penn thunderheads

[Bezoar]

i know the big heavy bullets are popular as can be for big calibers, but what about the 230 grain version for .357/ it has MASS and in theory a nice track through material. So why not load that up as a really interesting deer cartridge?

their website data shows a 230 grain at standard 38 special data. 600-830 fps..

 

[blarby]

Given that the regulars have already seen this post and passed on it for whatever reason.


Perhaps a THR friendly review is in order ?

Keep us posted, and stay safe.

 

[rcmodel]

Couple or five reasons.

* Most standard .357 rifling probably won't stabilize a bullet that long for caliber.

* Case capacity would be reduced to almost unusable safe limits with a bullet that long in the .357 case.

* Pressure spikes would be just a matter of a minor powder measure error away.

* There is a reason they don't even load 200 grain bullets in .38 Spl or .357 any longer.

* They didn't work as advertised in real life encounters!

rc

 

[rchery59]

I've looked at that bullet (I assume it's the "bowling pin " bullet). I had mixed feelings about using it on a deer. I'm in the school that thinks a 180gr flat point traveling at a higher speed will do more damage. It's still a 358 hole. Both bullets should pass thru. If you were to hit a shoulder the heavier slug may be more effective, maybe not. Assuming niether bullet expands and you pass thru on a double lung shot, the 180 should provide a bit more shock. I may be all wet with my theory who knows.

 

[5thSFGroup]

Couple or five reasons.

* Most standard .357 rifling probably won't stabilize a bullet that long for caliber.

* Case capacity would be reduced to almost unusable safe limits with a bullet that long in the .357 case.

* Pressure spikes would be just a matter of a minor powder measure error away.

* There is a reason they don't even load 200 grain bullets in .38 Spl or .357 any longer.

* They didn't work as advertised in real life encounters!

rc

Couple or five reasons.

* Most standard .357 rifling probably won't stabilize a bullet that long for caliber.

* Case capacity would be reduced to almost unusable safe limits with a bullet that long in the .357 case.

* Pressure spikes would be just a matter of a minor powder measure error away.

* There is a reason they don't even load 200 grain bullets in .38 Spl or .357 any longer.

* They didn't work as advertised in real life encounters!

rc


Could not agree more with RC... RC nailed that one....again.

 

[Bezoar]

odd,,, its sold for 38 caliber fun at long range target work involving bowling pins. and if i read the website correct, it was created by and for the really really neurotic people in target shooting.

not sure on the twist needed to stabilize, but velocity is not bad really. and they show it in 38 special brass inside a gun labelled 357 magnum..

 

[rcmodel]

Then Gofer It!

Then give us a full test report on how it does.

I might want to buy some, someday?

rc

 

[Salmoneye]

Better for your intended deer load would be the Penn 200gr gas checked truncated cone...

They should also work well in .35 Rem...

 

[bluetopper]

Get a 357 Maximum for that bullet.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Yeah out of the Max it would work fine. Looks like fun frankly!

 

[blarby]

Not to restart the failed 357 for deer discussion...

But do you think a TC would work better than a(n) SWC ?

Any weight- 125-230, I'd think the SWC shoulder would cut better ?