Perceived recoil question (BB in GP100)

[Warp]

I plan to get a 4" stainless GP100 for my birthday next month. I had never fired one (or any .357) so I rented one while I was at the range today. I fired Winchster's .38 FBI load (X38SPD), Buffalo Bore's .38 +P 158 LSWC-HC, Remington 125gr .357 JSP and PMC 158gr .357 JSP. I also took my 642 and fired the X38SPD plus 10 of the Buffalo Bore +P 158 (ouch!).

My question is, using the above reference points, what would the recoil of a full house Buffalo Bore .357 feel like through a 4" GP100?

I am hoping the answer is somewhere between the off-the-shelf .357s out of GP and the BB +P out of the 642. That was just brutal...makes me consider upgrading to some aftermarket grips. It also makes me wonder if ordering up 60 rounds of the buffalo bore 158gr .357 is a good idea, or if I should consider a box of the lower recoil variety. I kind of wish I had picked up a box of the lower recoil 158 for the 642 instead of 60 rounds of the +P

 

[TexAg]

I've shot Cor-Bon 200 grain and Grizzly 180 through my 6" GP and recoil is way less than shooting almost anything through a j frame.

 

[psyshack]

It should recoil like a stick of melting butter in your hand. REALLY

I have no recoil issues at all with my 4" 686P or the wifes 60 pro.

Have fun with your new tool.

 

[Nutbustd]

I would not give it a second thought. I use a GP100 in 6" and even with "hot" reloads it has very good recoil control. Full lug barrel really helps Go buy and enjoy. Next stop will be a .44!!

 

[Warp]

 

[TexAg]

My only question is: Are you going to use those BB 158s for self/home defense or hunting/animal defense? If for self defense, I hope you live in the boonies, because those rounds are probably a bit too much and will likely overpenetrate. Perfect for deer or hogs though.

 

[Warp]

My only question is: Are you going to use those BB 158s for self/home defense or hunting/animal defense? If for self defense, I hope you live in the boonies, because those rounds are probably a bit too much and will likely overpenetrate. Perfect for deer or hogs though.

Not in the boonies. Given the velocity I wonder if they wouldn't penetrate less than most other 158s. I've read quite a bit and realize there are two basic camps...125 and 158. I am more than willing to give up some expansion in order to assure that a lack of penetration is not going to be a problem. Shot placement is king, penetration is queen and all that. Plus I intend to opt for the .357 as the carry gun of choice when spending a lot of time driving/around vehicles/traveling. We drive all the way up to around Lake Michigan semi regularly and the penetration of a heavy .357 would be nice for potential vehicle situations...plus we travel through a lot of the 'boonies' along the way and my parents house is kind of out in the country.

I haven't committed to anything yet though.

 

[TexAg]

True, some rounds do penetrate less when velocities are driven higher, but I'm not sure I'd count on that out of a fairly good penetrator like the .357. Personally I'd opt for the 125s. I sometimes carry my 6" GP hunting, but often will have it loaded with some fast and light (115-125) in the car and then with a speedloader switch to a heavy hardcast when I'm in deer camp.

 

[Warp]

What blows my mind is that the BB 158gr .357 JHC is more than double the energy of the 158 +P LSWC-HC. That .38 was hot, not far off the .357 mag I fired today...but they only list 351 ft lbs where the 158 .357 is mid 700s and the 125 is up at 800 ft lbs. That's just freaking insane.

 

[Smaug]

It will kick just as hard as the +P out of the little gun, but since the gun weighs a lot more, it will not be quite as quick or painful or hard to hold onto.

You'll be fine.

A heavy 38+P load in a J-frame revolver is about like a full house 240 gr. 44 Magnum out of a 7.5" Redhawk, IMO.

It is powerful, but not painful or unmanagable. This is why so many folks like .357 Magnum as an all-around revolver caliber.

 

[horsearcherwannabe]

+1 on the above.

One thing I would recomend though. Get some hot 357 loads. Put six of them through the 4 inch gp 100 and six more through the 6 inch gp 100. See which one you shoot better and feels better in YOUR hand.

I have the six inch. Its a little heavy for hauling aroound all day but it eats recoil and muzzle blast better than the four inch. It also gives me a little more options for effective reloads. Slower powders and bigger bullets. I carry 125 gr golden sabers for "social" work.
and 158 gr JHP for hunting / off road use.

 

[rich642z]

Recoil?,We don't have no stinkin recoil.

 

[Jeb21]

I find that the GP100 is the most comfortable 357 magnum revolver to shoot.