Optimum .357 Magnum Bullet Weight? - Merge

[ArchAngelCD]

Best .357 Magnum Bullet Weight?

I thank the Mods for merging the 2 threads.
Please ignore the word "Best" since I changed it to "Optimum" in the correct thread.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I know we have been talking about different types of .357 Magnum rounds and there is a thread about "The Best" 9mm bullet weight so I was wondering what you all thing about the .357 Magnum?

Please explaing why you make your choice, I always want to learn.

**EDIT**
Please NOTE:
I'm not asking about hunting or about the type of bullet (HP, JHP, LRN, ect.), just the WEIGHT and WHY!

 

[Mad Chemist]

For a defensive round I believe it's the 125gr jhp. For a backwoods load I'd go with a hard-cast lead SWC 158gr. YMMV
For a two-legged target you want expansion of the hollow point coupled with penetration. For larger game penetration is the key and a hard cast swc will give excellent penetration with very little expansion.

 

[db_tanker]

158 grains

That specific weight can be had in most any kind of type of bullet, both cast or jacketed.

Soft points for hunting, HP's for defense, and cast for plinking hunting OR defense.


Plus you can also use it for plinking, in certain situations, in 35 caliber rifle rounds like the 35 Remington.


D

 

[bakert]

Although the 158 fr bullet is probably the best all around bullet for the .357, the hot 125 gr JHPS have the best stopping records on human targets. The 125 grs also have the most flash, muzzle blast and are hard on some guns if used continuously.

 

[Old Fuff]

There is no such thing as "best." The question should be, "what is best for a particular purpose?" Is the selected bullet intended to be used for self defense, or hunting middle to large size big game? Is deep penetration a critical factor, or do you want to limit penetration? In general, the heavier the bullet, the more recoil. Is this going to be a concern?

The advantage of the .357 Magnum cartridge is its availability in a wide range of loads, bullet styles, and bullet weights. Pick what does the best for you.

 

[Black Knight]

Like Old Fuff said it depends on the purpose. If for self defense against people I would suggest the 125 Gr. Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point. It is a very good manstopper. If for hunting you would want something heavy enough to penetrate the hide and do alot of terminal damage inside. No matter what though you want a load that you can control in rapid fire if needed. This is the joy (or curse) of the 357 Magnum. There are loads available for almost any purpose within reason. Personally as much as I love the 357 if I were going into big bear (Grizzly for example) country I would want a 44 Magnum. The purpose dictates the load.

 

[Black Knight]

I carry the 125 SJHP in mine for defensive use. It is a good manstopper and reasonably controlable. If out hunting I would choose something heavier. The joy or curse of the 357 is that there are so many different loads available that it is sometimes difficult to choose which to use.

 

[MCgunner]

Defense, without a doubt, 125 grain JHP, perhaps 140 if it shoots better. I reserve 158 SWCs for game and outdoor uses.

 

[P95Carry]

Back when carrying SP-101 it was in fact CorBon 140's if mag loads but the 125's do seem to have a good track record. If the choice of 158's was greater I would still choose those for SD in fact.

However, having loaded and shot home cast gas check 158's for decades, tend to stick to those for all other uses. Plus it is often reckoned that many guns are ''tuned'' for these regarding POI - such that some folks can find the lighter offerings impact a shade low.

 

[earplug]

I'm not sure

I load with 125 grainers, but practice with A 158 LSWC. The 158's hit to point of aim in my fixed sight gun, M65
If I need to hit a specific spot when I'm in a hurry, I would want the 158.
I have shot the 125's at night and the flash is not that bad out of my four inch tube.
When i'm done shooting off my carry ammo, my next box will be 158's.

 

[cookekdjr]

I chose 158gr but I think most 125gr loads would perform well, too.

 

[joneb]

I have good results loading the Hornady 180grn XTP for my 4" .357 These loads are sub-sonic and are accurate. For home defense, if I can save my hearing well why not ? Would a bad guy be any more dead from being shot with a 125 JHP vs A 180 JHP

 

[bpisler]

Depends on the gun,my 3" 65-3 doesn't shot
any 110 or 125gr loads worth a darn.It does
shine when the bullet weight is 140grs and
over.That's why i carry Winchester 145gr
silver tips in it.

 

[wcwhitey]

125's for SD, 158's or 180's for the woods.

 

[KONY]

145gr in SilverTip variety ... good shooting ammo! ... good looking, I might add ... will scare off the werewolves!