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/
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.
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.
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.
~ 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
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
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.
