The best/most consistent .357 Magnum Ammo?
 

Hi folks,

Just wondering which company has the best, most consistent velocities on their .357 Magnum ammo out of a 4" barrel. I've heard many stories of some ammo companies not living up to their velocity stats.

I'm looking for the most powerful ammo out of a 4" barrel (Ruger GP100). I don't want watered-down ballistics; I want the full-bore, rip-roaring magnums. No specific reason; just for fun.

I've read a few threads on here about Underwood Ammo, and they seem to get good reviews. However, I am open to other brands.

Thanks!

EDIT: Yes, thank you Kentguy, I do not reload.

Jade,

That type of load is best if you reload your own, but I noticed you said you don't reload so I guess Underwood would be today's king of the wrist numbing loads on the market today.

http://www.underwoodammo.com/357magn...ntboxof50.aspx

At 1,600 fps that's rockin!

Thanks Kent. And no, I do not reload, thank you for noticing that. I'd be looking strictly for factory ammo, I'm afraid. I'll check out Underwood. :cool:

Data I have compiled. DoubleTap 158's from 2 years ago didn't equal the batch I tested a couple of weeks ago.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...0ZVMybFE#gid=0

Kevin's 125's.

Bang for the buck 158's would go to Remington Express.

Not self defence loads but if you want full power try out the Buffalo Bore 180 grain Cast and the Double Tap 200 grain cast. These are the hottest 357's I have shot.

The Remington or Federal 125gr SJHPs have a monumental reputation as manstoppers.

I haven't used just all of them but I've been more than pleased with the Winchester Silvertips.

You need to test your Corbon. Some of it is way off advertised!

In years past
 

The CB 9mm 115gr JHP loads always tested out accurately over my skyscreens. I can't speak for the .357 magnum loads.

Thanks folks! I didn't specify, that this ammo would be for plinking purposes only; an "attention-getter" at the range. I've already got a load that I would use for Self-Defense, and that isn't what these loads would be for.

Nothing equals more blast in a revolver than light loads. Kevin's 125's have the most sonic-boom and blast of any .357 I have tested.

From Chuck Hawks: "I advise all experienced revolver men to carry the legendary Federal C357B...There is one caveat, however. The C357B and other full-power .357 Magnums have a lot of blast and kick...This was found to be the top load in Marshall and Sanow's famous stopping power research project, with something like a 96-97% one shot stop record. This load is effective out to at least 100 yards from revolver or rifle."

These are very loud, violent loads. Still images show small revolvers "in a fireball" when you touch one off. The Federal C357B load hurts my wrist when fired out of my SP101. My 686 6" is a hand cannon with this load.

The 125gr JSP and JHP Remington .357's you get at WalMart will clock better than 1500 fps from your 4" GP100. They were close to 1500 fps from my 3" SP101 and right at 1600 fps from my 6" GP100. Cost wise, the 100rd pack costs about $45, or did last year.

1500? I need a video or some proof on that.

Buffalo Bore.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...duct_list&c=20

I think that the load here was made with an 8-inch barrel in mind. :cool:

Jesus! Now I know what I want for Xmas!

Thanks everyone! Anybody here ever actually chronographed the loads in this thread out of a 4" barrel?

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...83593633_n.jpg


I have. 1535 FPS average.

For what round?

How many rounds tested? Stand deviation? Extreme spread? Conditions during the test? Distance from muzzle where you measured? Which chronograph?

F1 Chrony about 10 feet from the muzzle. 5 shots on a normal 70 degree day. It was 1546 average... did them a while back. Buy a box and see!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...0ZVMybFE#gid=0

A box of what?!

Does that sheet show anything other than factory rated velocity?

Of course. Are you up on Excel sheets? Column E is advertised and F is actual.

Oh. The green highlighted lines are ones I tested personally out of the same GP100. The others are compiled from videos and other data found on-line. Still searching for the money tree to finish them all up. I do a little at a time because I do from .44 down to .22 LR.

Do you want know if he wore boxers or briefs as well? Relax!! :supergrin:

Nice spread sheet. I have shot several of those loads in a GP100 3" and S&W Model 13 3" and my chrono results mimic yours almost exactly. Nice spread sheet. :wavey: