4 LD Gel tests with .357 magnum 145 gr Silvertips??

[LOBO]

Does anyone know of any 4 LD Gel tests with the .357 magnum using 145 gr Silvertips??

[tpd223]

No, but Winchester reports velocity of 1290fps from a 4" S&W 686 and penetration of 16.4" and .58 expansion in the heavy clothing test.

Looking at the numbers across the board from Winchester's testing to the FBI spec this shows to be a decent all around load for a 4" .357mag

[DocGKR]

The 145 gr Silvertips were probably the best of the late 1980's/early 1990's loads in .357 Mag.

[Wayne Dobbs]

The 145 gr Silvertips were probably the best of the late 1980's/early 1990's loads in .357 Mag.

I know of literally dozens of successful uses of the load by Dallas PD in OIS incidents. I've also killed several Texas whitetails with it from a 4" Model 19 and the performance was excellent.

[LOBO]

The 145 gr Silvertips were probably the best of the late 1980's/early 1990's loads in .357 Mag.

What load would you recommend now? Stick with the Silvertips, or go to Corbons 125 gr DPX or Federals 140 gr DPX?

[ack495]

What load would you recommend now? Stick with the Silvertips, or go to Corbons 125 gr DPX or Federals 140 gr DPX?

Definitely have interest in this as well. Not sure what gun your using, but I just acquired a Ruger LCR .357 mag for my BUG on duty. Can't find any Silvertips anywhere. But the Corbon 125gr DPX and Barnes/Federal 140gr XPB, as well as Remington golden saber 125gr, are available.

Doc, I know that you recommend .38+p over .357's in a snub, but even over loads like the ones listed above?? These are marketed, along with Buffalo Bore's low flash tactical short barrel loads, as med velocity, moderate recoil loads. Surely there should be some increase in performance over .38+p?

I was particularly interested in the BB's short barrel loads for the .357 vs heavy clothing, so I emailed them. The reply I got from Tim Sundles:

"Our 140gr. Tactical load will normally penetrate 13 to 15 inches in bare gel with 4 layers of denim, our 125gr. load will penetrate on average one inch less and our 125gr. Buffalo Barnes does what that X type (all copper) Barnes bullet does and out penetrates the 140gr. version by about 2 inches, even though it is light weight."

Tim

Based on that, the Corbon or BB DPX 125gr, as well as their 140gr JHP, might ideal.

[DJK]

Midway has 145gr Silvertips in stock. Very pricey!!

[KCabbage]

I was in this same boat awhile back and chose the .38 DPX. This load provides adequate penetration with very low recoil. Penetration through windshield is on the low side but considering this is a bedroom weapon for my other half when i'm gone windshield performance doesn't bother me in the least.

Greater penetration is the only benefit you will gain from choosing a more powerful round.

[ack495]

Midway has 145gr Silvertips in stock. Very pricey!!

Only if Midway shipped to MA. Sucks for me.

[Fail-Safe]

The problem with Buffalo Bore is they dont display their bullet testing. Kinda like Double Tap. It will take independant testing, done under proper protocols for me to buy into anything they claim.