"Best" .357 Magnum Defense Loads?

T

The Rabbi

Moderator
I put best in quotes because I realize this is a pretty subjective thing.
I have been carrying some 150gr loads that shoot well with less recoil. The 125gr rounds just kick like the devil and put out a muzzle flash that is blinding at noon. Are the 110gr ones any better?
I thought I heard the original loads were 158gr but they did not perform well and the 125gr became the standard. True? And reasons for this?
This is for a 3 or 4" barrel gun, not a pocket rocket btw.
 
The 158 gr factory loads actually kick more than the 125 gr factory loads. I am no expert, but my suggestion is to load your 357 with 125 gr JHP 38spl +P loads. (Remington factory loads to be precise.) They still have some recoil, but are much more comfortable and managable. Plus they are said not to have as much muzzle flash. I use the 125gr +P loads. Frankly, I have never shot them in a dark area, so I don't really know how much flash there is. But, they are loaded lighter than the 357 loads and I would assume that there is less flash. You ask... why shoot 38spl's in a 357? Because you don't need the extra power of the 357 indoors and you have an even safer gun since it is rated for 357 mag loads.

The 125 gr 357 loads are considered the man stopper loads. For years I didn't shoot 357 loads because of the muzzle flash and recoil. Have larger calibers with even more recoil. Now I use my 3" GP100 as my dominant home defense handgun with factory 125 gr +P's.
 
Probably the best general issue LE/defence load for the .357 Magnum for three or four inch barrel is the 145-grain Silvertip.

You are correct about how unpleasant the hot 125-grain SJHPs are to shoot--and their effectiveness has been greatly exagerrated by the popular press. They were probably good (and maybe even the best) in their day, but that day has long since passed.

The 110-grain loads are a joke and should be avoided like the plague--too much noise/flash and far too little pentration for an effective LE/defence round.
 
For pers. defense, I like Silvertips or maybe 158 gr Gold Dots or similar. On the trail, I usually carry 158 gr semi-jacketed softpoints or 180 hard cast. I'm not very enamoured with 125 gr or lighter bullets in the .357 mag.
 
Eldorado/PMC's 150 grain Starfire in .357 is very effective too. As well as their Starfire .38 special +P 125 grainer. Tests have been very promising.Plus the Starfire's are USA made unlike alot of PMC's Korean made crap these days.
I tried some of those Magtech First Defense 95 grain solid copper hollowpoints in .357 mag and they have enough flash that they remind me of my .58 caliber Hawken muzzle loader!!! Not sure how they would be in a defensive situation but they are louder than a Deep Purple concert for sure!
HOOOOAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
 
My 357 wheelies get fed one of the following three loads, depending on mood/scenario/etc.:

1.) PMC El Dorado 150-grain Starfire JHP
2.) Winchester 145-grain Silvertip JHP
3.) Handloaded 158 LSWC-HP (exits 3" bbl at 1050-1080 fps)

The 125s are flashy and kick very hard, also forcing cone erosion issues with my K-frames. The 110s are just not my cup of tea either. I want a heavier bullet to punch deep.
 
I use CorBon 125's in my .357 when it's loaded for home defense or the very occasional carry.

Dunno if they are 'the best'... I have no personal experience with them. But if even a part of the reputation is true, they're just fine. :)

StrikeEagle
 
My favorite was (and still is) the Federal Nyclad 158gr Premium loads. Very accurate out of both our 586 and 686 and really hit hard with little or no fouling.
However, like so many things I think was great, Federal discontinued them a couple of years ago.
Sure wish I had purchased a whole bunch more.
 
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