Just purchased a new Ruger SP101, 2" .357 and promptly did an ammo test.
All types were 5 shots, offhand at 25'.
From worst to best:
UMC 125gr JSP: 3-1/4"
Magtech 158gr SJSP: 2-3/4" (1-3/4" eliminating worst shot)
Handloaded 125gr Speer JHP over 8gr Universal: 2"
Federal 130gr HydraShok: 1-1/4"
Felt recoil was acceptable with the Magtech and HydraShoks, quite
reasonable with the handloads, and downright painful with the UMC
(which I'm sure caused the worst group).
This is going to be my carry gun (switching from a Glock 27), and it's
pretty obvious I'll be loading HydraShoks.
All types were 5 shots, offhand at 25'.
From worst to best:
UMC 125gr JSP: 3-1/4"
Magtech 158gr SJSP: 2-3/4" (1-3/4" eliminating worst shot)
Handloaded 125gr Speer JHP over 8gr Universal: 2"
Federal 130gr HydraShok: 1-1/4"
Felt recoil was acceptable with the Magtech and HydraShoks, quite
reasonable with the handloads, and downright painful with the UMC
(which I'm sure caused the worst group).
This is going to be my carry gun (switching from a Glock 27), and it's
pretty obvious I'll be loading HydraShoks.