.357 plinking ammo

[Peter W Bush]

Second on reloading for 357 mag. It will pay off very fast. The .357s were what got me into reloading. Sig and Magnum.

But ya, plink with .38 spl.

[efnick]

he asked about 357 plinking ammo, not 38 or 38 +p.

buy re-loads in bulk.

home defense, i wouldnt choose a 357 as my first line of HD, but if you want some HD ammo, get some weak 357 and save a neighbors life.

[scarville]

For 357 plinking I use a 158 gr jacketed bullet. If I am not shooting my own reloads, I'm partial to the American Eagle (Federal) JSP but it is not for the recoil sensitive. It cranks about 1400 fps from my 6" 686. Magtech also makes a pretty good 158 gr JSP which seem a little less hot thought I've never chronographed it. You can go with lighter bullets -- a lot of people like the 125 gr -- but I've found that the 158 is the most versatile.

For home defense in the 357, I like the Buffalo Bore 158 gr short barrel magnum load which generates about 1150 fps from my 3" 686. My HD 357 is loaded with them right now. I also think well of the Federal 158 gr Hydrashok but they've fallen out of favor in the past few years.

You might also want to check out Hill Billy's reloads. I shot a few a friend brought to the range and they seem like pretty good ammo. Not nearly as hot as the Federal but still respectable enough you won't feel like a weenie.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=312841

[sephy]

Black Hills Cowboy Action loads - it is what my daughter(5 at the time) started on in the leveraction. IIRC - 850 FPS from a 6" barrel.

This and Ultramax are awesome. So far as plinking in the sense that you can shoot a lot they are perfect. The downside for me is that they're a specialty load and can be pretty pricey :\

On the topic of reloading (I know what OP said...): You could think about a simple Lee Loader as well. They're about $25 and you can get one that's 38/357 specific. The only difference between the two kits is the powder dipper.

[cHaOs ReX]

The reason i am not getting into reloading is that I simply don't have room for the set up. I live in a 2 bdrm townhouse w no garage or basement. There is no good space for it.

[sephy]

That's why I suggest the Lee Loader. If you have space for a paperback book then there is space for the Lee Loader.

Just so you know all of your options: Link

[Vampyredark]

Here is my answer to your second question:

Have you ever actually forgot to put earplugs in because you were eager to shoot and fired a 357 round down range???? You will go deaf instantly with loud ringing!

That is why for HD, I would use a 38+P, because you probably dont sleep with earplugs in and might still be able to hear something when your older.

[Fishslayer]

I originally thought I'd be shooting .38 special most of the time. The guys at the gun shop were warning me about shooting .38 and how it affects the cylinder. So then I thought maybe I don't want to shoot .38. What are your thoughts on that?

.38 will leave a carbon ring in the chambers that will bind up on the longer magnum cases & make them hard to eject. Just scrub with a brush & Hoppes & should be fine.

The bedside .357 is loaded with Win PDX1 .38 Special 130gr +P. It'll get the job done without deafening me and scorching the hallway walls.

For range plinking I just load a 158gr LSWC over a +P charge in magnum cases.

For fun with the Big Dogs a 158gr XTP or Nosler SJHP over 14gr of 2400 brings the "BOOM!"

[cHaOs ReX]

I think i'm going to get a Lee Loader.

Also I was planning on getting ammo in multiple grains to try out what they feel like. Thank you all for your input and educating me on the .38 issue.