Practice Ammo for 357 magnum

tyro · September 18, 2000, 06:22 PM

I have a new Taurus 357 Magnum. Please recommend practice ammo in 38 caliber (I have an ample supply of 357 magnum ammo for HD).

WebHobbit · September 18, 2000, 07:06 PM

IMHO, you really should do MOST of your practice with something similar in recoil to what you plan to use as a defensive load.

The best (BY FAR) for defensive purposes in the .357 caliber are the lighter semi-jacketed rounds. 125 grain Federal, Remington, etc. these are followed closely by the 110 grain SJHPs by several major brands.

Having said that, probably the cheapest ammo that is similar to these is the Winchester 110 grain Semi Jacketed Hollow Point White Box ammo.

It also makes a fine self-defense load especially for snub nosed guns.

I think I bought my last box from Super KMart. Walmart may also have 'em.

Gorthaur · September 18, 2000, 07:37 PM

I agree with WebHobbit as far as defense training. OTOH, I like Federal Nyclad Wadcutter 148gr. for plinking. Eric the Ammonman has some.

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tyro · September 18, 2000, 07:42 PM

Many thanks, WebHobbit & Gorthaur. I'm only interested in training for HD, so I accept your advice to stick with 357 ammo. That was my original thinking and plan, and I thank you for re-inforcing it.

Patrick Graham · September 18, 2000, 08:53 PM

Shouldn't we discuss the pros and cons of 38 vs 357 for home defense??

.. I don't want to start anything but I think 357 mag is not suitable for home defense. The muzzle blast is just too intense. I touched off a 357 in a tack room in a barn to shoot a rabid critter, big mistake. A shooter can't recover fast enough from the bast and concussion in an enclosed enviroment to take control of the gun and the situation and get a rapid second shot off. If you miss the first time with a 357 mag in a defensive situation you could be screwed. Then there is the penetration factor.
I recommend non plus P Federal 125 grain Nyclads in 38 special for home defense.

tyro · September 18, 2000, 09:50 PM

Patrick, I very much welcome your recommendation. I am still very much a novice, having just bought my first handgun, and I am eager to learn all I should know for HD purposes. I will start a new thread, since your post raises a different question.

[This message has been edited by tyro (edited September 18, 2000).]

September 18, 2000, 06:22 PM	#1
tyro Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2000 Posts: 404	I have a new Taurus 357 Magnum. Please recommend practice ammo in 38 caliber (I have an ample supply of 357 magnum ammo for HD).

September 18, 2000, 07:06 PM	#2
WebHobbit Registration in progress Join Date: August 25, 2000 Posts: 73	IMHO, you really should do MOST of your practice with something similar in recoil to what you plan to use as a defensive load. The best (BY FAR) for defensive purposes in the .357 caliber are the lighter semi-jacketed rounds. 125 grain Federal, Remington, etc. these are followed closely by the 110 grain SJHPs by several major brands. Having said that, probably the cheapest ammo that is similar to these is the Winchester 110 grain Semi Jacketed Hollow Point White Box ammo. It also makes a fine self-defense load especially for snub nosed guns. I think I bought my last box from Super KMart. Walmart may also have 'em.

September 18, 2000, 07:37 PM	#3
Gorthaur Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2000 Posts: 847	I agree with WebHobbit as far as defense training. OTOH, I like Federal Nyclad Wadcutter 148gr. for plinking. Eric the Ammonman has some. ------------------ Support the US Olympic Shooting Team! Protect your Right to Keep and Bear Arms!

September 18, 2000, 07:42 PM	#4
tyro Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2000 Posts: 404	Many thanks, WebHobbit & Gorthaur. I'm only interested in training for HD, so I accept your advice to stick with 357 ammo. That was my original thinking and plan, and I thank you for re-inforcing it.

September 18, 2000, 08:53 PM	#5
Patrick Graham Junior member Join Date: January 18, 1999 Location: Kokomo, Indiana USA Posts: 676	Shouldn't we discuss the pros and cons of 38 vs 357 for home defense?? .. I don't want to start anything but I think 357 mag is not suitable for home defense. The muzzle blast is just too intense. I touched off a 357 in a tack room in a barn to shoot a rabid critter, big mistake. A shooter can't recover fast enough from the bast and concussion in an enclosed enviroment to take control of the gun and the situation and get a rapid second shot off. If you miss the first time with a 357 mag in a defensive situation you could be screwed. Then there is the penetration factor. I recommend non plus P Federal 125 grain Nyclads in 38 special for home defense.

September 18, 2000, 09:50 PM	#6
tyro Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2000 Posts: 404	Patrick, I very much welcome your recommendation. I am still very much a novice, having just bought my first handgun, and I am eager to learn all I should know for HD purposes. I will start a new thread, since your post raises a different question. [This message has been edited by tyro (edited September 18, 2000).]