264swedmoor
Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2021
- Messages
- 27
Based on my reading, the consensus seems to be that a 125gr JHP bullet makes for a very good defense round. Mr. Ayoob stated in an article that I read some time ago that a 125gr JHP moving between 1400fps - 1450fps is, in his opinion, a very good choice.
I'd like to come up with a load recipe for this round. I have VV N110 and Bullseye (for 38spcl) but I don't think BE is a good choice for this load based on reading and the absence of factory data. The VV factory data lists a minimum load of 16.8gr of N110 for the Hornady 125gr XTP which delivers a velocity of just over 1600fps (the max load is 18.4gr of N110 delivering ~1770fps).
I'm willing to stick with VV despite the price premium because it's always available at my local reloading store and I'm shooting quantities in which the price premium is a factor, but not a dealbreaker. I would like to try other powders at some point but availability is inconsistent right now.
Questions -
1.) Mr. Ayoob is a recognized expert in the field. Is there anything magical about his 1400 - 1450 velocity range? I suspect that it's a velocity chosen to balance terminal performance against overpenetration. The article may have explained it, but I do not recall the rational behind his choice.
2.) I am concerned with overpenetration ("OP"). Is a 1600fps 125 XTP at high-risk for OP if loaded properly and if it expands as designed? I do understand that a higher velocity round by its nature has a higher probability of OPing vs a lower velocity round, provided that the bullet hits the target within the factory prescribed velocity range to allow for adequate bullet performance. I have watched the Mr. Harrell tests of standard pressure 38spcl JHPs that did not expand since they (presumably) are not moving fast enough to perform as designed. I would like to avoid that issue, of course, and don't think it's as big a concern with a decently loaded 375 load vs. a standard pressure 38spcl...but correct me if I'm wrong.
3.) Is it safe to load below VV's factory data for N110 to achieve ~1425fps or is it better to simply use a powder with factory load data that falls within the desired velocity range?
The gun is a 5" GP100 in 357 Mag.
I'd like to come up with a load recipe for this round. I have VV N110 and Bullseye (for 38spcl) but I don't think BE is a good choice for this load based on reading and the absence of factory data. The VV factory data lists a minimum load of 16.8gr of N110 for the Hornady 125gr XTP which delivers a velocity of just over 1600fps (the max load is 18.4gr of N110 delivering ~1770fps).
I'm willing to stick with VV despite the price premium because it's always available at my local reloading store and I'm shooting quantities in which the price premium is a factor, but not a dealbreaker. I would like to try other powders at some point but availability is inconsistent right now.
Questions -
1.) Mr. Ayoob is a recognized expert in the field. Is there anything magical about his 1400 - 1450 velocity range? I suspect that it's a velocity chosen to balance terminal performance against overpenetration. The article may have explained it, but I do not recall the rational behind his choice.
2.) I am concerned with overpenetration ("OP"). Is a 1600fps 125 XTP at high-risk for OP if loaded properly and if it expands as designed? I do understand that a higher velocity round by its nature has a higher probability of OPing vs a lower velocity round, provided that the bullet hits the target within the factory prescribed velocity range to allow for adequate bullet performance. I have watched the Mr. Harrell tests of standard pressure 38spcl JHPs that did not expand since they (presumably) are not moving fast enough to perform as designed. I would like to avoid that issue, of course, and don't think it's as big a concern with a decently loaded 375 load vs. a standard pressure 38spcl...but correct me if I'm wrong.
3.) Is it safe to load below VV's factory data for N110 to achieve ~1425fps or is it better to simply use a powder with factory load data that falls within the desired velocity range?
The gun is a 5" GP100 in 357 Mag.