trying to reload a duplicate 357 mag hornady critical defense

[fortyshooter]

I like my little m&p 340 snub magnum. Fits great in front jean pocket with a desantis nemesis holster. Ive recently started carrying it instead of my ruger lcr 38. The ruger does have a smoother trigger but for point and pull shooting the Smith m&p is good enough. At close range im sure the 357 mag is enough.

I have,actually I bought it for my wife,an LCR in .357 Mag and carry it quite a bit during the Summer as it is light weight and a great carry gun under light clothing. Nice little shooter it is!
However during the cool/cold months it's either the Ruger Alaskan with 300 gr. hot Colt 45 or my all weather Glock 23.
However my recent 629-2E could fit the bill too!

 

[77blackcj5]

I will check out that handload page. I thought I might be able to load some 158's a little lighter and get the same effect. Thanks

 

[Abflyboy]

A while back my son and I decided to chrono a bunch of .38 Special and .357 Magnum defense ammunition out of my 360sc and my 340PD. We used a 6" barrel 28-2 for a control of sorts. Disappointing, to say the least.

I put together a load for my 340PD with VV N310 under a 125 XTP that ran 1085 fps through my Oehler 35p. No noticeable muzzle flash, very clean and no erosion on blast shield.

I found the load data in an older Vihta Vhouri reloading manual and approached it very cautiously.

 

[77blackcj5]

What were the results of some of the ammo you tested?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I will check out that handload page. I thought I might be able to load some 158's a little lighter and get the same effect. Thanks

You can load a heavier bullet at lower velocities to mimic the feel of your carry ammo. Of course the POI will be different but that's not what you're worried about.

I did some work replicating Speer Short Barrel 135gr .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds years ago and was successful to my satisfaction. It can be done, stick with it.