Light .357 Magnum for small woman

[Gary H]

I want to see if Amy can handle a light magnum load. Any "small woman" experience with Federal JHP 110 grain? It looks like it might be the ticket out of a Ruger SP101 with 4" barrel. Haven't found it locally, so thought I would ask first before searching the internet for a place to buy? Oh, that is a good idea...Any URL's to a good source?

 

[J. Parker]

Gary H; 110gr. magnum loads might work. There's also "medium velocity" magnum loads from different company's. Pro-load makes a 125gr magnum load called the "tactical lite". I shot it from a 27 oz snubbie. Not bad. Not .357 magnum but they really impressed me were the Cor-bon .38 125gr. +P's. Really mellow recoil. Best Regards, J. Parker

 

[Quantum Singularity]

There is no .357 mag Ruger SP101 with a 4" barrel, maybe you meant 3" barrel? The 110 grain load might work, give it a try.

 

[Gary H]

Yes, it is 3 1/16". Gun has been in my FFL's safe for many months. I keep finding guns that interest me more than this gun interests Amy. Anyway, one a month is the rule here in CA. Just within the last few days, she has been asking me why I have more guns and where is her new gun? So, I'm putting some attention in her direction.

I mentioned the Federal load because it generate around 410 fpe and is rated at 90%, with a large sampling (Marshall & Sanow's Street Effectiveness Figures for the .357 Magnum). That is a light load for this caliber and the stopping power rating is much higher than the 38+P loads. I don't know about flash etc. I'll look into all other suggestions.

 

[Gary H]

Pro-load looks good on paper:
125gr.
Gold Dot™ Hollow Point-(Tactical Lite)
muzzle vel: 1125
ft/lbs: 351

 

[PreserveFreedom]

If you want 110 Grain JHP, I know Winchester makes some. The Wal Mart and K Mart here stock them but I am not sure about the rest of the country.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Have used the Cor-Bon defensive loads in low/no light drills. The colour of the flash seems to not derrogate night vision.

Sam.....my favorite 9mm is the 9X32R

 

[Gary H]

C.R.Sam:

I take it that you are a small woman and can handle the Corbon 357 Magnum and additionally find the flash to be acceptable?

 

[C.R.Sam]

Gary...woman; no. Small, old, small hands and quite crippled. I should have said .38spec Cor-Bon in my previous post. I have found their .38spec, .357mag and .45ACP defensive loads to be pretty mild and great for low light work.

I have worked with a small hundred pounder who had no problem with moderate .357 loads out of short lug K frames.

Sam

 

[Gary H]

Thanks Sam