I'm new to the .357 mag business. I've just run several 125 grain loads through my Kimber K6s (3") and had a lot of fun doing it
The manufacturer claims 1500 fps from a 4" barrel, which is about what's claimed by other "full power" loads (this is a brand called On Target which is literally the only ammo in this caliber I could actually get!). It's definitely got some recoil but not nearly as punishing as I was expecting. The flash is considerable.
I know there are loads that aren't as hot, some that are supposed to be made for shorter barrels and all that. My question is, do the loadings make that big a difference in felt recoil and flash, or is it pretty negligible? Almost all my shooting experience so far has been 9mm, and I've shot all kinds of stuff claiming to be lower recoil or whatnot and I can't say I've ever perceived a difference. I can't even tell that much difference between normal and +p in 9mm or .38. Maybe I'm not sensitive to it.
Anyways, if I'm going to carry .357 it would be awesome not to be blinded by the flash, but if all ammo is going to be comparable, should I just get the 125 Speer Gold Dot ammo? Or hunt for something else. I can get Hornady Critical Defense 125 loads at one site online, if I pay about $2/round for it. Everything else is outta stock on this planet it seems.
The manufacturer claims 1500 fps from a 4" barrel, which is about what's claimed by other "full power" loads (this is a brand called On Target which is literally the only ammo in this caliber I could actually get!). It's definitely got some recoil but not nearly as punishing as I was expecting. The flash is considerable.
I know there are loads that aren't as hot, some that are supposed to be made for shorter barrels and all that. My question is, do the loadings make that big a difference in felt recoil and flash, or is it pretty negligible? Almost all my shooting experience so far has been 9mm, and I've shot all kinds of stuff claiming to be lower recoil or whatnot and I can't say I've ever perceived a difference. I can't even tell that much difference between normal and +p in 9mm or .38. Maybe I'm not sensitive to it.
Anyways, if I'm going to carry .357 it would be awesome not to be blinded by the flash, but if all ammo is going to be comparable, should I just get the 125 Speer Gold Dot ammo? Or hunt for something else. I can get Hornady Critical Defense 125 loads at one site online, if I pay about $2/round for it. Everything else is outta stock on this planet it seems.