Which cartidge out of 357 steel J-frame? (poll)

[BugBeard]

I noticed that the hollowpoint of the speer gold dots was much wider and deeper than the buffalo bore JHP. Makes me think the gold dot will expand more violently, but I'm not sure of the ballistics. The soft lead of the buffalo bore LSWCHP is also attractive since it seems to indicate massive expansion at snub nosed speeds.

 

[BugBeard]

I noticed that the hollowpoint of the speer gold dots was much wider and deeper than the buffalo bore JHP. Makes me think the gold dot will expand more violently, but I'm not sure of the ballistics. The soft lead of the buffalo bore LSWCHP is also attractive since it seems to indicate massive expansion at snub nosed speeds.

 

[flop-shank]

The one box of Buffalo Bore ammo I've tested had very badly beat up bullets. If I'm going to get screwed to the tune of a buck a bullet, I want perfect ammo with the best components loaded into nickel cases. I honestly don't trust any of the above cartridges to open up 100% so I would use the Speer load if the gun shot well with it. I would rather use Speer SB .357 (which I in fact do) if the option is there. In .38 +P I think Corbon DPX and 110 gr. JHP are better.

 

[pps]

I opted for the choice #3. It hits to POI on my flyoutofyourhandnium J frame.

 

[BugBeard]

I went and shot all 3 at the range today.

It seems like the buffalo bore 357 had the most kick and flash of the 3 with what seems to be a tie between the other two in that department.

Based on the votes I'm gonna go with the gold dots for my carry ammo for now. I'm surprised that there isn't a single vote for the BB though.

 

[Hoptob]

I'm surprised that there isn't a single vote for the BB though.

BB 125 gr. SB (19G) duplicates ballistics of the old school Federal and Remington full house loads. In 4" revolvers these loads have some of the best street records of all hand gun loads. BB's have edge in 38 special. But in 357 magnum they don't have street record (at least I have not seen any data), they are harder to come by and I suspect they are more expensive too. There just isn't any reason to switch - people who want full house 125 grainers probably just stick to their old loads.

Would be good to add other popular 357 magnum loads to your poll. I bet you'd get many more responses if you listed Remingtons, Federals, Silvertips, etc. I did not vote but my current SD choice for S&W 640 is Remington R357M2 (158 gr.). Reasons are power, accuracy, penetration and tremendous flash and report (read fear factor). If I had to choose from the three loads you listed it would have been BB 357 mag.

Mike

 

[BugBeard]

Interesting info. I did the poll with those choices since I have those three loads handy. But any other suggestions are good to hear.

What would also be really interesting is how many people load full house 357 in their J-frame vs. 38+P or downloaded 357's.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
The one box of Buffalo Bore ammo I've tested had very badly beat up bullets. If I'm going to get screwed to the tune of a buck a bullet, I want perfect ammo with the best components loaded into nickel cases. I honestly don't trust any of the above cartridges to open up 100% so I would use the Speer load if the gun shot well with it. I would rather use Speer SB .357 (which I in fact do) if the option is there. In .38 +P I think Corbon DPX and 110 gr. JHP are better.

I brainfarted big time when I read your original post, BugBeard. For some reason I was thinking that you were listing all. .38 +P loads.

That said, I would run the Speer .357s because I've never tested Buffalo Bore's 125 gr. SB .357. I use Speer SB .357 in my 360 PD. I use Remington 125 gr. SJHP .357s (R357M1) in my Taurus 605 (~24 oz.). I have found the Remington load highly accurate in all my guns, but they are a challenge to master. The suckers are ferocious.

Out of a 2" barrel snubby you will get the full 125 gr. .357 shooting experience.