When I was a young and inexperienced shooter, I used to think shooting was all about the tech of the gun; what was new and what was cutting edge in terms of the design and the materials. Then I learned more and was schooled in concentrating on technique, breathing, and trigger control, ie practice-practice-practice, particularly through dryfire. Now I have become more aware about the subtle differences that ammunition types can make, and I find myself beginning the learning curve all over again.
I confess to pretty much total ignorance on the fine art of handloading and how people have experimented over the years as to what makes a fine .357 magnum round. But knowing at least my basic physics formula of F=MA, I am wondering something- and please forgive me if better minds have already asked this question and found the perfect answer, but I have to ask for my own peace of mind the following questions:
1) Why is the 158 grain considered the 'best' all around compromise of mass and velocity? I know that common wisdom says that this is so- but WHY is it so? This leads into my next question.
2) Having seen other calibers such as the .40 S&W use bullets as heavy as 180 and 200 grains, why have I not seen much in the way of .357 loads also making use of heavier grain bullets?
3) Have reloaders tried and failed to increase the maximum bullet weight that is practical for use in a .357 magnum? Is there a point where the efficiency is just simply compromised and you just end up losing the more you add? Is it the powder? What are the limitations?
Thanks for putting up with what may seem simple questions, particularly to those who handload. I am really becoming curious about the science behind making your own loads, how folks have really pushed the envelope for this particular cartridge, and what kind of advances we might see in the future.
I confess to pretty much total ignorance on the fine art of handloading and how people have experimented over the years as to what makes a fine .357 magnum round. But knowing at least my basic physics formula of F=MA, I am wondering something- and please forgive me if better minds have already asked this question and found the perfect answer, but I have to ask for my own peace of mind the following questions:
1) Why is the 158 grain considered the 'best' all around compromise of mass and velocity? I know that common wisdom says that this is so- but WHY is it so? This leads into my next question.
2) Having seen other calibers such as the .40 S&W use bullets as heavy as 180 and 200 grains, why have I not seen much in the way of .357 loads also making use of heavier grain bullets?
3) Have reloaders tried and failed to increase the maximum bullet weight that is practical for use in a .357 magnum? Is there a point where the efficiency is just simply compromised and you just end up losing the more you add? Is it the powder? What are the limitations?
Thanks for putting up with what may seem simple questions, particularly to those who handload. I am really becoming curious about the science behind making your own loads, how folks have really pushed the envelope for this particular cartridge, and what kind of advances we might see in the future.