Black Hills Ammo in sp101 ?

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tango3065

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I am thinking of ordering some 158 gr JHP from cabelas for my ruger sp101 because the only ammo I can find here locally in anything larger than 110gr only comes in a box of 20 and is high. I usually use WWB personal protection in my 38 and 9mm but winchester only offer the 110gr in that for some odd reason.



Anyone use or recommend it?

Anyone know of a place that sells it online cheaper than cabelas ($23.99)?
 
WWB 110 .357 is actually not a bad load for the SP101. Are you just looking for a heavier bullet? I have not used Black Hills but memory tells me that it is loaded somewhat lighter than many 158 grain loads, which might be a good thing in a small-frame revolver like the SP. I think it is in the Blazer territory power-wise. Someone else might confirm or deny this.
 
You can use any .357 mag ammo made in your SP-101.
Click to expand...

You're right, of course, GunNut. I was referring more to recoil and follow-up rather than any inability to the gun to digest full power 158s.
 
Black Hills doesn't have the sort of "raw power" rep of DoubleTap or Buffalo Bore. But they ARE known for good consistency and well-engineered loads that work at sane horsepower.

They're a fine choice for SP101s where "real max power" is going to hurt :).
 
with short barrel revolvers like the sp101 you would be wise to use a heavier bullet, the reason is that the 125gr and under, and especially the 110 grainers most of the powder blows out the end of the barrel. These are loaded for 6 inch barrel length for optimal performance.

You will find that if you chrono them you will only get a difference in about 50 fps going from each bullet weight. So while a 125gr might show 1650 fps on the box you will not get anywhere near that performance out of a 2 or 3 inch bbl.

The heavier bullet allows pressure to built and will achieve almost the same velocity with a much heavier gr bullet. 158's are pretty sweet. 180's are not bad but most are hard cast and for self defense I would go with a quality HP like gold dot or something in that range. The 125's put on a show but that's about it.

Although, the 125's that I use in my sp101 are the DPX from corbon. They are a medium load and allow quick follow up shots. I carry those and some 158 grainers. The 110's you have to be careful for a couple of reason's.

1. in a lightweight snubby you can get bullet jump where it pulls out of the crimp because of the stout recoil and therefore questions reliability.

2. The "screaming" bullet can crack forcing cones with extended use in the 110 grainers. In addition to getting some flame cutting. This is not that big of deal in a ruger because the topstrap is so darn thick.

I'm not saying this happens all the time just do some research on it and you will see what I am talking about.

good luck!
 
I like the .38 +P 158gr LHPSWC by Remington - #R38S12 - now ~$30/50 for carry. Georgia Arms, in Bremen, GA, makes a very consistent/economical similar reloaded round with similar ballistics as their #G38E for $17/100. Theyboth make ~850 fps from my 2" 10. Nice folks, too. They also have true .357M loads. Give them a try.

Stainz
 
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