.357 Mag Bullet Choice?

[TooTaxed]

I shoot moderate loads in my .357 Blackhawk for 25 to 50-yd range use...has been 158-gr copper-coated SWC by Hardcast, 5.0-gr #231, which gives me about 960 fps at about 24,000 psi. I haven't tried 125-gr bullets. I've found that I must use copper-plated or jacketed bullets to avoid leading in my particular gun. I'm out of my Hardcasts, and don't see them sold here. So....what bullet type and weight do you like for this general purpose? Just as informative, what has NOT worked for you? Any better/cheaper source than Midway?

 

[ojibweindian]

Bulk 158gr SJHP from Remington work well for me. I use them for full-power loads and get around 2" at 25 yds. I get them from Midway.

 

[Mark whiz]

I've been playing around with the 158gr Ranier plated flat points in my 4" Ruger Security Six and am quite satified so far.

Here are my best loads in order:
#1 - 7.2gr Hod Universal Clays, OAL 1.590, 1109fps, .61" group at 10yds
#2 - 8.4gr AA#5, OAL 1.590", 939fps, 1.05" group at 10yds
#3 - 15gr Win296, OAL 1.590", 1193fps, .75" group at 10yds with a "flyer".

BTW.............the Raniers can be had from MidwayUSA, Cabelas, and other places at prices just slightly over the cost of lead bullets - in fact, I think Midway has them on sale right now in boxes of 1000.

 

[moxie]

I have real good luck out of my .357 with just about anybody's 125 JHP. I buy in bulk of 1000 rds. or more from whomever has the best price. Midway often has a good deal. Gun shows are an even better option. Often they won't have bulk lots at the show, but will get them for you. That way you save $$$ on shipping.

 

[The Bushmaster]

You can hunt all you want to, and I agree with Moxie. About the only way you can save is to buy in bulk and save by not having to pay shipping or as little shipping as possible. My favorite general purpose bullet is 140 gr Remington Semi Jacketed Hollow Point for my three .357 mags. They are a good quality bullet and I have taken Blacktails with them using My Colt SAA .357 Mag 4 3/4" barrel. Because I buy more then bullets from midway it's still cheaper to do business with them. No fuss no muss. I hate looking all over hell just to save a few penneys.

 

[CraZYWiLLiE]

124
140
158
180
I always load jacket bullets, no lead fowling.
Bullseye powder, with magnum primers

I have even loaded 355 9mm 147jhp boattails, 115 jhp 355's.
I really need to get a chronograph, but the penetration was awesome...

 

[Poodleshooter]

Midway is one of the better priced distributors of bullets. Try www.midsouthshooterssupply.com and www.wideners.com for other options.
I shoot Remington,Winchester or Star JHP's,whatever happens to be on sale. I started casting however, and now use lead bullets for most of my plinking needs,saving the JHP's for hunting work.

 

[Quantrill]

Lyman #358429 is the bullet that Elmer Keith designed for the .38spec hi-speed and .357mag. That bullet (168/172 gr) will perform wonderfully in medium and high performance loads with Unique and 2400 powders. Quantrill

 

[TooTaxed]

Looking at the copper-coated bullets, has anyone performed a quality comparison of Berry to Ranier? i.e., variation in bullet weight...

 

[LAH]

For everyday I like L-358429 and 5.5 grs. of 231 in mag. brass. Very, very accurate for me.

5.5 grs. works well for 231 or Unique with 158 gr. cast bullets.

 

[jak_67_429]

I have had extemly good luke with berrys, in 38, 45, and 40. Also might want to try path finder www.pathfinder.com they have molly coated bullets at reasonable prices.

 

[LAH]

Welcome to the board jak 67 429.