Bullpenman
Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2022
- Messages
- 6
I’ve been carrying the Speer gold dot short barrel in my Ruger sp101 2.25” for some time now. It’s never given me any problems and I’ve found comfort in the fact that, with it being a very mild 357 magnum load, follow up shots should be quicker. Before that I carried a S&W 642 with the 38 gold dot short barrel. I can shoot faster (with accuracy) with the 357 than the 38 with this setup, although the increase in power isn’t a big jump. I went up to 357 and a bigger gun because of greater perceived threat. I’m not normally one to chase after the latest and greatest. I make choices and am happy with them. I heavily read up on gold dots years ago and made my peace with their trade offs. After all, everything firearm related is a trade off. The common thought among self defense “experts” for however many years has been to choose any of a wide variety of service caliber ammunition that meets the 12-18” standard, 1.5X expansion ideally, quick follow shots and controllability-all in exchange for more raw power. There are good reasons this line of thinking has been largely accepted and I’ve no wish to argue against it.
As I said, my perceived threat has increased for reasons largely beyond my control and that I’d rather not publicize. It occurred to me that my little Ruger can handle a lot more power than the gold dot short barrel has to offer. With its weight, it should help absorb some additional recoil. I’ve been thinking about stepping up my power level considerably. Yes, I know that ANY handgun is weak compared to a rifle or shotgun, but I also know there’s a big difference between my current ammo and “true” magnum power levels. So I’m asking for your collective wisdom, experience, and advice.
My given ammo of choice for my 4” and 6” 357s is Remington HTP 158 gr. Nothing earth shattering but solid performance all around. According to lucky gunner, in a 2” barrel it averages 14.2” of penetration, .62” diameter, and 1115 avg fps. It’s also readily available and I have a fair amount in storage. I’m sure many of you would tell me to just use that, don’t overthink it, and call it good. And you are certainly free to advise me so.
I’ve been looking at new-to-me loads and finding considerably better results on gel tests. Lucky gunner shows the Barnes 140 XPB all copper load achieving 17.5” penetration, .66 diameter, and 1169 avg FPS. I confess that other than what I’ve read on the internet, I know nothing of copper bullets. They seem consistent, but I’ve no real world wisdom on such things, particularly as to how they might behave after hitting bone.
I’ve also found great test results on the Federal 154 HST. Tools&targets shows 22.25” penetration, .57” diameter, and 1115 avg fps from a 2” gun, while Gun Sam got 16.5” penetration, .651 diameter, and 1112 avg FPS. I know nothing of their testing, but there’s a substantial difference in their results. Still, I’m also interested in the overall performance level, and I’m more familiar with the bullet construction.
I know that no gel test will yield the same as results against flesh and bone. But it’s all I have to go on.
I’m concerned about two-legged threats, with more concern toward those heavier built. I’m commonly in the country and around cattle. I most often use my carry gun to dispatch deer hit by vehicles, but could also use it against some predators and also wouldn’t turn down a shot of opportunity at a deer during hunting season at close enough range. My needs leave me thinking that deeper penetration would be acceptable as long as it isn’t excessive. I can accept that should I be in a more crowded environment that I’ll need to be mindful of what is around and beyond my target.
What do you think? I’m open to suggestions between these loads or others. Do you think the recoil would be excessive? I’d love to know your related experiences and your thoughts in general. I don’t want to set off a nuclear bomb in my hand, but I’d like more performance should the day ever come when I need it.
As I said, my perceived threat has increased for reasons largely beyond my control and that I’d rather not publicize. It occurred to me that my little Ruger can handle a lot more power than the gold dot short barrel has to offer. With its weight, it should help absorb some additional recoil. I’ve been thinking about stepping up my power level considerably. Yes, I know that ANY handgun is weak compared to a rifle or shotgun, but I also know there’s a big difference between my current ammo and “true” magnum power levels. So I’m asking for your collective wisdom, experience, and advice.
My given ammo of choice for my 4” and 6” 357s is Remington HTP 158 gr. Nothing earth shattering but solid performance all around. According to lucky gunner, in a 2” barrel it averages 14.2” of penetration, .62” diameter, and 1115 avg fps. It’s also readily available and I have a fair amount in storage. I’m sure many of you would tell me to just use that, don’t overthink it, and call it good. And you are certainly free to advise me so.
I’ve been looking at new-to-me loads and finding considerably better results on gel tests. Lucky gunner shows the Barnes 140 XPB all copper load achieving 17.5” penetration, .66 diameter, and 1169 avg FPS. I confess that other than what I’ve read on the internet, I know nothing of copper bullets. They seem consistent, but I’ve no real world wisdom on such things, particularly as to how they might behave after hitting bone.
I’ve also found great test results on the Federal 154 HST. Tools&targets shows 22.25” penetration, .57” diameter, and 1115 avg fps from a 2” gun, while Gun Sam got 16.5” penetration, .651 diameter, and 1112 avg FPS. I know nothing of their testing, but there’s a substantial difference in their results. Still, I’m also interested in the overall performance level, and I’m more familiar with the bullet construction.
I know that no gel test will yield the same as results against flesh and bone. But it’s all I have to go on.
I’m concerned about two-legged threats, with more concern toward those heavier built. I’m commonly in the country and around cattle. I most often use my carry gun to dispatch deer hit by vehicles, but could also use it against some predators and also wouldn’t turn down a shot of opportunity at a deer during hunting season at close enough range. My needs leave me thinking that deeper penetration would be acceptable as long as it isn’t excessive. I can accept that should I be in a more crowded environment that I’ll need to be mindful of what is around and beyond my target.
What do you think? I’m open to suggestions between these loads or others. Do you think the recoil would be excessive? I’d love to know your related experiences and your thoughts in general. I don’t want to set off a nuclear bomb in my hand, but I’d like more performance should the day ever come when I need it.
