"New" GP-100: The Fun Begins...

[GunnyBob]

Well then. Took out the recently purchased Ruger GP-100 (12 rounds fired by original owner), and ran some ammunition through it for a look see.

.357 Remington Golden Saber JHP GS357MA, 125 grains, claimed velocity 1220 fps from a 4" barrel. Quite a mild load here, from of course my perception of same. Accurate, low flash and controllable.

.357 Winchester Super-X JHP X3576P, 125 grains, velocity 1450 fps. Bit more of a kick, somewhat more flash, still nothing untowards. Perhaps as accurate as the Remington ammunition, time will tell as I acclimate more with the gun. Am only firing from 50 feet as this was as indoor range at it's max distance, and really, all the rounds I fired were pretty much under-2-inch-groupers.

.357 Winchester Supreme Partition Gold S357P, 180 grains @ 1180 fps. Calm load for my tastes. Accurate and may serve as something of a hunting round.

.357 Federal Hi-Shok JHP C357B, 125 grains @ 1450 fps. Most recoil and flash of the lot, took me a few cylinders to acclimate. Less accuracy but this was after more than 200 rounds and perhaps I was tiring somewhat.

All in all, quite impressed with the weapon; ran smoothly and without a lick of complaint. Am awaiting some Buffalo Bore and Double-Tap loads which should test my "recoil doesn't bother me much" attitude. Can't wait.

All the best,

Gunny

 

[TonyB]

GP's are great guns...I need to get another one..I foolishly traded one a few years back for a Dan Wesson that was a dog......live and learn......I especially like the 3"ers......

 

[P. Plainsman]

Not much beats a day at the range with the GP and a few boxes of mag ammo.

I like the Rem GS 125 gr JHP, but I don't find it particularly "low flash" compared to other premium .357 defense hollowpoints. Try it indoors side by side with some Win 145 gr Silvertips; now those things are low flash.

I agree that the Winchester 180 gr Supreme load is surprisingly calm. Would love to take it hunting in a .357 carbine.

I am shooting a lot of the Win 158 gr Super-X semi-JHP these days. Seems like a viable defensive load, but I haven't chronoed or tested it.

 

[GunnyBob]

Oh, I'll be fooling with lots of different rounds, and the Win 158 Super-X was on my list of to-do's. Bloody shame Winchester doesn't make a Ranger-T in .357 mag; I really like that round in .40 caliber, and after shooting off lord knows how many brands, chose it for my Glock-27 defensive load.