Need to find some replacements.....

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Well, I recently discovered that Speer no longer makes the two bullets that I liked for hunting loads in .357 & .44 magnum calibers (the 146 and 225 grain 3/4 jacketed HP SWCs, respectively). So, after a lot of accuracy, velocity, and expansion testing, I now have to do it all over again!
So, what I would like from you is your opinion as to what is the 'best' 140 grain HP in .358 diameter, and what is the 'best' 210-220 grain JHP in .44 caliber for reloading. I plan on using these bullets for hunting medium to big game (i.e. deer, feral pig). I had great success with the two 'medium weight' bullets that I mentioned earlier.
DANG!!!!......it ticks me off when a supply company discontinues something I like using.

 

[rcmodel]

I am of the opinion that the Hornady XTP line offers the best combination of accuracy, deep penetration, and good expansion.

I also like the Speer Gold-Dots, but they don't make a 140 grain .357 bullet.

rcmodel

 

[ants]

I use XTP.

So, now you get to load up a bunch of rounds and shoot them for fun and experimentation. I'm looking for the downside to this.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

So, now you get to load up a bunch of rounds and shoot them for fun and experimentation. I'm looking for the downside to this.

With the recent increase in bullet costs, I don't look forward to having to spend the extra money, esp. since I thought I was all set with re: to my handgun hunting loads. I spent a small fortune on bismuth shot to find just the right loads for my 12 & 16 gauge guns for duck hunting, and shot pattern sheets out my wahzoo, and now guess what.....bismuth shot is no longer available to the handloader! In addition to the bismuth shot, I had to buy special wads, powders, ect. A lot of money wasted for nothing of any consequence. Also, I keep finding myself shorter and shorter on spare time..............

I certainly hope that the next bullet(s) I choose are around for a while.....

As far as shooting goes, no downside......but I'm shooting for a goal, and I don't like being circumvented by a manufacturer's whims.:banghead:

 

[rcmodel]

Such is life anymore it seems.

I went to buy a new pair of boots just like the other pairs I had worn for 20 years.
They stopped making them!

Went to buy some new jeans at Penny's just like the ones that fit so well.
They stopped making them!

Same with the Wilson boot socks I had bought at Wally-World for 20 years.
Gone without a trace!

I am of the opinion that if I find something I like very well in the future, I'm getting a lifetime supply of it while the get'n is good!

rcmodel

 

[buck460XVR]

I am of the opinion that the Hornady XTP line offers the best combination of accuracy, deep penetration, and good expansion.

I also like the Speer Gold-Dots, but they don't make a 140 grain .357 bullet.

rcmodel

once again I gotta agree with RC.

I've found the 158grn. XTP-FP in .357 and the 240grn. XTP-HP in .44 to be accurate shooters outta my guns and to have good terminal results in deer sized game. I too have a fondness for the 158grn Gold Dots in .357, but have yet to try them on anything but paper and bowling pins. I have a friend that swears by the Winchester 145grn. Silvertips in .357, but I myself have never had good luck with 'em. Altho I have killed deer with .357 JHPs, penetration was not near what I get with JSPs and have since delegated the HPs to targets and small game. But to each their own.....good luck with your search.

 

[Larry E]

I've had good luck with Hornady XTP HP's and Speer Gold Dot's, but the XTP's are considerably less expensive since that seems to be a consideration.