.357 load comparison

[Jinzoningen80]

I've been developing some loads for my S&W 686SSR with a 4" barrel. I'm wondering which of the following loads I should use thinking that I may shoot deer for hunting or black bear for self defense. Which would suit the task better?

Load 1: 158Gr Hornady XTP over 15.7g of H110 at 1100 fps
Load 2: 158Gr Hard-cast LSWC over 14.8g of 2400 at 1300 fps

Load 1 recoils less and makes less smoke but is slower
Load 2 hits like a freight train but is not really designed to expand like the XTP

I forgot to mention that accuracy is equal


what would you use?

[Doodlebugger45]

I guess I'd go for the XTP, although I am typically a fan of hardcast bullets. For deer hunting, a bit of expansion is always a good thing. Black bears are different than grizzlies, so a hard cast isn't necessarily called for.

Actually, if I was going the XTP route, I personally would bump the charge up to at least 16.0 gr. That gives phenomenal accuracy in my .357 and the extra speed would aid in reliable expansion too.

Currently I am working up some loads for the 357 with 180 gr bullets. I think they would be better suited for hunting and bear loads.

[gspman]

Good post.I have been considering similar senario for my 4" gp100.With the 4" barrel i have stuck with 2400 under my 158xtp for now.Been getting good accuracy with 14grns. beleive that 2400 better than h110 in shorter barrel.If i went the 180grn route h110 would be better.So i would vote for a xtp over a load of 2400.Think you would get your velocity back with a expanding bullet.I think that a 357 is caliber handicapped in a way so any expansion is good if you have sufficient penetration.Would be nice to hear from others on how well the xtp golddots and others perform on game.Also thought about a lbt type hard cast with a large meplat in 160grn gas check design.Believe saw at Montana bullets website.Could drive it fast and it would hit hard.GSPman

[GP100man]

Load 2 any day !!! Make a hole first ,then worry `bout the size of the hole second !!!