357 Magnum Ballistics Gel Results

[Moparman485]

Hello all! Below are all of my results for the 357 Magnum. Please see the associated card to see the ammo type, velocity, firearm, and penetration information. Please feel free to also add any results you may have had, as this could possibly turn into a library of sorts with multiple contributors to help people pick which ammo to stock up on, and what ammo is all hype. In the case of non-factory ammunition that is tested, please bear in mind that you only use the listed load data at your own risk. Safe in my guns does not mean safe in yours. I am also open to testing any ammunition that you may have (factory or non) but if it is non-factory, I will need a breakdown of your load data/process before I pull the trigger on it. If you have an interest in that, PM me and we can discuss. If nothing else, please enjoy the results, they were certainly fun getting!

Gel data: 20% ballistic gel made from Knox unflavored gelatin (and for the money minded, great value unflavored gelatin powder also works fine), and a few drops of cinnamon oil to help keep mold down and prolong the life of the gel (plus cover the wet dog smell of the melting gel).

Also, I don’t pretend to think that this method is the best, most scientific, or even preferred method, but it felt a bit wasteful to just hold onto the data without sharing it with others. So here it is! Enjoy

 

[Moparman485]

180gr Hornady XTP

 

[Moparman485]

Unknown 158gr JHP

 

[Moparman485]

158gr Speer Deep Curl

 

[Moparman485]

140gr Barnes XPB

 

[Flinchin83]

That 180 grain XTP is impressive out of the GP100. I've been thinking of using that grain to deer hunt with my 6 inch model 19. Good to see how much it will expand.

 

[scott024]

Pretty tame loads. I would have expected 1300-1400 fps velocity out of the revolver for a magnum load.

 

[Moparman485]

Pretty tame loads. I would have expected 1300-1400 fps velocity out of the revolver for a magnum load.

The 180 load is actually above book max. The reported/estimated numbers in most loading books are grossly over stated and based on 10+ inch barrels. My numbers reflect the actual results from the loads in the specific gun tested.

 

[Moparman485]

Pretty tame loads. I would have expected 1300-1400 fps velocity out of the revolver for a magnum load.

With 125 grain loads 1300-1400 is easily standard, but with the 140, 158, and 180gr loads, it’s not particularly feasible and becomes downright painful and dangerous to shoot at times.

 

[Legendary350]

Hello all! Below are all of my results for the 357 Magnum. Please see the associated card to see the ammo type, velocity, firearm, and penetration information. Please feel free to also add any results you may have had, as this could possibly turn into a library of sorts with multiple contributors to help people pick which ammo to stock up on, and what ammo is all hype. In the case of non-factory ammunition that is tested, please bear in mind that you only use the listed load data at your own risk. Safe in my guns does not mean safe in yours. I am also open to testing any ammunition that you may have (factory or non) but if it is non-factory, I will need a breakdown of your load data/process before I pull the trigger on it. If you have an interest in that, PM me and we can discuss. If nothing else, please enjoy the results, they were certainly fun getting!

Gel data: 20% ballistic gel made from Knox unflavored gelatin (and for the money minded, great value unflavored gelatin powder also works fine), and a few drops of cinnamon oil to help keep mold down and prolong the life of the gel (plus cover the wet dog smell of the melting gel).

Also, I don’t pretend to think that this method is the best, most scientific, or even preferred method, but it felt a bit wasteful to just hold onto the data without sharing it with others. So here it is! Enjoy

I remember the original ads for the .357. 158 LSWC at 1,510 fps. out of an 8-3/4" barrel. Almost 90 years later we need a carbine to match those ballistics. Wonder what the pressures were in the original loading.