357 Mag - Twist, Stabilization, Weight

[film495]

I was looking at Lever Guns in .357 Magnum. I figured I'd start a new thread on the topic, as I do want to handload for whatever I end up getting here.

20" Barrel Winchester 92, twist rate is 1:18.5
20" Barrel Henry, Steel Side Gate, twist rate is 1:16

I asked Henry and they said the twist rate is to help stabilize 180 grain factory loads. I tried to look this up and don't have my references line up right I guess. What bullet weights in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, will stabilize correctly with these twists? I assume they will both shoot 158 well, because that is the standard for this cartridge, but - no idea what the ranges are for when I start shopping for components/bullets.

I have some 158 LSWC, but I'm sure I'll want to test with more than just that, probably some plated. I'll probably use the LSWCs for mouse farts, and no idea where to go from there. Where do I go from there and do these twist rates make any substantial difference?

 

[AJC1]

I have arguablely the worst configuration the marlin microgrove and I shoot 180s... the marlin cowboy has cut rifing but less twist... I haven't tested that yet but it's supposed to not be good over 158....

 

[Docendo Discimus]

I have a 20" Henry 357 and everything I have put through it so far has been stable. 125gr cast and jacketed, 158gr cast and jacketed, and 180gr cast. It doesn't seem picky at all. I hope this helps.

 

[AJC1]

https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/

 

[CraigC]

The difference between 16" and 18" is negligible. Either one will stabilize whatever you want to shoot in it. It's the folks with 1-38" twist Marlin .44's and .45's that have to worry about it. They can't go over 300gr.

 

[film495]

https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/

I ran some numbers on this. I was really not able to find anything from 110 to 180 grain that 1:16 vs. 1:18.5 made any difference. They all seem good.

 

[AJC1]

I ran some numbers on this. I was really not able to find anything from 110 to 180 grain that 1:16 vs. 1:18.5 made any difference. They all seem good.

Some of the old rifles have 1:38 or something reduculos like that.... it's a great tool to plan loads and sanity check.