Range Results: .357 Magnums Shot Thru .38 Special Sighted Guns

[BubbaBlades]

I took four .357s (S&W 28-2 6”, S&W 686+ 2 ½”, Colt Python 6”, Ruger Security Six 6”) that I had sighted in with 158 grain .38 Specials to shoot POA = POI at 25 yards and tested them with five different 158 grain .357 Magnum loads (Mag Tech FMJ, Blazer JHP, Federal Hydra Shok JHP, S&B FMJ and Reload LSWC). I did not change any of the gun’s sights and obtained the following results:

* The S&W M28 was the only gun that shot all 5 .357 loads to POA = POI
* The Ruger shot 4 loads to POA but the S&B grouped 1” high
* The S&W 686+ shot Mag Tech and Hydra Shoks to POA, Blazer and S&B ½” low and the Reloads 1” low and 1” right.
* The Python shot S&B ½” low, Blazer ½” left, Mag Tech 1” left, Hydra Shok 2” left, and Reloads 1 ½” low and 2” left.

I also tried some 110 grain Winchester JHP .357 magnums in all four guns and found out that:

* Both the Python and Ruger grouped 2 ½” low and 1 ½” left.
* The M28 shot 2 ½” low and 1” left
* The 686+ shot 1 ½” low and 1” left

I don’t have the ammo or funding to run this test with the rest of my .357s, however, feel free to post your own results.
Mark

 

[off road]

Seems kind of reversed. I think most folks will sight in with the .357, and load that for defense or hunting. Then use .38's for target shooting...and who cares where they land exactly, just as long as you are grouping them consistently, you know your shooting technique is good.

 

[one eye joe]

Seems kind of reversed. I think most folks will sight in with the .357, and load that for defense or hunting. Then use .38's for target shooting...and who cares where they land exactly, just as long as you are grouping them consistently, you know your shooting technique is good.

IMHO, most shooters will sight a weapon in with it's customary load for it's customary purpose. For instance--your 6" .357Magnum revolver might be sighted in with .38Spl LSWC, because you usually shoot targets with it. Your 8 3/8 " might be sighted in with hardcast solids as you use that for hunting. Your 2 1/2" CCW would be sighted in with an appropriate SD/HD round. If, SADLY, a person only owns one weapon--it should be sighted in with a load that's suitable for the MOST frequent type of shooting that is indulged in. USUALLY. there is only variation vertically in POI between various loads of a properly sighted weapon. The OP's report of groups shooting to a different POI horizontally may be due to operator error, as I assume these weapons were not tested out of a Ransom Rest, etc......

 

[BubbaBlades]

Just a clarification as some good points were brought up. My go to Magnums are 41s, 44s or 460s so I shoot very few .357s other than for range use with .38 special loads.
I have been blessed with the ability to shoot sub 1" 25 yard groups off hand with a wide variety of handguns.
I have four YouTube videos (search under: BubbaBladesFLA) showing why I do not need a "rest" to do precision ammo testing.
Mark

 

[son-of-a-gun]

I have been blessed with the ability to shoot sub 1" 25 yard groups off hand with a wide variety of handguns.
I have four YouTube videos (search under: BubbaBladesFLA) showing why I do not need a "rest" to do precision ammo testing.
Mark

That is some mighty fine shooting!

I used to qualify with an M14 at NAS Dam Neck VA in the '72-'75 time frame.

If I remember correctly, a "Coastie" held the range record with an M16 at the time.

 

[Steve C]

The results of your experiment was interesting in that it shows there is little difference in point of impact due to the weight of the of the bullet or even difference in load. I have read several posts that tried to explain a 6 inch difference in impact on ammunition rather than the likely cause which would be the shooter.

To get better data for evaluation one should use a Ransom rest and one target so human error could be minimized. However they are not available to most of us.

 

[scooter123]

Thanks for posting this. You've simply confirmed something I've seen in a couple of other posts. That is that it's the weight of the bullet that is critical, not the power produced. So, by selecting ammo's with the same weight bullet you can transition between Magnums and specials without any significant change in the POI. BTW, I don't consider an inch at 25 yards significant.

Currently my goto ammo in my 620 is American Eagle 130 gn. 38 spl. It's only 20 bucks a box at a local range that keeps it in stock and it's proven to be both clean shooting and very accurate. I've also tried some Speer Lawman 158 gn. +P and can report that particular load requires 6 inches of holdunder at 100 feet. Guess I should pick up some of the 125 gn. Silvertips at Walmart and see where it shoots. I've been having the itch to rattle some nerves lately by getting loud with a Magnum and now know I can just shop for lighter bullets without dealing with sighting issues.

 

[Tahoe01]

Mark,
As I have often seen you conduct these tests shooting off hand with many different guns, your ability is outstanding.
Steve

 

[ellioga]

Sighting issue

This problem used to also cause me a lot of concern until I stopped to think about it. I cast my own bullets and shoot a lot of rounds for just the cost of primers and powder. I also carry factory made high performance ammo when I go out because of the performance issues and legal liabilitys. The point of impact was a big issue with me until I thought about how we operated in the Military. Now I write down my rear sight zero on all of my different types of ammo on the boxes along with the bullet weights, powder charges, powder type, OAL, weapon used, ect.... Yes, I am an accuraccy fiend, and my weapns all have adjustable sights. Now if I am at the range or carrying concealed, I just run my rear sight to the bottom and count up to the zero that I need for the ammo I will be using for the application that I am about to engage in. If I have to make that tough shot, I do know where my bullet will go.

 

[Martya]

Mr. bubbabladesfla, you should be touring the country with your 'trick' shooting. Impressive!

WIth me, a paper plate at 7 yds seems to be a distant, misty, moving target....

 

[brokenprism]

Wow. I watched the M&M clip. That is an awesome gift you have. I thought I was a good shot, but you're the king.