My first handgun, (used) Ruger GP100 .357 with 4" barrel

[norcalAF]

Were you going to use .357 mags for in house self defense? You might rethink that. The muzzle blast and flash from mags in a confined area like a house can be pretty fierce. Maybe some .38 +P's might be better.

Not a bad idea, that's how my revolvers are loaded for my wife. I'll be on the 590A1 if we have to repel boarders.

[TomMcC]

Not a bad idea, that's how my revolvers are loaded for my wife. I'll be on the 590A1 if we have to repel boarders.

Plus if you're going to double action in a defensive situation recoil management becomes quite a bit more difficult with mags...the recoil is something to take into account.

[MWAG19919]

Congratulations! I have to agree on the handloading. Not only will you save a ton of money, but a .38/.357 affords you a TON of choices as far as loads go. I handload for 5 different calibers, and .38/.357 is my favorite by a longshot because of its versatility. Plus you’ll never chase brass

[AndyLate]

Were you going to use .357 mags for in house self defense? You might rethink that. The muzzle blast and flash from mags in a confined area like a house can be pretty fierce. Maybe some .38 +P's might be better.

I would run low recoil 357 over 38 +P. Loud is loud and quality SD ammo uses low flash powder. Low recoil 357 runs usefully faster than 38 +P and makes follow up shots faster/easier than full bore magnums.

I agree though, not a fan of cranking off hot 125 grain .357s inside my house.

P.S. The GP100 is a very good revolver. S&W and Ruger got into a pissing contest in the 1980s and the consumer was the winner.

Andy

[TomMcC]

I would run low recoil 357 over 38 +P. Loud is loud and quality SD ammo uses low flash powder. Low recoil 357 runs usefully faster than 38 +P and makes follow up shots faster/easier than full bore magnums.

I agree though, not a fan of cranking off hot 125 grain .357s inside my house.

P.S. The GP100 is a very good revolver. S&W and Ruger got into a pissing contest in the 1980s and the consumer was the winner.

Andy

Did some looking. Buffalo Bore low recoil .357's came up alot. 125gr at 1200 fps, 140gr at 1150...low flash. Worth a try, but $33 for 25, not real conducive to practicing your double action are they. Definitely reload some similar loads for practice if you can actually score the components.

[AndyLate]

Remington Golden Sabre, Speer Short Barrel, Winchester white box 110 gr HP - there really is no shortage of low recoil 357 rounds. The short barrel 357 ammo is (generally speaking) low flash low recoil by nature. Look for velocity under 1300 fps. My 2 1/2" Ruger SP101 is a pussycat with the 125 gr 357 Golden Sabre or Win White box 110gr ammo.

The low recoil 357 runs about the same velocity as 9mm+P, I bet that's handy for bulletsmiths.

Andy

[Ron3]

Remington Golden Sabre, Speer Short Barrel, Winchester white box 110 gr HP - there really is no shortage of low recoil 357 rounds. The short barrel 357 ammo is (generally speaking) low flash low recoil by nature. Look for velocity under 1300 fps. My 2 1/2" Ruger SP101 is a pussycat with the 125 gr 357 Golden Sabre or Win White box 110gr ammo.

The low recoil 357 runs about the same velocity as 9mm+P, I bet that's handy for bulletsmiths.

Andy

I've used all these and yes.

Also, the 180 gr Federal SJHP performs very well from all barrel lengths and is low-flash / blast, too. Recoil isnt light though.

Also try the Hornady Critical Duty. Great performance in a "managed" load with less recoil and muzzle blast. Flash suppressed powder, too.

But even the mentioned Golden Saber load is very good and splits the difference between. 38 +p and "regular" .357 magnum.