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Just picked up my new ruger LCR 357, what do you guys think is the best defense load for 357mag?
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"...... to disarm the people - that was the best and most effectual way to enslave them." - George Mason - -
Speer Gold Dot. I use 158 gr in my 3" 65, but they make a 135 gr load designed for snubbies.Never initiate force against another. That should be the underlying principle of your life. But should someone do violence to you, retaliate without hesitation, without reservation, without quarter, until you are sure that he will never wish to harm - or never be capable of harming - you or yours again.
- from THE SECOND BOOK OF KYFHO
(Revised Eastern Sect Edition) -
125gr JHP 38+P.That should be more then enough for HD purposes.Less recoil and muzzle flash then a 357.Comment
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According to an FBI report (sorry I can't post a link) the most lethal round is a 125 grain JHP. If I remember correctly it's because there isn't so much recoil that it prevents you from hitting the target a second time.Those that call the US Constitution a living, breathing document only want to asphyxiate liberty.
M76Comment
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My wife has the Speer Gold Dot 38+P in her 686. Soft shooting with that platform. Speer makes a short barrel version in .357 as well.
A .357 in a 17 ounce revolver, my hat is off to you sir.
Here's a link to some testing with a snub nose: http://www.snubnose.info/docs/snubby_ballistics.htmSend Lawyers, Guns and Money - On second thought, hold the Lawyers.Comment
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135 gr. Gold Dot sub-sonic (1000 fps) out of 2" Bbl.
Your ears will thank you, but the goblin won't.
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Corbon DPX 125gr .357 Magnum should be included in your evaluation. It's the only round I'll load in my SD pistolas.Comment
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my hand hurts thinking about it... Speer Gold Dots through my 686, never shot them through a snubbie.Comment
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I have 130gr PDX1 .38 special +p in mine. I've shot a couple of brands of 125gr JHP and 158gr JHP .357 through mine, FUN! loud and it hurts so good lol.Comment
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Take a moment to look at this data here http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
You need to take into account the published barrel length of your gun is 1.875". That is a very short time for the powder to accelerate a bullet. Generally speaking, a lighter bullet can be accelerated faster, but look at those real world results from that link I posted. Some bullets require a certain speed to effectively do the job they were designed for.NRA Benefactor Member
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Firearms Policy Coalition SupporterComment
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Check out Buffalo Bore Ammo loaded with 125gr Barnes Tac X bullet loaded specifically for short barreled revolvers (1225fps from a 1 3/4" barrel).
Less flash and recoil but lots of power!
That's what I carry in my LCR-357.Last edited by Biigg50; 12-23-2012, 4:44 PM.Comment
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