What is consider a "FULL LOAD" for a .357 magnum?

N

NUPE

Inactive
I have owned a .357(m686)for about three weeks and I am trying to find out what is consider a "Full Load". I here so much talk about .357's being able to shoot anything from 38's to "full load" magnums.

Please explain!
 
Buy a box of Federal 357 mag 125 grain JHPs. After the first few rounds "Full Load" in a 357 mag will be self explanitory. :) Seriously, and make sure you have very good hearing protection.
 
WS2.... :) :) :)

NUPE...full performance loads for the .357 have gotten VERY hard to find "over the counter". A few custom manufacturers, like WESHOOT2, still supply full potential loads on special order.

Sam...I am not deaf, speak up boy!
 
I would consider 125gr at 1800fps or 158gr at 1600fps to be gettin up towards full load. Neither of these loads are max pressure with proper powder.

Always start light and work up. If you are going to play in max load territory, slug the bbl and tailor the loads to a particular gun.

Sam...my favorite 9mm is the 9X32R
 
When a "full load" misses BG that just entered your house with evil intent, then it is time to remember that "best load" and full load may not be the same thing.
 
If memory serves me well, the .357 was
originally 158Grn at 1550fps or so (46,000 CUP). There was a problem with the primers being 'blown' back and freezing up the gun. They lowered the SAAMI to 35,000 CUP which is where we are now.
The big frame Ruger and S&W with LONG
brrls. loaded up to 40-42,000 CUP can certainly bring back the good 'ole days in a hurry ! ! !......dewey
 
Dewey is correct, anything other than a an original load of 158gr and approx 1550 fps is not "full load" for the 357 cartridge. That truly is a full load, the 125 gr load is a barker but not a real biter. Good job Dewey.
 
NUPE
The way Federal loads their 125 gr 357 mags.. yes.. they are considered full loads.
Federal Hydra shoks aren't quite as hot as their standard 125 grain.

To put it in the vernacular, when the muzzle blast is “ferocious” you are shooting “Full Load” 357. :)

If you reload you can go all the way to "Full Tilt Boogie" in 357. :)
 
I WOULD CONSIDER A FULL LOAD 357 load to be:
125 grain bullet moving atleast 1400 fps.
158 grain bullet moving atleast 1175 to better than 1200 fps.
 
A full load in .357 is when everyone else stops shooting and says, "What have you got in that thing?"
 
I do not think a full house .357 has been on the shelf since they came out with the small frame guns. It is a case of not the cal. but the gun that makes a real .357. If its not on a .44 frame it is not a full load .357. The same goes for the 9mm to a extent as it has been under loaded in the US for so long you have to watch for smith killing subgun loads that work like a clock in a luger. :)
 
I carry 125Gr Triton Quick Shoks in my .357. My gun is a snubby. These are about as "Full House" as I want to get!! ;)

------------------
Yeah, I got a permit to carry,it's called the friggin Constitution.---Ted Nugent

"Glock 26: 17 rounds of concealed carry DEATH comming your way from out of nowhere!!! THAT'S FIREPOWER, BABY!!!"

Taurus 605: Five hits of .357 MAG that will just ruin your day, Scumbag!!!!

[This message has been edited by denfoote (edited October 09, 2000).]
 
Radom

Are subgun loads okay to send through a Ruger P95? I know of Ruger's reputation of "over-engineering" their P series for strength. But could the P-95 handle the pressures generated by firing subgun loads? Just curious.
 
Ruger can handle ANY load within SAAMI specs... and then some. I thought "sub-gun" loads were just heavier weight loads... correct me if I'm wrong. But I think ANY gun can handle typical 147 grain 9mm ammo.

Ben

------------------
Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
Different, just like everyone else. (Ben Original)

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited October 09, 2000).]
 
My "full load" .357 magnums are as follows:

Projectile: 125 grain Golden Saber JHP
Powder: Winchester 296
Primer: Winchester SMP
Powder charge: 18.5 grains
OAL: to cannelure

This runs about 1800fps or so from a 6" barreled Ruger or Smith and Wesson. I do not recommend for any lesser guns. This load is smoking and usually results in a sore shooting hand.
 
http://www.corbon.com/357magnum.html

corbons hunting loads for the 357 would seem to qualify as full loads

keep em out of your titanium J frames

180 grain 1265 fps 639 ft lbs

zowie!!!

thats ALMOST as hot as the 10mm silvertip 175 grain 1290 fps 649 ft lbs

[This message has been edited by RustyRP (edited October 09, 2000).]
 
The original '30's load was a gas-checked 158 @ 1510 out of an 8 3/4" barrel; over the counter, you can't get either anymore.
 
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