.357 JHPs: 125 gr or 158 for a 3" barrel?

I have a .357 that serves a home defense roll and I keep it loaded with 125 gr JHP's. It's not my first or even second choice for HD but it's got it's place in my emergency management plan. Regarding the low flash powders; every one that I've tried out in a 3 inch barrel and down has produced significant muzzle flash.
 
Yep, there's a reason Speer uses 230 gr Gold Dots in their short barrel load for .45 acp, instead of 185 grain bullets. Same with using 135 gr Gold Dots in .38 sp +P for short barrels instead of 125 grs.
 
It depends entirely on which weight your sights are regulated for, assuminwrg you have fixed sights.

I went through this same decision myself but with an S&W 65. My sights were definitely regulated for the 158 grain round, so that's what I use in that particular revolver.

If I'm using an adjustable sight revolver I usually prefer the 125 grain round.
 
FWIW, I have used 125 grain Federal Hi Shocks (not Hydra), semi jacketed hollow points in my 2.5" S&W model 19 for carry, 4" L frame 586 & later a 686 for home defense & carry since 1981. They move out at 1475 fps from a 4" barrel. My house guns, those in .357, including the L frames are now loaded with Buffalo Bore/Barnes 140 grain Solid Copper Hollow Points. They kick hard, spit fire & have a devastating effect.

Point Shoot.
 
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It depends entirely on which weight your sights are regulated for, assuminwrg you have fixed sights.
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I read that often, but the elevation of the front sights can be changed, including addition of material or a bead. What other regulation? I see shorter barrel guns needing to be sighted for lighter weights in order to ensure full expansion of SD bullets.
 
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I prefer the heavier bullet for a couple of reasons, but the fact is there are some good 125gr loads that do well from shorter barrels. Go you Youtube and search for the load you want to carry. There's a good chance you will find a gel test of the ammo there that will give you an idea of its performance.
 
In .357, I'd use a mild 125 such as Winchester PDX1 (1235 fps) or Remington Golden Saber (1225 fps). No way I would want to endure shooting several barn-barner 125s out of a 2" barrel! :eek: Buffalo Bore has a very interesting 158 gr tactical load at 1100 fps.

If .38+P, there is always the Gold Dot 135 +P Short Barrel.

In the end, you'll want to favor something that also tends to shoot to POA in your gun.
 
The Federal 125 JHP was pretty much Law Enforcement "standard" until Le switxched to autos. even in 2 1/2 and 3 inch barrels.

It's still the favorite for those LEO types that still carry the .357. Cops use it because it works. Damned good street credibility.:)
 
Both my wife and I use 125's in our M36 and M60, three inch bbl'd J-frames. After a lot of range testing with heavier bullets, the 125's were a heck of a lot easier to get back on target for follow up shots, than any of the 158's. I'd say, if you can keep a 158 from recoiling to hell and back in your gun, then use it, otherwise, pick a load that you can control.

Best regards, Rod
 
I keep 125gr 38spl +P HPs in mine 3" GP-100. It serves as the primary home defense handgun.

Honestly, I don't think it matters.
 
Hornady Critical Defense is not for those who like to relaod unless they are willing to segregate the shorter cases and to buy FTX bullets to reload. At least the cases are nickel plated and easier to spot.
 
Still old school here, and still prefer 158 gr LSWC.
In house, a standard pressure .38 spl, outside the house (farm, woods, etc) .357.

Main thing is to investigate and verify, for me, POA/POI. Nothing against new offerings, just I come up, and adhere to the old adage of shot placement.

Oh, and from experience, a low pressure round , like the .38spl, allows for quick follow up shots in confined spaces. Basically .357 is loud, and has a bit more perceived recoil indoors.
 
Good point about the muzzle blast; I hadn't thought of that.
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For years I loaded all my revolvers, 2" - 4" with 158Gr. .357 magnum loads. I recently had the chance to practice some indoor night time low light shooting. After firing 2 rounds I was all but blinded. Switched to the Underwood 158Gr LSWC 38 special P+ ammo, no pun intended but the difference was Night & Day. The Underwood ammo is rated at 1,200 FPS and 555 foot pounds of energy. This should be more than enough to stop who needs to be stopped.
 
I've posted this pic before; here's some results of various .38 Special loads fired into water from 15' or so from the same 1-7/8" bbl'd. gun. While it doesn't equate with flesh and blood, it does give you some idea of relative expansion by a .38 Special in identical testing material. The commercial cast bullet is a 158 gr with a solid point, hand load for comparison. Velocities were chrono'd by myself and show the average of 5 rounds.

For your info, we carried Remington's Golden Saber round for years after this test, but switched to Hornady's Critical Defense based on better penetration as reported by others.

HTH's Rod

 
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I'm a ballistics jnky and like lighter weights for short barrels and heavy weights for long barrels. But in real life, the 357 is a really powerful round and will do its job either way. If you can truly shoot the two the same, my vote is for 125. I think are both extremely loud for indoors.
 
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