain Lyman #358429 SWC (which killed ALOT of game) and 12.5-13.0 grains of 2400 which would give you something like 1,200 fps on average but does well on game and might not kill your K-frame. If you want to go really hot, then get an N-frame or a Ruger .357.

As long as everyone knows that was with a .347 Magnum that was a N frame gun. I think many don't get that.

 

[David LaPell]

The 1,200 fps handloads though that the .38-44 used are about on par with the average factory stuff these days, but the Buffalo Bore and really hot .357 Mag ammo that is almost back to what they used in the old days should indeed be kept to the heavier guns. Personally I would keep it in a bigger gun, but running stuff that keeps within the current factory specs should be ok. Remember though that the K-frames were not meant to take the beating that the big N-frame guns could, plus I bet you that hot stuff would just feel dandy shooting them after a few cylinders full. If it were me, and I planned on doing alot of hunting I would get either a Highway Patrolman (not all of us can afford 27's in every barrel length) in the 6-inch barrel or a Ruger Blackhawk and call it a day instead of worrying if the K frame can handle it. They were not designed for the purpose. A few of the hot factory loads might be ok, but I wouldn't want to push it.

 

[Maximumbob54]

All of what David said and I don't know if I want to know what Corbon or BB feel like in a K frame. I like the nerves in my hand and don't feel the need to punish them for being bad. I don't think Hogue or Pachmayr put enough smoosh between my hand and heavy magnum loads for serious K frame use.

 

[bogman]

A good cast SWC, does not have to be pushed real fast to be effective.

 

[Elmer]

A good cast SWC, does not have to be pushed real fast to be effective.

Exactly. Same as in .44 Mag. Well designed hard cast SWC's penetrate very well at moderate velocities.

 

[michael thornton]

find a load that shoots well in your 66 if thats what your gona use, being able to hit your target is what its all about, my hot 357 mag load is 158 jsp with 14.8 gr of 2400, but they shoot well in some of my guns, others not so well. my 4 inch 27 i shoot a home cast 158 swc with unique, thats what it shoots and it shoots them realy good. my cast load is not at max loads but it doesnt have to be. good luck! mike

 

[Jaffo]

I wouldn't shoot anything bigger then 158 gr. in a model 66. They were not designed for that purpose. However, Remington sells 180 Gr. ammo. I wouldn't go hotter than that.

 

[Mattkcc]

If you reload you can try Lil'Gun powder, all the velocity at much lower pressure. I loaded it for my Marlin lever and my GP100 with XTP 158gr. FP's. Don't use self-defense ammo for hunting, you want a round that will penetrate. I also used this load in my M60 3" up north on canoe trips. I did practice with it and my model 60 is fine.