Subjective Experience with .357s--158 gr. vs. 180 gr.?

[rockhound758]

Evening All.

I searched and couldn't find an answer to this so thought I'd go ahead and ask.

One of the calibers I reload for is .357, but I've tended to load 158 gr. for the most part (and getting back into it after some years out). I was thinking about getting some 180 gr. JHPs as I think it'd be fun to work up a pretty hot load to shoot, but wanted to ask some of you that might shoot it regularly. I'm thinking it would be a bit more stout recoil than an equivalently-loaded 158 gr.? Is it fun to shoot? (I have no issue with the recoil...that's part of the fun/challenge).

Thanks in advance.

Larry

 

[joneb]

I load 13.9gr of AA#9 with a 158gr XTP and 12.9gr for 180gr XTP both with standard primers, these loads shoot very well from my Ruger Sec. Six with a 2.75" barrel. The recoil between these to loads is about the same, perhaps more of a push with the 180's and a sharper snap with the 158's.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I shoot 180 gr bullets in the .357 Magnum but mostly in my Carbine, not my revolver. I load a 180gr Hornady XTP bullet or a Cast Performance 180gr Gas Checked bullet. I have shot them in my revolver just to do it but when loaded hot they are punishing to the gun. (and the shooter too)

I like Lil'Gun best for loading heavy bullet in the .357 Magnum. It produces high velocities without high pressures. It's fairly clean and it's accurate when loading 170gr and 180gr bullets. You can use it with lighter bullets too but I find W296 and 2400 are still better powders with the lighter bullets. 15.0gr Lil'Gun under a 180gr Hornady XTP is a good Carbine hunting round IMO.