What 158gr jhp do you load?

I am getting back into loading .357 for sd/hunting ammo again. My old favorite was xtp's, but I understand some people dont like them.
...if not xtp's then what?

 

I load and like the XTP. Have loaded and liked the Sierra.

 

I like the xtps but currently I am running a mix of speer Jhp and gold dot (big sale awhile back bulked up a few) however, I also have plans for the Barnes and swift. Once I've played with them all, I'll make a better decision about what I run but for now, that bulkload of Speers needs using.

 

XTP 158 is great. The gold dot 158s are great too.

 

For lever action rifle loads I prefer a 158 gr. XTP JHP over 14.5 grains of 2400.
For revolver loads I like the 158 gr. XTP JHP over 7.4 gr. of Unique.
I do use some 158 gr. Speer Gold dots but only for .38 spl. defense rounds in my LCRx .38spl+P.

 

I think the Montana Gold JHPs are pretty good.

 

I shoot everglades bullets because of cost. I love to shoot a lot and my bankroll does not afford premium bullets. The everglades are accurate for my target shooting but i dont know about hunting.
https://www.evergladesammo.com/bull...8-357-158gr-jhp-bullets.html#customer-reviews

 

I mostly shoot my own cast bullets, but I am starting to carry my .357 again. I want to order some hollow points from somewhere.

I have used some jsp in the past.

 

For target loads, I use the Nosler 158 JHP. For hunting, I'm using the Speer 158 SOFT POINT. Both over a max charge of H110. I get slightly better accuracy from the Nosler in my handgun, the Speer shoots better in my rifle and is allegedly a more solid choice for rifle velocities, although they definately do expand in soft targets from my 6" M66 also. I will be testing the Hornady 180XTP in the rifle this spring.

My Handgun is not a primary defensive or hunting arm, the load is primarily for the rifle. My M66 eats mostly a diet of 125 and 158 gr Penn or Acme cast. The Nosler load was a holdover from a few years ago when other options were not available and I had some silhouettes to knock over.

 

some of the best 158 jhp bullets made come from zero bullet company,

 

I don't understand all the hatred for XTP's.

 

Not sure where you're getting that from. My read was that people liked them, but also used other bullets.

I used to use XTPs, but have since switched to using Zero JHPs in a GP-100 for short range (bow range really) white tails.

 

Ill never understand why people use hollow points for hunting...….But to each his own.

 

I think it depends on what you're hunting and which firearm you're using. JHPs have worked well for me at revolver velocities for deer. Different story out of a long barreled gun or for heavier bodied game.

 

Pretty much the same for me, other than I also use the 158gr XTP-FPs for hunting and XTP-HPs for target and S.D.

Not al HPs are the same. 158 gr GD HPs are designed primarily for hunting deer sized game. Some of the other HPs are tougher and will penetrate more and expand less than some SPs. Hornady's Leverevolution bullets use a HP bullet, just you can't see it for the little red tip. What matters is using a bullet designed for the application.

 

Get a HP mould if you already cast.

 

Check out gtbullets.com if you like lead for Self Defense loads. Not cheap, but quality is top notch and you can buy 100 packs. They shoot great ad will do a great job of expanding at about 800fps so leading does not become a problem. The 145gr HP shoots very accurate in my revolvers and would make a great SD Round. I'm also a huge fan of the 185gr Wide Meplat HP. I have the 195gr HP in my 3" Model 696 44spl carry gun loaded to around 900fps. Will make a watermelon literally explode.

 

Me neither.

 

How do you like the Zero bullets. I've given them a look and definitely like the price but I haven't tried them yet.

 

For Target shooting I've gone almost 100% Coated Lead. Accurate as anything on the market in my guns. Shoot clean as jacketed and plated and at half the cost. Also work great on Hogs where penetration is everything.

 

I dont see any hate. Some people just eat strawberry instead of vanilla.

 

I agree this thread if full of people that like them.
Now to try to write what I should have the first time.
Generally XTP's get ragged on by a lot of people. They are accused of not opening, over expanding and everything in between.
I don't understand it because my experience has been that an xtp leaves a tremendous wound channel and penetrates well.
There is one thing, I've not had experience with anything other than pigs, deer, and one bull.

 

I have been loading the Nosler Sport Handgun bullet over the past few years. IMO it's a very good hunting bullet in more than 1 cartridge.