Best .357 magnum ammo for range

KLCane · February 17, 2018, 10:08 PM

I am a firearms beginner and brand new to the board. I have a Ruger gp100. Looking for good range ammo. I want something that will slide cases out of the cylinder without having to pick each one out one-by-one after shooting.

Thanks.

Cheapshooter · February 17, 2018, 10:20 PM

You can shoot 38 Special in your 357 Magnum revolver. But good cleaning of the chambers is important in order to remove a carbon ring that could make chambering 357 magnum rounds.
The outside physical difference in 38 Spcl. and 357 Magnum is that the magnum round is 1/10" longer so they can't be used in a 38 Spcl. chambered gun.
That leaves a small gap that fouling can build up in.
You shouldn't have to pick each case out of a GP100. It has a swing out cylinder, and ejector rod that pushes a "star" holding the case rims out of the cylinder.

lamarw · February 17, 2018, 10:57 PM

Agree with Cheapshooter. What are you shooting now causing you to have to pluck the fired brass out of the chambers? There is something definatley amiss. How do you clean your revolver and how often?

KLCane · February 17, 2018, 11:11 PM

I have only fired about 200 rounds on it. Haven't cleaned it yet. I'm going to clean it before taking it to the range this week.

Any opinions on the best range ammo for 357 mag??

BigJimP · February 17, 2018, 11:54 PM

I suggest you stay with a 158gr bullet...and in retail ammo in this caliber I would recommend Magtech 158gr JSP......./ ...quite a few guys that I know that don't reload are happy with it. You might also try Win or Federal.....

Stay away from lighter weight bullets...125gr, etc....a lot of that is pretty hot and might cause some issues.

amd6547 · February 18, 2018, 10:26 AM

One load my 3” GP100 likes a lot is the American Eagle 158gn jacketed soft point. Very accurate, easy shooting load that hits the steel plates my club has pretty hard.

Cheapshooter · February 18, 2018, 10:41 AM

Quote:

What are you shooting now causing you to have to pluck the fired brass out of the chambers? There is something definatley amiss.

Yes, as mentioned earlier why are you taking each individual case out. Is there a problem with the ejector rod or star? Is this a new gun, or used? If you can't eject the spent cases in the normal way there very well may be a problem with the gun, not the ammo. What ammo were you shooting?

lamarw · February 18, 2018, 12:20 PM

Yes, what ammo is sticking in the chamber? I ask that question earlier. We need clarity in order to help you.

Always properly clean your gun before shooting it for the first time even if it looks clean.

Is this a new or used revolver? If used has a gunsmith examined the gun? (unless you feel qualified to do so)

T. O'Heir · February 18, 2018, 12:26 PM

If you're not reloading, you'll have to try a box of as many brands and bullet weights as you can to find the ammo your GP shoots best. The price of it means nothing.
However, as mentioned, if having to pick each one out, you're either not familiar with how the thing works or something else is wrong. All six empties should come out easily when you push the ejector rod.
Read the manual.
http://stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_gp100.pdf

Cheapshooter · February 18, 2018, 01:33 PM

Quote:

I want something that will slide cases out of the cylinder without having to pick each one out one-by-one after shooting.

Watch the entire video. But most pertinent to your question is at about 3:12 to 3:28.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...CF61&FORM=VIRE
Please do not be offended, but if you did not know this you really need to take some basic handgun classes.
If you do know the operation of the ejector rod and star, and are having to pick spent cases out one at a time there is a problem with the gun. Or a potential very hazardous problem with the ammo you are using.
The ammo by chance isn't some gun show ziplock bag reloads, or a friends hot handloads are they?

KLCane · February 18, 2018, 01:44 PM

Thanks for responses. The ejector works fine, but I've noticed certain ammo sticks more than others. I'm going to give it a good cleaning and take some of your advice for the ammo I use. Thanks!

gwpercle · February 19, 2018, 05:05 PM

Clean your gun after every range trip....at least pull a bore snake with clp on it through cylinders and barrel. Wipe it down with CLP and a rag . Don't let the crud build up ...the harder it will be to remove later .

357 magnum loads are high pressure, high pressure loads grip the cylinder walls harder....dirty cylinder walls grip even harder , that's why you get hard extraction.

Shoot some target or low velocity 38 special loads, less pressure = easy extraction.
Clean the cylinders after firing 38 specials...every time. Build up will hinder 357 magnum chambering and extraction.

Gary

bn12gg · February 19, 2018, 07:50 PM

..."firearms beginner"... Just a thought but why not start out with a nice .22 ?

.02. David.

WyMark · February 19, 2018, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Any opinions on the best range ammo for 357 mag??

Mostly I have 158g .38 and .357 reman from Freedom. Looks like it's mostly all sold out right now though.

https://www.freedommunitions.com/amm...html?limit=all

warnerwh · February 19, 2018, 09:18 PM

What was mentioned regarding purchasing a .22 is a very good idea for a number of reasons. Shooting a hundgun well takes a lot of practice, much more than a rifle. The ammo is only about $25.00 for 500 rounds or about a nickel a round. Even remanufactured .38 Special ammo is not cheap unless you reload. It is easier/faster to get good with a .22 than a .357 or even .38 Special because there is very little blast and recoil.
To me as well as a lot of people who have been shooting for decades a .22 is a very fun gun to use.
I keep a .22 not so much for cost savings, I reload, but because I enjoy shooting something with little recoil and blast. A full power .357 load can be tiring if you try to shoot say 250-300 rounds at a sitting which is easy with a .22. Best wishes on your new hobby.

Cheapshooter · February 19, 2018, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Best .357 magnum ammo for range

simple answer...Any standard pressure 38 Special.
Unless you just enjoy the recoul, and extra cost of magnum ammunition.
If it is just range plinking, other than the boom factor why bother with the full house mahnums.

Bill DeShivs · February 19, 2018, 10:00 PM

148 grain .38 special target wadcutters.

Cheapshooter · February 19, 2018, 10:15 PM

Quote:

148 grain .38 special target wadcutters.

There those planets go again, all lining up as in a rare, and mystical occurance!

DWFan · February 20, 2018, 05:39 AM

https://www.midwayusa.com/357-magnum/br?cid=21700

Real Gun · February 20, 2018, 08:32 AM

I clean my guns every time back home from the range. I also have brushes in my gear if a gun gets dirty and balks while shooting. Can't help on the ammo, because my solution for all my magnums was to reload my own for something that I would call fun for more than a few rounds. I shoot what is stamped on the barrel, so all my .357 gun shooting is with .357 cases. I have 38 Special guns if that is what I want to shoot.

Jim Watson · February 20, 2018, 11:38 AM

If you want Magnum Power, a friend got amazing accuracy from WWB 110 gr .357s. Random Rested 1.5" at 50 yards.

SIGSHR · February 20, 2018, 03:24 PM

Yes, if you are not an experienced shooter the 38 WC is the next best thing to the 22LR.

bamaranger · February 21, 2018, 02:41 AM

Another vote for .38's at the range, especially if you are indoors, and more so if you are a beginner as you advise. You need to be familiar with magnum ammo if that is what you carry. But all up .357, indoors, even with modern ranges and ear protection,is just too loud for me to be enjoyable.

A 158 LRN is easy to load. Likely 148 WC is the mildest shooting. Get used to h ot mag ammo later on and certainly outdoors.

KLCane · February 22, 2018, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bn12gg

..."firearms beginner"... Just a thought but why not start out with a nice .22 ?

.02. David.

I actually have a 9 mm Springfield XD. Great little gun. I wanted to get a high quality revolver as well (Ruger gp100). I think I am going to move to .38 specials for a while to get used to them before shooting any more .357 mags.

Sudo · February 24, 2018, 08:56 AM

When I want to practice with 357 Magnum, I buy CCI Blazer 158gr JHP ammo.

The Aluminum case 357 version is quite mild as far as 357 Magnum is concerned.

The Brass case version is hotter -- about mid range for a 357 load.

No particular research went into this choice. A LGS had them really cheap at one point and I stocked up.

I use them mostly in my LCR 357 and a 3" Model 60 S&W.

February 17, 2018, 10:08 PM	#1
KLCane Member Join Date: February 16, 2018 Posts: 43	Best .357 magnum ammo for range I am a firearms beginner and brand new to the board. I have a Ruger gp100. Looking for good range ammo. I want something that will slide cases out of the cylinder without having to pick each one out one-by-one after shooting. Thanks.

February 17, 2018, 10:20 PM	#2
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	You can shoot 38 Special in your 357 Magnum revolver. But good cleaning of the chambers is important in order to remove a carbon ring that could make chambering 357 magnum rounds. The outside physical difference in 38 Spcl. and 357 Magnum is that the magnum round is 1/10" longer so they can't be used in a 38 Spcl. chambered gun. That leaves a small gap that fouling can build up in. You shouldn't have to pick each case out of a GP100. It has a swing out cylinder, and ejector rod that pushes a "star" holding the case rims out of the cylinder. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

February 18, 2018, 10:26 AM	#6
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	One load my 3” GP100 likes a lot is the American Eagle 158gn jacketed soft point. Very accurate, easy shooting load that hits the steel plates my club has pretty hard. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

February 18, 2018, 12:26 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	If you're not reloading, you'll have to try a box of as many brands and bullet weights as you can to find the ammo your GP shoots best. The price of it means nothing. However, as mentioned, if having to pick each one out, you're either not familiar with how the thing works or something else is wrong. All six empties should come out easily when you push the ejector rod. Read the manual. http://stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_gp100.pdf __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 19, 2018, 09:18 PM	#15
warnerwh Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2009 Posts: 329	What was mentioned regarding purchasing a .22 is a very good idea for a number of reasons. Shooting a hundgun well takes a lot of practice, much more than a rifle. The ammo is only about $25.00 for 500 rounds or about a nickel a round. Even remanufactured .38 Special ammo is not cheap unless you reload. It is easier/faster to get good with a .22 than a .357 or even .38 Special because there is very little blast and recoil. To me as well as a lot of people who have been shooting for decades a .22 is a very fun gun to use. I keep a .22 not so much for cost savings, I reload, but because I enjoy shooting something with little recoil and blast. A full power .357 load can be tiring if you try to shoot say 250-300 rounds at a sitting which is easy with a .22. Best wishes on your new hobby. __________________ Portland, Or

February 17, 2018, 10:57 PM	#3
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Agree with Cheapshooter. What are you shooting now causing you to have to pluck the fired brass out of the chambers? There is something definatley amiss. How do you clean your revolver and how often?

February 17, 2018, 11:11 PM	#4
KLCane Member Join Date: February 16, 2018 Posts: 43	I have only fired about 200 rounds on it. Haven't cleaned it yet. I'm going to clean it before taking it to the range this week. Any opinions on the best range ammo for 357 mag??

February 17, 2018, 11:54 PM	#5
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I suggest you stay with a 158gr bullet...and in retail ammo in this caliber I would recommend Magtech 158gr JSP......./ ...quite a few guys that I know that don't reload are happy with it. You might also try Win or Federal..... Stay away from lighter weight bullets...125gr, etc....a lot of that is pretty hot and might cause some issues.

February 18, 2018, 12:20 PM	#8
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Yes, what ammo is sticking in the chamber? I ask that question earlier. We need clarity in order to help you. Always properly clean your gun before shooting it for the first time even if it looks clean. Is this a new or used revolver? If used has a gunsmith examined the gun? (unless you feel qualified to do so)

February 18, 2018, 01:44 PM	#11
KLCane Member Join Date: February 16, 2018 Posts: 43	Thanks for responses. The ejector works fine, but I've noticed certain ammo sticks more than others. I'm going to give it a good cleaning and take some of your advice for the ammo I use. Thanks!

February 19, 2018, 05:05 PM	#12
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,748	Clean your gun after every range trip....at least pull a bore snake with clp on it through cylinders and barrel. Wipe it down with CLP and a rag . Don't let the crud build up ...the harder it will be to remove later . 357 magnum loads are high pressure, high pressure loads grip the cylinder walls harder....dirty cylinder walls grip even harder , that's why you get hard extraction. Shoot some target or low velocity 38 special loads, less pressure = easy extraction. Clean the cylinders after firing 38 specials...every time. Build up will hinder 357 magnum chambering and extraction. Gary

February 19, 2018, 07:50 PM	#13
bn12gg Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Winter Park, Florida Posts: 470	..."firearms beginner"... Just a thought but why not start out with a nice .22 ? .02. David.

February 19, 2018, 10:00 PM	#17
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,979	148 grain .38 special target wadcutters. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 20, 2018, 05:39 AM	#19
DWFan Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Posts: 305	https://www.midwayusa.com/357-magnum/br?cid=21700

February 20, 2018, 08:32 AM	#20
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	I clean my guns every time back home from the range. I also have brushes in my gear if a gun gets dirty and balks while shooting. Can't help on the ammo, because my solution for all my magnums was to reload my own for something that I would call fun for more than a few rounds. I shoot what is stamped on the barrel, so all my .357 gun shooting is with .357 cases. I have 38 Special guns if that is what I want to shoot. __________________ Not an expert, just a reporter.

February 20, 2018, 11:38 AM	#21
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,530	If you want Magnum Power, a friend got amazing accuracy from WWB 110 gr .357s. Random Rested 1.5" at 50 yards.

February 20, 2018, 03:24 PM	#22
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Yes, if you are not an experienced shooter the 38 WC is the next best thing to the 22LR.

February 21, 2018, 02:41 AM	#23
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,295	.38 spl Another vote for .38's at the range, especially if you are indoors, and more so if you are a beginner as you advise. You need to be familiar with magnum ammo if that is what you carry. But all up .357, indoors, even with modern ranges and ear protection,is just too loud for me to be enjoyable. A 158 LRN is easy to load. Likely 148 WC is the mildest shooting. Get used to h ot mag ammo later on and certainly outdoors.

February 24, 2018, 08:56 AM	#25
Sudo Member Join Date: March 5, 2017 Posts: 37	When I want to practice with 357 Magnum, I buy CCI Blazer 158gr JHP ammo. The Aluminum case 357 version is quite mild as far as 357 Magnum is concerned. The Brass case version is hotter -- about mid range for a 357 load. No particular research went into this choice. A LGS had them really cheap at one point and I stocked up. I use them mostly in my LCR 357 and a 3" Model 60 S&W.

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