What has happened to the .357 Magnum?

[BigBill]

Being new to reloading and handguns back in the early 70's I tested many different bullet weights and loads. In my colt python in 357mag with its 6" barrel the most accurate load was the 140gr JHP speer bullets with 2400 gun powder. I could make pinpoint shots at the rocks on the berm at 100yds at will. This handgun was always shooting high at 25yds so i took it out to 100yds were it was deadly on. Today i still have some loads left over with the 140gr JHP's.

 

[SMSgt]

...Can you say that in a public forum?

Maybe not on a Spanish forum, but it exceeds the FCC's four-letter list.

 

[rwsmith]

factory vs. handload

I got a .357 recently, took it to the range for trial. I didn't chronograph the rounds but went through a box of Hornady 158 gr. JHP and Pow!, Pow!, Pow!... I was impressed. I also brought along some hand mades to test out some starting loads. I think it was 18.2 gr. of 2400 with a 110 gr. JHP. and BOOM!, BOOM!,BOOM! I was REALLY IMPRESSED. Granted there are differences between how a 158 gr and a 110 gr bullet shoot, but there wasn't any comparison in power between these two loads. I mean this was a STARTING load. My book lists 20 gr. of 2400 as max (I'm getting a new manual tomorrow) so I wonder if I will be able to work up to max loading or have to stop because my teeth have shaken loose. Handloads for me from now on.

 

[Nevada Ed]

A lot of good info on the guns, how they got data back with the 10 inch test barrels,then the 7,then getting a 6" vented barrel as a "Standard" test tube but not always followed,some even with 4 inch barrels.

However we must learn that each model,be it a N frame, the K frame which was made with a weak barrel,with the bottom shaved to make the parts fit correctly,to the light J frame of today............. that they were made for a certain ammo and velosity of their time.

Longer barrels did get higher velosity but trying to get maximum out of a 4 inch of today is asking too much of the revolver. We need to know what a gun is capable of and not try to squeeze more out of it,even though it states..."Magnum". You can't get N fram velositys from a K frame and hope it will last or be safe for that matter.

A good "Factory " magnum load is posible with most guns but can they hold up ? L frames and up,yes...............
Feed your guns the correct ammo and make them last...........

 

[NEURON]

cups and psi are not equal. From what I have read, there is not arithmetic formula to convert one to the other, either. Don't understand that, just repeating what I have read. So I am not sure there is any difference in the actual pressure pushing the bullet out of the barrel in those numbers.

You are correct, the two methods have nothing in common. Crushed copper vs transducers, if you take the time to read the differences they are quite dramatic. Did they really lower the velocity or is it just the way it is measured, still not sure. You could possibly test some of the new US Manufactured ammo to the new PSI against some foreign stuff that still goes by the old pressure method, I hear Fiocchi and IMI are two that do.

 

[Kid44]

The .357 was, and still is a great cartridge capable of many things. Over the past few years it has become overshadowed by the "bigger and badder" cartridges. Sure, it does recoil a bit but it's nothing even an average person can't handle, if someone thinks the .357 recoils too much the shooter is just a *****.

 

[schuebob]

Kidd 44 got it right I load to max with my 686 and shoot rapid fire Double action, burning 2400 powder. I shoot 50 rounds and get small groups at 25 feet. It's more fun than sitting on the inside wall of the Indy 500 time trials like I did in the 70's. Great way to get and audience. Of course, I do the same with my Ruger SRH. Thanks to my Uncle Raliegh for teaching me revolver at age 9!

 

[caleb4387]

With today's bullets they don't need to move as fast and can actually be detrimental if pushed too fast. We no longer rely on velocity to expand we also n
Know that velocity doesn't really matter in. Defensive round in a handgun. Underwood and buffalo bore Stoll make very hot 357 and 38 special loads

 

[caleb4387]

You can only feel this way if you believe kinetic energy has absolutely no effect on a living target. Some pretty smart folks believe it does. For my part, I shoot the hottest stuff I can skillfully handle.

P. S.- I know people who've been cooking for 40+ years and you still wouldn't want to eat one of their meals.

Some pretty smart people also believe the world is flat

 

[USN-RET]

I have a couple of reloading manuals from the mid-70s and with the exception of some newer powders the loads seem to be the same. For example using 10.2gr of Blue Dot behind a 158gr JHP is still a decent load then and now.

I used Blue Dot a lot back then but find TiteGroup meets my needs better as I also load .38 Special, 9mm and .45ACP.

Just my 2 cents.