.357 Magnum 140gr. Bullets---

[Prince55]

Anyone ever used the Hornady 140gr. XTP or Sierra 140gr. JHC bullets
in the .357 Magnum ?
Which seems to be the most accurate and give the best penetration ?

Thanks

[crowbeaner]

I've used the Sierras. I load them over 17.5 of WW 296 with magnum primers, or 9.0 of SR 4756 and standard primers. Consider these to be max loads, so work up. Don't reduce the 296 load more than 1 full grain though.

[Loader9]

I'm shooting the Remington 140 HPs and they are loaded with 8.4 grs Unique. The load shoots fabulous in every 357 I've shot it in. I've only chronyed the load out of a specially prepped Python and they were coming out just under 1300'ps. You might consider the Remington bullets. I've had great success with them. Of the XTPs I've used in any magnum case, the bullet is explosive on contact and penetration is not all that great. It would not be a good choice for a self defense load especially in the winter when the perps will be wearing coats. I highly doubt it would go thru a denim jacket. If the choice is either of the above or not at all, I'd pick the Sierras. Another great performing bullet but they cost more than the Remmys and for the same performance.....

[Prince55]

Thanks for the info. I've used 4756 powder and it seems Great for accuracy,
but prone to serious pressure spikes with small increases of sometimes only
.2-.4 tenths of a grain.
I've also used the Remington 158 JHP bullets and they were good.
Seems like the 140 gr are a little harder to find.

Thanks Again.

[saudst]

Hey Prince.

You don't say what your trying to penetrate? 140 gr. is a little light for deer so like the other poster I'll go with perps I guess. I personaly love the XTP design and have tried them in my sons Blackhawk, my .44 mag and out performs the Sierra in my 500 S&W as far as holding together. They have always acted like bonded core bullets for me and is what I use for deer hunting in the 500. I can't see a 140 gr. XTP at 1300 fps failing to penetrate the thickest coat, and most of a perp. Try some and do the test for yourself. I think you'll see they will work great.

[Prince55]

I'm working with a S&W model 65 - 4 inch bbl. and a S&W model 65-3 inch bbl.
The 3 inch shoots point of aim with the 158 gr. bullet at 20-25 yards.
The 4 inch is shooting about 3-4 inches high with the same load so I tried
some Speer 146 gr. HP and the point of impact is about 1 1/2 inches high
at that distance.
Thought the 140 gr. loaded pretty hot would bring it on down.
Don't really want the 125 gr. Might have to try the 135 gr. Speer
Had the trigger worked down to 32 oz. on the 65-3 inch.
Strictly a defense gun. I have others for hunting.


Thanks

[joneb]

I've used 4756 powder and it seems Great for accuracy,
but prone to serious pressure spikes with small increases of sometimes only
.2-.4 tenths of a grain.

I would try a slower powder like AA#9 or 2400 with standard small primers.

[WESHOOT2]

140g Hornady
sized new case
CCI550 / Federal 200 only
19.0g H110
Moderately heavy crimp w/ Redding Profile Crimp Die


Accurate beyond description (if you make it right).
Hypothetically, natch.....