pointed bullets in a pistol?

[Bezoar]

Is there a manual somewhere that discusses reloading pistol ammunition with pointed bullets? I think its still possible to get the 158 grain pointed softpoints from Remington for 35 remington. And last time i checked, 357 and 35 remington used the same bullet diameters.
Just wondering if that pointed softpoint would improve ballistics at all. at least beyond a bit flatter trajectory.

 

[Remo-99]

Most 35 cal rifle bullets run at ~.358
And jacketed pistol bullets are usually ~.357
Not usually a huge concern, but it can bring pressures up quite a bit if using max loadings.
I can't see gaining a real big advantage by the use of pointed bullet at 357mag revolver velocities.
Maybe in 357maximum for long range metallic from a long barreled T/C singleshot, then you may be able to see some benefit.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Would it be possible to size the .358 rifle bullets down to .357?

 

[Remo-99]

Would it be possible to size the .358 rifle bullets down to .357?

yes it would, but I would be more inclined to work up a loading for .358" bullets anyhow. Depending if I had a tight barrel or a loose barrel, by "slugging" it. Since alot of goove diameters for 357mag can be around .3575" anyways. And the reason why .357mag lead bullets are sized to .358" so the bullet will be sized down in the gun's forcing cone to perfectly fit the barrel for a better seal.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Just wondering if that pointed softpoint would improve ballistics at all. at least beyond a bit flatter trajectory.

http://www.handloads.com/calc/

You can have an improved ballistic coefficient with pointed (spitzer) rounds versus roundnose or hollowpoint ammo (even better with boattail). A better BC should give you a flatter trajectory, but I think you will find that the difference is rather minor handgun loadings and distances.

The above link is to a little ballistic calculator that you can use to look at the different effects based on different BCs.

 

[moooose102]

it would depend on the distances you are going to shoot at. if you are going to shoot out around 100 yards, it may be worthwhile, but @ 50 feet, you are wasting your time and energy. most handgun owners do not shoot well enought to practicaly shoot out @ 100 yards. i am certainly not saying you are one of these, but i am. 50 feet is far enough for me. once in a while, i will go out to 100 feet. but i am just not a good enough shot to think i could reliably kill anything at that distance. if i had a scoped revolver, in stead of an autoloader, it may be a different story. but with open sights, no.

 

[Walkalong]

moooose102 is right. You would have to be shooting a really long way to get the benefits, and I would think it would be at least past 100 yards.

 

[RyanM]

Pointed bullets also may be too long. With a revolver, you don't have to worry about feeding at least, but seating a bullet deeper will definitely increase pressure.

 

[~z]

I have loaded 35 Rem bullets in .38 special cases and fired through a 357 Mag revolver. BC was not my interest, all was close range (30-50yds) hog hunting. Just wanted a heavier and more hardy bullet. Worked well, I do not have any data on hand anymore as I have moved back to hardcast lead for that purpose. I was, Like you, curious about it. However, I think I would have needed bigger beasts to prove anything, the lead works just fine for me.
~z

 

[rcmodel]

Did somebody say Pointy .357 ammo?

http://www.ammo-sale.com/proddetail.asp?prod=50595

rcmodel

 

[Galil5.56]

Winchester used to produce a .357 mag "metal piercing" cartridge shown to the right that is rather pointy (photo courtesy of "Casual"):



Left is a KTW "Cop Killer" round. Lyman used to produce an extremely pointed bullet mold for use in 44 mag that would defeat 3/16 steel, and was also very accurate.

 

[~z]

20 bucks for 25, YIKES! Is that what the "common folk" are paying for a "sale" these days? Dang!

PTL&PTA, I'm headed back to the range, the mirage should be about dead by now.
~z