Test 357 Silvertip/38GD velocity in 649

[SmithMarine]

FYI. Not everyone has a chronograph so I thought I would post this for persons who wonder what to put in their snubbies and its velocity. The other day I got out my Model 649 357 Mag. 2-1/8" barrel, and tested two loads I use for it. Measured 10' from the muzzle, 10 rounds average velocity. 357 Magnum 145 grain Silvertip average 1107 FPS. The 38 Spl.+P 135 grain Gold Dot average 871 FPS.
I use both. The Silvertip is my carry ammo in this gun, but my wife and I also both have 642s, so I keep reloads in the 38+P GD in the cars instead of 357 so I don't have to worry about which gun we are carrying, and so my wife isn't trying to put 357s in her 38. I find the 357 Silvertip VERY accurate and manageable in the 649 and my 686 Mountain Gun. The rated velocity of the Silvertp out of 4" barrel is 1290FPS, but I find the 1107FPS to be just right and controlable in the snub barrel with still very reliable expansion. Guys, I did take photos, but it's really hard to see a fast bullet.

 

[grendelbane]

I just looked back through my old notes. I tested the Silvertip in both a 4" S&W and a 6" Ruger. I got 1275 and 1313, which is certainly in line with your experience, and Winchester's claim. 15 FPS is pretty close!

I always did like the Silvertip, as it offered a reasonably heavy bullet at a still reasonably high velocity.

Still have a box around here, just in case I ever am tempted to carry a wheelgun again.

 

[Mike6735]

Good luck finding 357 Magnum 145-grain Silvertip. With law enforcement dropping the 357 Magnum as a duty caliber, I believe it is either extinct or rapidly becoming so. Winchester still lists it in its catalog, but I haven't seen any in years and believe me I've looked. I agree it's a great round- great in snubs.

 

[SmithMarine]

Good luck finding 357 Magnum 145-grain Silvertip. With law enforcement dropping the 357 Magnum as a duty caliber, I believe it is either extinct or rapidly becoming so. Winchester still lists it in its catalog, but I haven't seen any in years and believe me I've looked. I agree it's a great round- great in snubs.

Yes, it's still rare, but gettng better. I picked up 200 rounds at my dealer in Columbus OH earlier this year. It pops up at Midway occasionally and you can get Email alerts. The bullet also comes up for reloading. I like this round also in my Model 92 Winchester because there is no exposed lead to mangle from staying loaded in the magazine tube or from loading or unloading the rifle.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That Winchester 145gr Silvertip .357 Magnum ammo is extremely accurate when shot from my S&W M640. (the M640 is the Centennial frame instead of the M649 Bodyguard frame) For some reason that revolver likes the Silvertip ammo much better than any other. It's too bad I'm having trouble finding it on the market and when I do find it they want $50/50 rounds! (which I refuse to pay)