Remington 125gr SJHP 357 magnum in M&P340?

[GR1978]

There's an local shop that has these in stock,I'm debating this load or the 125gr critical defense for my M&P340. I have the CT405 laser grips with the recoil pocket on the back strap which seems to help when I shot it last time with 357 125gr SIG V-crown ammo and the 357 125gr speer gold dots. Recoil was stout but the grips having the cushioning on the back strap really helps. Although I'm done after three cylinders of 357's I can get good hits and control the gun.

Anyone fired either of these out of said gun? if so how do they compare to the Sig and Hornady rounds as far as recoil and muzzle flash? The SIG and Hornady seem to not have bad muzzle flash due to newer powers. But I know these Remington ammo I'm asking about is an old school load,but I'd think Remington has updated the powers to minimize muzzle flash maybe? Thanks for any help with this guy's.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I had an M&P 340 and tried that ammo. Among all the different ammo I tried -- eight different bullet weights and FPS ratings -- I can't say there was a distinguishable difference in recoil, but I am not recoil averse. I was shooting them all in bright daylight so if there was a difference in muzzle flash I didn't notice it.

I went with the ammo I shot best with, and it was the same ammo in my M&P 340 and 640-1 Pro. Barnes 140gr Lead Free (all copper) Hollow Point. All the other ammo types were either high, low, left, or right of center on the target at seven yards. I can shoot the Barnes with good accuracy out to 25 yards.

I'd suggest instead of relying on the thoughts and opinions of even the most knowledgeable folks on the forum you buy a box and give it a try. Try others, too, then decide what works best for you. You're the one who must use it in a bad situation.

One guy's two bits.

 

[colt_saa]

I have fired in excess of five thousand of the Remington 125 SJHP 357s in my 340s over the past 21 years

In fact that has been my go to 357 Magnum defensive load for almost four decades now.

Unfortunately, I can not offer a comparison to the other three 125 grain rounds that you are asking about because I have never had a reason to try them.

I have used the Speer 146 half jacket SWC HP in my lever guns until their discontinuance forced me to switch to the Hornady Custom 140 XTPs in 357 Magnum.

Since I always had access to the 125 SJHP Remington, I continued to use it when Smith & Wesson introduced the J-Magnum revolvers in 1996 and the Scandium snubbies at the turn of the century

This Remington 125 SJHP round has been in the number one spot on the FBI's Single Shot Stop list for half a century. So if it works great for one shot stops, it must be better for double taps


Now, since you do not already have a history with or stockpile of 357 Magnum defensive ammunition and have not mentioned shooting other 357 Magnum revolvers, two-bit cowboy's advice to choose the round that shoots closest to point of aim for you or that you shoot best is very good advice

The actual difference in ability of the top five or ten 357 Magnum loadings to protect you and your family's lives is so insignificant that it should not be worried about (do not tell the advertising agencies or magazines that).

Having the theoretical best bullet is less important than being able to make the bullet hit your target

 

[GR1978]

Two-bitcowboy thank you for your opinion it's appreciated and valued. I'll do so just that. I've **** the above lmentioned Remington 357 load but it was years ago and out of a Smith model 19 2 1/2" barrel and the 640-1. They also have the Barnes 140gr ammo you mentioned is it the vortex? I'll guess I'll try a box of each like you it's the only way to really know for sure.

I

 

[jchodur]

My test results

I did a test of various 357 Magnum ammo a few years back, when ammo was easily available and relatively cheap. Here are my results:

Federal Premium Personal Defense Ammunition 357 Magnum 158 Grain Low Recoil Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point
1300 fps 493 ft-lbs
S & W M-66 Very Good
S & W M-640 Good
Muzzle Flash = 4 Scale 1-10 w/ 10 being most flash.

Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition 357 Magnum 125 Grain FTX
1500 fps 625 ft-lbs
S & W M-66 Very Good
S & W M-640 Good
Muzzle Flash = 6 Scale 1-10 w/ 10 being most flash.

Remington UMC 357 Mag 125 Gr SJHP
1450 fps 584 ft-lbs
S & W M-66 Good
S & W M=640 Good
Muzzle Flash = 10 Scale 1-10 w/ 10 being most flash.

Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection 357 Mag 158 Gr. GDHP
1325 fps 535 ft-lbs
S & W M-66 Good
S & W M=640 OK
Muzzle Flash = 10 Scale 1-10 w/ 10 being most flash.

Winchester PDX1 Defender 357 Magnum 125 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point
1325 fps 427 ft-lbs
S & W M-66 Very Good
S & W M=640 Very Good
Muzzle Flash = 10 Scale 1-10 w/ 10 being most flash.

The Good, Very Good and OK ratings refer to how the recoil felt in my hand. That said, I wouldn't want to fire a full box of the ammo rated as OK and good in the 640. And that is a stainless steel revolver and not a lightweight.

 

[GR1978]

Thanks guys for the info it's really helpful. Jchodur I've shot most of the ammo you listed in your post in the 640-1and 340PD I used to own. I concur with your findings. Honestly I think a few cylinders worth is all I'm good for. While painful after a while to shoot I don't find them uncontrollable in the M&P340. I'd be fine with 38 special or 38 special+P even but can't even find those locally. Seems like revolver ammo is rare these days or maybe it's all ammo even.

 

[jtcarm]

This Remington 125 SJHP round has been in the number one spot on the FBI's Single Shot Stop list for half a century. So if it works great for one shot stops, it must be better for double taps

I've never heard of the FBI maintaining a "Single Shot Stop List." Where can one find it?