180 gr Castcore and 2.75" barreled .357

Southern Shooter · September 14, 2007, 08:14 AM

I have a .357 Ruger Speed-six with a 2.75" barrel. It is my woods gun for protection. I live in the central portion of Louisiana so the most likely critters that I might have issues with are wild hogs, aligators, coyotes and ferrel dogs. I have been carrying 158 grain American Eagle flat-nose soft points. I was recently given a box of Federal Vital-shok 180 grain Castcore rounds. The velocity on these rounds is 1060 fps at the muzzle with 449 foot pounds of energy from a 4" test barrel. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...&bulletwgt=180

I am guessing that with my short-barreled .357 that muzzle velocity drops to somewhere around 975 fps...I have no clue what the foot pounds of energy would be.

Question: Am I wasting these particular rounds in this short-barreled revolver for the purpose woods protection? Would I be better off sticking with something else to fulfill this role? How large a creature would this combination of Federal Vital-shok 180 grain Castcore and 2.75" barreled .357 put down out to 20 yards? Any input would be appreciated.

slow944 · September 14, 2007, 11:18 AM

I have the Security-Six in the 2.75 and I think that you would loose only about 50-75fps/inch. Have you tried shooting the 180's in the gun to see how you react to that heavy of a load. I'm sure if you and the SS can handle the load then it should make one heck of a woods gun. If that big bullet doesn't do the job then the 4' of fire coming from that short barrel should BBQ'em for you.

jrothWA · September 17, 2007, 11:17 PM

Sierra ballistic tech's, they should be able to get a reliable drop as a percentage.

Maybe contact Ruger to see if 4" barrels still available??

Southern Shooter · September 18, 2007, 08:17 AM

Out of curiousity...As I mentioned earlier in my opening entry...Most of the time I carry American Eagle 158 grain JSP which out of a 4" barrel is pushing 1240 fps with 539 fpe. Out of my shorter barrel, I am again guessing, that velocity would drop to about 1170-1190 fps. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...firearm=2&s1=1

How large of a critter would ya'll feel comfortable confronting with that combination? What kind of damage with this do?

slow944 · September 25, 2007, 11:28 AM

357's are really good for light skinned animals. Yes I know people have killed lots of game with a .22, but I don't recommend it. As fas as WT deer, hogs, varmints the 357 will do the job if you can do your part. That means practicing with you 357 until you can keep all 5/6rds in an 8" circle at 50yds. Until you can do that, then I wouldn't try hunting with it. If your looking for something for SD in the woods I'd go with a longer barrel and maybe a larger caliber.

September 14, 2007, 08:14 AM	#1
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	180 gr Castcore and 2.75" barreled .357 I have a .357 Ruger Speed-six with a 2.75" barrel. It is my woods gun for protection. I live in the central portion of Louisiana so the most likely critters that I might have issues with are wild hogs, aligators, coyotes and ferrel dogs. I have been carrying 158 grain American Eagle flat-nose soft points. I was recently given a box of Federal Vital-shok 180 grain Castcore rounds. The velocity on these rounds is 1060 fps at the muzzle with 449 foot pounds of energy from a 4" test barrel. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...&bulletwgt=180 I am guessing that with my short-barreled .357 that muzzle velocity drops to somewhere around 975 fps...I have no clue what the foot pounds of energy would be. Question: Am I wasting these particular rounds in this short-barreled revolver for the purpose woods protection? Would I be better off sticking with something else to fulfill this role? How large a creature would this combination of Federal Vital-shok 180 grain Castcore and 2.75" barreled .357 put down out to 20 yards? Any input would be appreciated. __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

September 14, 2007, 11:18 AM	#2
slow944 Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2006 Location: DFW,TX Posts: 406	I have the Security-Six in the 2.75 and I think that you would loose only about 50-75fps/inch. Have you tried shooting the 180's in the gun to see how you react to that heavy of a load. I'm sure if you and the SS can handle the load then it should make one heck of a woods gun. If that big bullet doesn't do the job then the 4' of fire coming from that short barrel should BBQ'em for you. __________________ I Have A 45 And A Shovel. Don't Mess With Texas! DFW,TX.

September 17, 2007, 11:17 PM	#3
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	Contact the ... Sierra ballistic tech's, they should be able to get a reliable drop as a percentage. Maybe contact Ruger to see if 4" barrels still available??

September 18, 2007, 08:17 AM	#4
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	American Eagle 158 grain JSP Out of curiousity...As I mentioned earlier in my opening entry...Most of the time I carry American Eagle 158 grain JSP which out of a 4" barrel is pushing 1240 fps with 539 fpe. Out of my shorter barrel, I am again guessing, that velocity would drop to about 1170-1190 fps. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...firearm=2&s1=1 How large of a critter would ya'll feel comfortable confronting with that combination? What kind of damage with this do? __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

September 25, 2007, 11:28 AM	#5
slow944 Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2006 Location: DFW,TX Posts: 406	357's are really good for light skinned animals. Yes I know people have killed lots of game with a .22, but I don't recommend it. As fas as WT deer, hogs, varmints the 357 will do the job if you can do your part. That means practicing with you 357 until you can keep all 5/6rds in an 8" circle at 50yds. Until you can do that, then I wouldn't try hunting with it. If your looking for something for SD in the woods I'd go with a longer barrel and maybe a larger caliber. __________________ I Have A 45 And A Shovel. Don't Mess With Texas! DFW,TX.