The private security firm I work for has allowed us finally to carry 357 rounds for those of us that choose to carry revolvers. We have two choice, both from Winchester, one being the 125 grain and the other a 145 grain Silvertip. I know the 125 grain is long considered the king of hill, but how does the Silvertip hold up? I dont know much about it, other than the Silvertip name used to be a big deal in the 70s-80s.
357 Silvertip vs 125
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627PCFan
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Its a 357. It doesn't matter what you put through it 
125s are probably harder on the ears
125s are probably harder on the ears
mesinge2
Member
I have been shooting and collecting 357s for most of my life and I generally prefer a heavier bullet for greater momentum, lower felt recoil, and quieter report.
Both older, proven, quite capable technology. Between the two, the 125gr. -- if it's a typical full house load -- will have notably more flash, recoil and report compared to the Silvertip, for not that much more ballistic advantage.
Is the trade worth it to you? Only you can decide.
For self-defense, if .357's the choice, I always choose powered down versions like Speer Short Barrel of Remington Golden Sabre. Here, I'd choose Silvertip.
Is the trade worth it to you? Only you can decide.
For self-defense, if .357's the choice, I always choose powered down versions like Speer Short Barrel of Remington Golden Sabre. Here, I'd choose Silvertip.
buck460XVR
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I would shoot both and see if my gun has a preference to either one for accuracy. This would have more clout on my decision on which one to use than the slight difference in ballistics and terminal performance.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I'm a huge fan of the 145gr Silvertip ammo. I own a S&W M640 that shoots very tiny groups that 145gr Silvertip magnum ammo. Like said above, it's a time tested round and will work well IMO. Sure the 125gr load is considered an excellent man-stopper but the additional kinetic energy of the heavier bullet should also be considered. I like heavier bullets so I would pick the 145gr load unless it was not accurate in my revolver.
Either will do well and both are a lot better than having to use .38 Special ammo in your Magnum revolver. I'm glad your company came to it's senses...
Either will do well and both are a lot better than having to use .38 Special ammo in your Magnum revolver. I'm glad your company came to it's senses...
sidheshooter
Member
I'm also a pretty big fan of that particular silvertip round. Not only does it have a great reputation, but it shoots pretty much to POA in the .357s I've shot it in.
That said, the 125 is obviously no slouch, either. I agree with shooting them both and taking whichever feels better and is more accurate. I think either would be pretty fierce in a pinch.
That said, the 125 is obviously no slouch, either. I agree with shooting them both and taking whichever feels better and is more accurate. I think either would be pretty fierce in a pinch.
What is the barrel length of the revolver in which you'll be carrying this ammo? 125 grain ammo is best used in guns 4" and longer, IME. The 145 grain silvertip is suitable for shorter barrel lengths as well as being a good choice in 4"+ barrels.
Having shot both through 2, 4, and 6 inch barrels, I personally think that the 145 grain silvertip recoils harder than the standard 125 grain stuff. However, it isn't as loud, nor does it flash as much. Just my opinion, etc. etc.
Another facet to examine is ammo longevity. If this is going to be carried close to your body and kept in the gun for long periods of time (hot/cold temperatures with variable humidity), you might want to go with the nickel-plated silvertip to avoid corrosion issues.
Having shot both through 2, 4, and 6 inch barrels, I personally think that the 145 grain silvertip recoils harder than the standard 125 grain stuff. However, it isn't as loud, nor does it flash as much. Just my opinion, etc. etc.
Another facet to examine is ammo longevity. If this is going to be carried close to your body and kept in the gun for long periods of time (hot/cold temperatures with variable humidity), you might want to go with the nickel-plated silvertip to avoid corrosion issues.
GooseGestapo
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Both are good.
Do you work day or night shift?
If any chance you'll be doing night work, definitely go with the 145 Silvertip.
It was the first load to use a powder with a flash retardant. The flash from the typical 125gr JHP load from a 4" revolver is about like a basketball sized flashcube going off.
I worked for a game and fish agency and when we were re-evaluating ammo after the Silvertip load came out, we found the difference to be amazing. The 145 SilverTip load had less flash than anything else we tested except for some 148gr wadcutter target ammo.
Some of the newer ammo in 125gr may be utilizing the newer powders now as it's widely available to reloaders and is marketed as wcc-297 as it is basically Win296/H110 with the flash-retardant. I used a LOT of H110 to load factory duplication loads with the Winchester 125gr JHP, back when they were "inexpensive".... Last box I got had a price of $26.00/1000; ie: it's been a while....
Nowdays, I've got a 125gr RFN cast bullet that I load over Universal/PowerPistol for about 1,400fps... Expansion with penetration and much, much lower price than current for JHP's....(ie: I'm retired, and don't need the JHP's or factory ammo anymore).
Do you work day or night shift?
If any chance you'll be doing night work, definitely go with the 145 Silvertip.
It was the first load to use a powder with a flash retardant. The flash from the typical 125gr JHP load from a 4" revolver is about like a basketball sized flashcube going off.
I worked for a game and fish agency and when we were re-evaluating ammo after the Silvertip load came out, we found the difference to be amazing. The 145 SilverTip load had less flash than anything else we tested except for some 148gr wadcutter target ammo.
Some of the newer ammo in 125gr may be utilizing the newer powders now as it's widely available to reloaders and is marketed as wcc-297 as it is basically Win296/H110 with the flash-retardant. I used a LOT of H110 to load factory duplication loads with the Winchester 125gr JHP, back when they were "inexpensive".... Last box I got had a price of $26.00/1000; ie: it's been a while....
Nowdays, I've got a 125gr RFN cast bullet that I load over Universal/PowerPistol for about 1,400fps... Expansion with penetration and much, much lower price than current for JHP's....(ie: I'm retired, and don't need the JHP's or factory ammo anymore).
critter
Member
In the .357, I like silvertips AND I like heavy bullets. Never used anything in a 'social setting', but I have used heavy bullet .357 rounds on hogs. Heavy is good.
I had found the 145 grain Silver Tip projectile for sale and was looking into reloading it for my GP100. I found plenty of online discussion about the Silver Tip and there is an urban legend about police departments dropping the 125 grain bullet(Older Silver Tip) after a infamous shooting where the bullet under penetrated.
In the same thread a few police officers, some retired, said that they have seen what the 145 (newer Silver Tip) does to a bad guy and they had much love for it.
Spend a few minutes on google and plenty should come up for you.
My vote is for the 145 grain Silver Tip.
Just to clarifly; is the 125 grain that you are being offered also a Silver Tip, or is it from a different bullet line?
Either way, go with the 145 grain bullet and rest assured it'll do it's job.
In the same thread a few police officers, some retired, said that they have seen what the 145 (newer Silver Tip) does to a bad guy and they had much love for it.
Spend a few minutes on google and plenty should come up for you.
My vote is for the 145 grain Silver Tip.
Just to clarifly; is the 125 grain that you are being offered also a Silver Tip, or is it from a different bullet line?
Either way, go with the 145 grain bullet and rest assured it'll do it's job.
JohnGalt88
Member
Just went out and shot three different full power 357 loads out of my new flattop blackhawk. I preferred the heaver 145 158 gr rounds over the faster 125gr rounds. The 125's sting while the 158's push and i found the heavier rounds to be more controllable and more pleasant to shoot. Were i you i would go with the 145's
roaddog28
Member
Hmm, if I was choosing between the 125 gr "flame thrower" or Winchester 145 silvertip it would the silvertip everytime. Besides I have seen what the "flame thrower" does to revolvers if a person shoots too many.
Not me,
Howard
Not me,
Howard
It is a 4 inch Smith. The choices are Federal 357B or Winchester Silvertip if 357. Our new owner is former FBI, so I think he prefers older, more proven rounds. I mostly work evenings, but really nothing about shooting the rounds bother me. I was just wondering which has better real world performance. Some folks have told me Silvertips do not expand when they need to, others tell to avoid heavy 357 hollowpoints for self defense- lack of expansion and over penetration.
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roaddog28
Member
Back in the day law enforcement started with a 158 gr lead semiwadcutter. Then later used a 125 gr Winchester. This prove to wear out revolvers quicker. The S&W model 19 was one of them. In my opinion I like a heavier round.
Howard
USSR
Member
I can only tell you about my experience deer hunting with the 145gr Silvertip. Was hunting in a tree stand, heard a shot, deer comes limping over and lays down about 10 yards away. Figure I'd do the shooter a favor and dispatch his deer for him. Shot him in the back angling down into the chest cavity. Deer gets up and runs off. That was the morning. In the afternoon, after lunch, back to the same general area to hunt. Limping deer comes along and I down it with my shotgun. While dressing the deer out, I find a perfectly expanded 145gr Silvertip in the gristle between the hide and the back. Total lack of penetration. Quit using that load and cannot recommend it to anyone else. Revolver was a 6" S&W 686. I hunt with a S&W 25-5 in .45 Colt now. There is no question about penetration when you hit a deer with a .45 Colt. YMMV.
Don
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