Hey, I just bought my first gun too!

[thejerk]

Just like the guy in the other thread. Judging by the traffic in the gun shop, I think a lot of people are buying their first gun right now. I ended up buying the S&W J-frame model 60 with a 3" barrel. As soon as I held this gun in my hands I knew it was mine--after the many S&W .357s I have already shot before.
So I picked up some American Eagle 130 gr. .38s for practicing and also a box of Remington Golden Saber 125 gr hollow points--a few for practicing and some for the real deal defense.
Who has recommendations for the best SD cartridge in a .357? I know a lot of people are going to say a .38 +P is better, but I feel better about the .357s at this point. How does grain count affect my shooting? Certain brands? Thanks.

[Rmac58]

Congrats, mine was the same.
I do keep .38+p's in it, there is quite a recoil even for a three incher with .357 magnum. I have since picked up a 686.

[azredhawk44]

Physics lesson:

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

When you push a bullet out your barrel, the bullet pushes against your barrel equally while in contact.

Smaller/lighter/faster bullets push less because they are in the barrel less time.

Heavier/bigger/slower bullets push more because they have more time and force to exert.

So... how does this apply to you?

Ammo selection and grain weight.

You will find that lighter ammunition projectiles shoot "lower" than heavier ammunition projectiles. A 125gr bullet will hit lower on target than a 158gr bullet.

Try several different weights of bullets in your new gun. I find my 3" Ruger SP101 really likes 158gr bullets. point of aim = point of impact. 125gr stuff hits low. Many others also share the same experience.

I don't know what M60's are designed to like. But, if you find you really want to shoot 125's but you're shooting low, you can either file the front sight or replace it with a lower one and regulate your point of aim to match your chosen ammo.

[indiandave]

I also have a model 60 with a 3" barrel. At the range I shoot mostly my homemade 148 wadcutters. For carry I like Buffalo Bore 158 lswchp's standard pressure. .357's in light guns makes it hard for a rapid follow up shot. also I don't find them fun for just target shooting.

Anyway you will find the Model 60 to be a fine gun. You made a good choice.

[ActivShootr]

Speer 135gr. GDHP's shoot well out of my 4" k-frame. Not sure what they will do out of yours but they are advertised as "for short barrels". They are really loud. I carry .38+P's because I don't want to blow out my eardrums if I ever have to fire more than 1-2 shots. Even one shot from the .357 leaves my ears ringing for quite a while.

[sserdlihc]

Lets see some pics!!

[Playboypenguin]

I can't think of a better choice for a first gun than a S&W m60. Great decision.

I personally shoot winchester white box .38spl out of mine at the range and for SD I crank it up to some 130gr .357mag Federal Hydra-Shoks.

[redrick]

If you can stand it, 125 gr. 357 hp will do the job, Gold Dot or Golden Sabre are good choices.

[Jasper616]

Congrats on your new purchase from the guy in the other thread. Take my advice with a grain of salt because as you know I don't know much. I like Federal Premium Hydra Shok. I have 357 Magnum 158 Grain JHP and 38 Special 110 Grain JHP. Testing both at the range showed me that I can hit within 2" of my target very consistently with the 38 Special. My results with the 357 Magnum is very sporatic and not nearly as accurate. For that reason my gun is loaded at home with the 38 Special. I don't care how powerful the bullet is, it's useless if it misses. I have 3 boxes of Federal Hydra Shok 38 Special +P 129 Grain on order to get some more power until I am ready to move up to the 357 Magnum load at home. Right now the name of the game is practice, practice, practice. I hired a very experienced shooter that has trained law enforcement, SWAT, and the military. After 1 lesson I know how to hold the gun right and am much more accurate. I highly recommend having someone show you how to do it right. I am practicing 2-3 times per week with 200-400 rounds per session. Good luck and welcome to the club.