.357 Lever & Revolver Ammo Combo

[Eustachius234]

What would y'all recommend as one ammo to stock, for defensive purposes, for a .357 Magnum 16" Lever & 4" Revolver Combo?

One idea, the 125 Grain Hornady XTP, but am concerned of it's ability to perform under the increased velocity of a rifle barrel.

Another being the standard Remington 158 Grain SJHP, but recoil in the revolver could be a little stout.

Thanks.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

Hornady LeverEvolution .357 would suffice I think. Awesome performance out of the rifle, and in the handgun I'm sure it would do the job.

 

[oldfool]

"defensive purposes" may vary
but any 158 gr JHP or JSP should certainly do
personally, any common 38+P JHP load will do for me

if I ever felt the need for something more powerful , would be inclined to reach for a heftier caliber hunting rifle, vs just a 'better' 357 load... highly unlikely scenario, that

 

[Legionnaire]

Workin' on the same question. Looking like some Missouri Bullet 158 grain "Elmer K" LSWCs propelled by Unique for lighter loads and 2400 for full power magnums.

 

[W.E.G.]

You need to try different types of ammo in YOUR guns.

What is the twist-rate of your revolver?

What is the twist rate of your rifle?

 

[Eustachius234]

GP100 4" - 1:18.75" RH

Chopped down Marlin 1894c - 1:16" RH

 

[oldfool]

if talking "defensive use" - (something you would choose to defend against with any 357)
and if that suggests 50 yards or less
why would twist rate be a real decision factor ?

not saying it is irrelevant, but to what extent is it relevant; how likely is it that any ONE "common use" load would do for both 3"-6" revolver and 16"-20" rifle ?

 

[Red Tornado]

Even though they're for "defensive" purposes, you still would like to be able to take a deer with the rifle, just in case. I'd look at range of weight that's best stabilized by the 1 in 16 in the rifle, and see what overlaps the pistol. Then I'd pick the best (accuracy) rifle cartridge from there and it should be fine from the pistol. If you ever get a keyholing or accuracy issue, it should be with the pistol. And although not necessarily desired, a keyholing .357 at pistol range is going to make a pretty ugly hole in someone. If it affects the accuracy enough to miss, you should have used the rifle anyway.
RT

 

[gun guy]

The 173 gr Keith style bullet is an outstanding performer, the problem is no commercial company loads it. Perhaps something in that weight and design (swc) can be found. The main problem with lead bullets in a rifle is the excessive leading due to higher velocities. While hand loads are rather a no no in the self defense catagory, the reasons seem my hypothetical and observational, than based in reality. The other option is to call Hornady's custom shop, and have them hand load it for you. Then its factory loaded. Anyone that works at the muffler shop, will tell you the legality of using hand loads, and he should know, he got it, first hand, from the guy that sells fishing tackle.

 

[Eustachius234]

Yeah, taking deer & accuracy would be nice. I've looked around the net for discussions regarding this, and it seems that the 1894 likes the heavier bullets from the accuracy angle.

 

[Bula]

I agree the Keith bullet loaded in .357 mag shoots extremely well, in pistols. I shoot a home cast 358429 over 13.2g of 2400 from mag brass. That load does not work in my Marlin carbine, it's too long in magnum brass. It works great loaded to .38 sp levels in special brass. For defensive use, I would not worry about the 125g XTP's performance at carbine velocities. Velocities are awesome from the carbines, any factory JHP you decide on will work great from either platform.