.357 practice ammo?

B

BTR

New member
I'm considering a .357 revolver, but would like to know a good source for practice ammo first. Considerations are cost, power enough to simulate a defensive round's kick, and preferably one that won't lead up the barrel. I've noticed that the ammo seems rather expensive. Georgia arms seems about the cheapest, and I've pulled this off their site:
http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm#cd

125gr JHP, per thousand $210.00
1400 fps

158gr JHP $210.00
1200 fps

158gr SWC, $160.00 per thousand
1100 fps

158gr PSWC, $180.00 per thousand
1100 fps

I think "SWC" means semi-wad cutter- does this mean it will get more lead in the barrel? What does "PSWC" mean? If I shoot the cheaper stuff (158 grain) will that adequately simulate shooting a defensive round in 125 grain?

If anyone else has ammunition or dealer recommendations, I would like to hear them. Thanks!
 
Winchesters's white box marketed as USA is a great choice. It's a 110gr SJHP that has a lot of the flash and blast that all magnums share. It's not a bad load for CCW or interior defense either. Very little chance of OP through the BG. Found a Wal-Mart and Sports Authority. :)
 
Woops. I thought you were talking about the 357 SIG. Lots of folks now refer to it as 357 also. Things are getting confusing. In fact, Glock just stamps 357 on their 357sig guns. Oh well....
 
Pete,

I see that as an accident waiting to happen... I hope not, but wouldn't doubt it if it did.

------------------
>>>>>>>>------------TMS---------------->>>
 
Practice ammo in My GP100 357 mag is 38 special.

J&G Has S&B 158 gr FMJ for 6.95 a box

Hmmm.. This is interesting www.summitammo.com has 1000 rounds of Aguila
357 mag 150 gr sjhp for $200 delivered. 1000 rounds of 38 for $180 delivered.

Gulf cost has aguila 357 mag for $180/1000.. shipping is extra.
www.ammoman.com has S&B 357 mag 1000 rounds for $239 delivered.

Lotsa 357 ammo deals on the web
 
I considered .38s, but figured it wouldn't be very representative of the bullets I would use.

What does "PSWC" mean? Plated semi wad cutter? And does "SWC" have exposed lead?

[This message has been edited by BTR (edited May 07, 2000).]
 
The only way I have been able to practice with a load that replicates the recoil, flash and blast of 125gr. JHP at a price that won’t break me is to reload. A generic jacketed or plated bullet over H110 works fine for practice and costs about ten cents a round.
 
Is the 158 grain stuff similar in blast to the lighter bullets? I don't know how to reload.
 
has anyone tried winchester's "winclean" ammo? winchester claims that normal jacketed ammo produces some leading, because some lead is vaporized from the base of the bullet. their winclean ammo has jacketed bases and thus supposedly avoids this problem. it's available in .38 special, but i don't think it's available in .357 magnum.
 
cccammo.com (collins cartridge company) great stuff at a great price right to your door via UPS. Check 'em out.
 
The stuff I use almost exclusively is UltraMax 158 gr SWC in .38 and .357. This is cheaper and also reliable, so much thats its the load I use for self defense.

I dont believe in seperate loads for practice and self defense. Even the same grain from different brands will show lots of differnce.

I have shot 1200 rds of Ultramax and 700 though the GP, 3 misfires so far and I attribute that to weak springs that I put in.

You can even buy this stuff in twon cheaper than mail order.

the other option is 3D brand which is real cheaper, maybe too cheap for self defense.
 
DCV... Let's hope you never have to stop a BG right quick. If you do you will find a SWC quite inadequate for such a purpose (especially if he is 647F or 113?? H&S). Practice with SWC's/WC's is great (finish up with Corbon or Hydroshock hollow points). These are much more effective for a 1 or 2 shot stop. Then maintain either of these for your primary defense round, PERIOD!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top