Need source for .357mag 180gr JSPs

[DigMe]

I know some of you saw my thread about my new Ruger Blackhawk .357 mag and a couple of you recommended 180gr loads for hunting feral hogs.

Well, I've looked around locally and haven't been able to find anything larger than 158gr. Does anyone know a good online/mail order source for 170 to 180 grain jacketed soft point .357 ammo? Thanks!

brad cook

 

[Secmat]

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=92038

 

[Jim March]

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357

For hogs, you want hardcast, so I recommend their 180. The 170 and 180 shown there are the most thermonuclear stuff you can find .

The Cor-Bon 200 is the other good hardcast choice, and will be milder than those above by a hair.

But again: you have a good strong 357 on your hands, you can push it.

 

[Shootcraps]

I think Jim is right. From what I've read, those hogs have a thick hide and lots of bone and grisle underneath that you have to punch through.

 

[DigMe]

The buffalobore stuff seems kinda gimmicky and expensive. I'd feel fine using something from one of the mainstream manufacturers and I'm comfortable using non-nuclear loads. I've never hunted with a .357 mag but I've hunted hogs for a while and I feel like a normal load will be sufficient. I'm thinking of getting some of the 180gr Federal Castcore loads.


brad cook

edit: Although I just noticed that the sportsmansguide page also has Speer 170gr GDSP for a good price. Anyone have hunting experience with those?

 

[critter]

Brad,
I would try midway also. I think they have a web site (midwayusa.com or some such).

I killed a hog last fall (about 145#) with a .357 (Ruger GP 100 4") and a 180 gr Hornady XTP over a generous dose of Blue Dot powder. Shot it between the ear and eye on one side of the head. Found the WELL expanded bullet on the other side just under the skin of the neck. They will work. Shoot straight and get close!

Good luck.

 

[Jim March]

Here's why you run hardcast as hot as you can get...in case you run into:

More here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=758901

 

[DigMe]

Sheesh...that just makes me want to keep hunting with my 12 gauge loaded with 000 magnums.

brad cook

 

[Rangie]

From Buffalo Bore

3 inch S&W J frame

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1302 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr. JHC (jacketed hollow cavity) = 1299 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Gold Dot = 1398 fps
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Gold Dot = 1476 fps

Testing must have been fun !!

 

[DigMe]

I just ordered a box of Federal 180gr. premium castcores from www.sportsmandsguide.com. Thanks for the source, secmat (even though your link is busted!) 180 gr at 1250 fps and 625 ft-lbs doesn't sound bad at all. If I get any piggies with these I'll post pics here. I'll be making progress though as I didn't even see any the last time I was out there. It's been raining though so that tends to bring them out more. It's amazing how they can tear up a field in one night but I won't see one the whole weekend. Next time I'm going out there is Feb 21.

Thanks for all the suggestions ya'll.

brad cook

 

[mtnbkr]

180 gr at 1250 fps and 625 ft-lbs doesn't sound bad at all

They're not going to do that out of your Blackhawk. That's the specs from a 10" pressure barrel. I've shot that load before. It's stout, but not nearly as stout as my 180gr handloads (1200fps chrono'd out of a 4" barrel). The Buffalo Bore would be my choice if I didn't handload and I had the money.

Actually, with a cast bullet, I've hit 1400fps, but that's too much of a good thing

Chris