[Tacky]

I use a 158 speer deep curl hollow point with h110 for my 357 4" and my dads 3" gp100. Its does everything I need it to do.

 

[Bonk]

I know it's not exactly what you asked for but it is 357. Hornady Critical Duty 357Sig 135gr FlexLock (1225fps). I use it in P226, P229, P239 and P320 pistols.

 

[Iowegan]

Lighter 125gr JHPs expand better but 158gr bullets penetrate better so I like to compromise and use a 140gr JHP. It exapands better than a 158gr and penetrates deeper than a 125gr .... the best of both worlds.

 

[Samsdad]

Lighter 125gr JHPs expand better but 158gr bullets penetrate better so I like to compromise and use a 140gr JHP. It exapands better than a 158gr and penetrates deeper than a 125gr .... the best of both worlds.

Hello, fellow Iowan!

I’ll take a look at some 140s.

 

[amd6547]

145gn Silvertip, in my GP100, with 125gn Critical Defense in the speed loader. The CD bullet profile loads quickly.

 

[Angry Hippo]

I don't carry .357 magnum for self defense but if I did I wouldn't bother with any of that fancy stuff.

The 50 count Remington Green and White Box with 125 grain semi jacketed hollowpoints is as good as anything out there in the same bullet weight. Gives results basically equivalent to all the 'high-tech' ammo but at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Samsdad]

I don't carry .357 magnum for self defense but if I did I wouldn't bother with any of that fancy stuff.

The 50 count Remington Green and White Box with 125 grain semi jacketed hollowpoints is as good as anything out there in the same bullet weight. Gives results basically equivalent to all the 'high-tech' ammo but at a fraction of the cost.

I have a box of this on the way!

 

[dgang]

Buffalo Bore 158 gr. SWCHP/GC .38+P @1030 fps with my LCR .357 (feels like a .357) or 158 gr. sjhp over 14.8 gr. 2400 for 1250 fps out of my GP100. Both heavy and fast,
good for two legged and 4 legged varmints.

 

[Brandi]

Mine are 3" GP100's so they are loaded with Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 magnum (125 or 135 grain IIRC). If I were carrying for critter self defense it would be heavy hardcast of some kind. I have other guns better suited for that so it's a moot point.

 

[Samsdad]

Mine are 3" GP100's so they are loaded with Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 magnum (125 or 135 grain IIRC). If I were carrying for critter self defense it would be heavy hardcast of some kind. I have other guns better suited for that so it's a moot point.

Eventually, I'll also look for a hardcast. We technically have bears in Missouri, but they're not really a worry. I'm out west often though. Similarly, I have a .45-70, so the point may actually be moot.

 

[jeepnut711]

I have developed a reload using plated 148 gr DEWC over Unique and measured at 1150 FPS . Very accurate to 100 yards (tested) and work well out of the 28-2s, 627-5, and my Blackhawks. I figure that flat bullet will do a lot in my self defense.

 

[penguinx64]

For self defense, I'd use a factory load. It would be easier to defend in court. Something like a Hornady HST, Speer Gold Dot or Winchester Silver Tip would be easier to explain to a prosecuting attorney. Every bullet has an attorney attached to it. A maxed out handload could be difficult to explain and make you appear guilty if it was too excessive.

 

[Old School Wheelgunner]

Too snappy for follow-up shots in my Kimber, so I pack Hornady Critical Defense .38+p.

I would check Chris Baker’s ballistics tests here. .38 Special and .357 Magnum Self-Defense Ammo Ballistics Test - LuckyGunner.com Labs

 

[svahadean]

I would check Chris Baker’s ballistics tests here. .38 Special and .357 Magnum Self-Defense Ammo Ballistics Test - LuckyGunner.com Labs

That's a real good article with good charts. His follow-up article is worth a read as well: Feed Your Revolver: .38 Spl & .357 Mag Ballistics Gel Test Overview - Lucky Gunner Lounge

Added bonus, his "long" barrel revolver looks just like my new 4.2" Match Champion!

 

[JVogler]

I use Federal match wadcutters 148 grain 38special in my GP100.. A big fat slow bullet that will likely hit my target, hopefully center mass, then just roll around and not exit my target. Self defense ammo (hollow point) is not allowed in New Jersey. I've been using wadcutters for years, practice with them and my wife can handle GP100 also.

 

[Samsdad]

Had better luck with the Buffalo stuff the other night.

I had 8 rounds left in the box. 25 yards, pistol rest.

My pistol really, really does not like the Hornady Critical Defense load (see the red stickers on the above screenshot).

Black Hills and Remington loads arrive tomorrow, so I'll test those soon.

 

[Samsdad]

I don't carry .357 magnum for self defense but if I did I wouldn't bother with any of that fancy stuff.

The 50 count Remington Green and White Box with 125 grain semi jacketed hollowpoints is as good as anything out there in the same bullet weight. Gives results basically equivalent to all the 'high-tech' ammo but at a fraction of the cost.

I got to try out the green & yellow box 125gr JHP tonight. Good value. Was surprised. One of the most accurate of the 8ish loads I’ve tried.

Wasn’t able to chrono it or the Black Hills because it was raining, but I will later this week.

 

[Angry Hippo]

I got to try out the green & yellow box 125gr JHP tonight. Good value. Was surprised. One of the most accurate of the 8ish loads I’ve tried.

Wasn’t able to chrono it or the Black Hills because it was raining, but I will later this week.

The green and yellow box have the nickle plated cases, right?

"High Terminal Performance"

I suspect the quality control on those might be slightly better than green/white box due to the self defense marketing... although it might just be the same damn stuff with a nickle case and a shiny new box.

Anyways, thanks for sharing and looking forward to future updates.

 

[nhw]

It is a .357 magnum so velocity usually is not a huge issue. I have a revolver that accepts 7 shot moon clips. I have always been happy with American Eagle 158 grain JSP. That ammunition is generally available and is secure in the moon clips. I enjoy shooting and practice a fair amount. Not a huge fireball and exceptional accuracy. However, like they say "Your mileage may vary". Whatever you pick, practice and get comfortable shooting that combination.

 

[OregonPatriot]

What are you using?

I have the Ruger GP100 with a 4.2" barrel and I hand load everything I shoot. So this might not help you.
Anyway... My load of choice is a 148 grain 'type II wadcutter'. I load mine with 4 grains of Unique and the same amount of Universal powder.
I made this choice based on the fact a hollow point load from a 4.2" barrel doesn't always expand, while a WC will almost always tumble causing more damage then a HP that doesn't expand. (at least that's what I've researched)
I haven't searched for any commercial loads like this because I don't need them, although I'm sure WC loads are available. I hope this helps some.