PROGRADE .357 MAGNUM 200GR HARD CAST (BEAR GRADE) IN CLEAR BALLISTICS GEL.

[5pins]

Test Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 65
Barrel length: 3 Inches
Ammunition: Prograde .357 Magnum 200gr Hard Cast.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.
Five shot velocity average: 1097fps
Gel Temperature: 71

https://general-cartridge.com/2020/...hard-cast-bear-grade-in-clear-ballistics-gel/

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Interesting that he doesn't know whether they are still available though on the Prograde site.

I guess, these days not finding it for sale doesn't necessarily mean that it is not produced.

Whole lotta metal coming outa a .357.

Todd.

 

[ThomasT]

I wonder how they would have done from a longer barrel? Those look like Veral Smith design bullets. Ross Seyfreid always spoke highly of his bullets.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I was wondering at barrel length too.

I wonder if he was thinking a handy woods-carry hitting as hard as possible in .357 - or if it was all he had for testing.

We have a member here who hard-carries a .357 in Alaska with a short barrel in a chest rig. Sounds right up his alley. His is a custom barreled version of the 27 series, I think.

Todd.

 

[wagonburner]

How does it do on bear?

 

[Dave T]

~ 1100 fps from a 3" barrel with that weight bullet is pushing the envelope. Wow!

And just think, you could shoot a 6'4" bad guy on the top of his head and that bullet would come out the sole of his foot! (lol)

Dave

 

[paul105]

A while back I ran some loads over my then new Labradar - this is a copy and paste from a previous post -- thought it might be of interest here.

2 ¾” M66-8 chrono results from my then new LabRadar chrono

For Information Only, Use at Your Own Risk

Labradar Muzzle Velocity (familiarization run)
60 Deg F
S&W M66-8 2.75" .357 Mag

130gr Fed Hydra-Shok JHP "Personal Defense" PD357HS2 H …….. 1,416 fps avg (84 fps ES) -- two rounds
140gr Underwood Xtreme Penetrator (Philips head mono metal).. 1,422 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) -- two rounds
158gr Horn Xtp - 15.0gr A2400 Std small pistol, new Starline...… 1,316 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
180gr Buff Bore …………………………………………………………………………….. 1,312 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds
185gr LFNGC (Beartooth), 15.0gr Lil'Gun, CCI 400 New Starline.. 1,228 fps avg (14 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 13.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,102 fps avg ( 4 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 14.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,155 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) – two rounds
(purported to be the “Doubletap” load info)

200gr WLNGC (leadheads) handload with Lil Gun ………………………. 1,266 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) -- two rounds
Load data not given -- maybe too much of a good thing. Spent cases fell from chambers, and no obvious signs of over pressure. Recoil was heavy. Don't even know if this stabilizes.


If even needed, I would limit useage of the 180, 185, and 200gr loads in J & K Frame guns


Also ran two Buff Bore 180s thru 16" Rossi M92 carbine ……………. 1,894 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds

Larger sample would change results but probably not a great deal.

Paul

 

[SeanSw]

Interesting pair for a gel test. It isn't comparable but I have always wondered how the Remington .357 180gr jhp does out of my 3" GP100. I wouldn't expect 1100fps even out of the lighter bullet.