Best current defensive loads for 4" .357 magnum?

**Charging Handle** · 11-20-10, 15:28

Well, I thought I had finally gotten out of the revolver business. But I recently picked up a nice S&W 686 with a sweet trigger that I just couldn't pass up. So now I'm in the market for some good performing ammunition for it. That said, being out of the revolver world for a few years, I'm not all that up to date on what's currently available and what performs well or poorly.

I'm aware that the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr + P .38 Special short barrel load works really well from snubbies. This is the ammo I've provided to my mom for use in her S&W Model 66 with 2.5" barrel. It is very mild from this gun and all the data out there seems to suggest it performs.

That said, what are the top performers in the .357 ammo line these days? I'm not a big ft. lbs of energy guy, so the load doesn't need to be hyper fast. A milder .357 that reliably penetrates 12" or more and offers robust expansion is to me a better option than one moving at 1400 fps that fragments, penetrates shallowly, sheds its jacket, etc.

Looking around online, I'm seeing a variety of new .357 offerings that have come on the market since I last owned a gun in this caliber. There's the Hornady 125 gr Critical Defense, Corbon 125 gr DPX, Federal 140 gr Barnes Expander, among others. Is there any tests available on these loads?

**147 Grain** · 11-20-10, 15:58

A lot of experienced LE folks are enticed by the Barnes XPB Tactical Expander Copper Bullets. Copper bullets are lighter in nature (by volume) compared to jacketed HP's and 357 Mag. in 125-gr. or 140-gr. is a good size for this caliber. In comparison, the 38 Special usually gets the lighter Barnes 110-gr. version. Recommend either bullet weight from the following manufactures:

* Federal: 140-gr. Barnes Expander (P357XB1)
* Corbon: 125-gr. DPX (DPX357125-20)

**M193 BALL** · 11-22-10, 00:01

Ive had good luck with SJHP 125gr

I shot a 8 point IN WT Buck with a single shot

357magnum
Federal 125 & Remington 125 are some good loads

I also like 158 gr SWC HP

Also most factory 357mag ammo is down loaded in my book

under 1500FPS in a 4inch barrel

I do like shooting 357 full power Handloads in a L frame

**snackgunner** · 09-20-11, 17:06

Bump

Someone correct me if Im wrong, but I didnt see any stickied threads in this forum on .357 magnum loads.

Was hoping I could get more opinions on the best .357 magnum defensive loads for a 4" revolver.

**Zhukov** · 09-20-11, 21:33

Doesn't Federal load a Barnes DPX in one of their hunting loads? That would be my choice.

**Jake'sDad** · 09-21-11, 02:40

Speer loads the Gold Dot in several different varieties and bullet weights, from 125 grain to 170 grain. It's a bonded construction, and has a good reputation.

**Jake'sDad** · 09-21-11, 02:46

Originally Posted by Zhukov

Doesn't Federal load a Barnes DPX in one of their hunting loads? That would be my choice.

I don't think so. Their only hunting .357 is a 180 grain lead Castcore. But Corbon loads the DPX in .357.

**tpd223** · 09-21-11, 12:56

Originally Posted by Jake'sDad

I don't think so. Their only hunting .357 is a 180 grain lead Castcore. But Corbon loads the DPX in .357.

You are incorrect sir.

http://www.federalpremium.com/produc...un.aspx?id=601

I believe this would be an outstanding choice for this caliber/gun combination.

FWIW, many of the old school standard JHPs tested well in the .357mag

http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/357magnum.htm