[The_Shootist]

What kind of a rep does the .357 Winchester in ST in .357 (I think its 145 gr) have as a SD load. Its currently my 686+ carry load but I'm open to options. I heard its kinda shy on penetration but packs a wallop.

Then again, I might be splitting hairs here - bad guy gets hit from one of those he likely isn't going to stop and try and judge whether it went in 8" deep or 10 :evil:

[Kurac]

Winchester Silvertips are often overlooked when it comes to SD ammo. They have been on the market for a while (maybe 20 years or more) and I have never heard anything bad about them. I like them so much I load them in 9mm, .40S&W and .44 Magnum as SD/Hunting loads. I have tested them in .357mag, 9mm and .44 Mag and have not had one not expand or fall apart so I feel pretty confident in there use. I have experienced failure to expand situations with XTP's and Gold Dots in the same test medium at the same time. Sierra's also work well.

[atlctyslkr]

While I have NOT experienced this I have read in several places that silvertips have a tendency to become unseated. In a heavier gun like you are using this might not be a problem. I won't put anything in my J-Frame that I've read a bad report on.

[georgeduz]

where did u read that.

[atlctyslkr]

Here http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=114035

While I don't have an alloy model, I use 158 Hydrashoks in mine.