[Smith]

Gentlemen...

While perusing an older Speer manual I ran across both load data for, and a photo of, the .357 mag (rifle load) with a 180g .358 speer spitzer.  I realize that this bullet is probably designed to perform at higher velocities than achievable in the handgun cartridge; that performance on game would be better with a wide meplat bullet.  It does seem that the trajectory would be flattened, if only a little.  I suppose my interest is more academic than practical.

Has anyone played with this combination before, and what were your observations?

At the very least, I would be able to distinguish my rifle loads from my revolver loads more readily.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

Cordially,
Smith

 

[Smith]

Interesting...

I wasn't aware of a 150 grainer in that caliber.  That would make more sense, from a velocity/expansion point of view.  2000 fps is a realistic expectation in that weight category.  I'm currently getting that with 140s.  I'll have to look around.

Cordially,

Smith

 

[Smith]

Great replies...

Being a single-shot rifle, seating depth, and thus OAL, will only be (physically) governed by the throat dimensions, which I have not yet measured.  I assume, based on the published photo, that the available load/pressure data was developed in a load in which the bullet was crimped in the cannelure.  If the throat dimensions prevented me from seating it as prescribed, I would probably abandon the idea.  (Then I would have a WHOLE BOX of unreturnable .35 caliber rifle bullets...which would go to waste unless I purchased... you guessed it... another .35 caliber RIFLE!  My wife would surely understand...She hates to see perfectly good things go to waste.  Yeah.  Uh huh.  Right.)


Thanks again for the input!

Smith