What's the fastest you've sent 158 grains out of a snub?

[Macchina]

I recently got an LCR (357) and while I originally thought I'd be loading something light for this, I'm quite surprised by how well I can handle recoil with it. I worked up a max load of Power Pistol under 158 grain LSWC and was able to easily fire semi-rapid and keep all shots within 4" at 7 yards: I don't do this with my semiautomatics.

Since I can handle these stout loads from the LCR, I'd like to shoot something faster. I ordered a chronograph to see what i'm getting.

I currently woods carry a SP101 (4.2") loaded with 158gr XTPs over 17gr H110 and would have to carefully work up to see if this load is OK in my LCR. Note: This is a Max load according to Lyman 10, over max in some manuals.

I'd like to work up a fast snub load that will use a 158gr LSWC or XTP. Any favorite loads?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a 158gr LSWC load that's really a top end .38 Special +P load instead of a .357 Magnum load. It is very accurate in my J frames and over the chrono it has an AV of 889 fps from a 2" barrel.

I hesitate to list the load here because it's above current published load data. I will send it to you if you like.

 

[Macchina]

I think I remember you working that load up a while back. Since all my revolvers are 38/357, I am hoping to top 1000fps, a feat I don't think will be difficult at all with some careful loading. I'm not looking to hotrod this gun, I'm more looking to learn the extremes others have been to so I know what paths to start down.

 

[243winxb]

158gr LSWC

Why a fast loading, when bullet design has been proven to be most important for personal defense ? Should you not choose a better bullet design before starting your search for top velocity? Just asking.

 

[Macchina]

Why a fast loading, when bullet design has been proven to be most important for personal defense ? Should you not choose a better bullet design before starting your search for top velocity? Just asking.

What kind of question is this? The whole point of my post was to get velocity from a snub. I'm not trying to be rude or mean but I never even mentioned I wanted "bullet performance" or that this load would ever be used for personal defense.

To argue your point though: don't even the best performing bullets only work correctly within a specified velocity range? How would I know what bullet to select if I didn't know what velocity I can achieve

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I worked up a replica Speer short barrel 135gr .357 Magnum load a while back but that load uses a 135gr and 140gr bullet. Using Power Pistol on the advice of Speer I was able to duplicate the velocity of the original and the load is accurate. (right @1000 fps) Again I'm not sure if you want to use that load since it's a lighter bullet. Since I only own 1 .357 Magnum J frame which is all Steel I haven't tried to find a light .357 Magnum load ~1000 fps with a 158gr bullet. Since it handles the recoil better than the lighter J frames I use slightly hotter loads, again not what you're looking for. Sorry...

 

[tomrkba]

The following articles include velocities for 158 grain bullets fired from a snubby revolver.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38vs357snub.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Feedingthe38Snub.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Humble 38 Special.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Snub Ammo Test.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/can_less_be_more.htm


Specifically on the 158 grain LSWCHP bullet:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Special 158gr LSWCHP.htm

 

[gamestalker]

I load full house H110 / 296 158 gr. XTP's and shoot them from my snubs all the time. I won't post the powder charges I use, as they are at, or exceed max published data.

As for velocity, I don't remember the specifics, but I know they have all been well over 1000 fps. If you really need the actual numbers let me know, and I'll take a look in my log books.

GS