mokin
Member
I know this performance can be exceeded by a larger diameter case, again necked down to a small projectile, but this has been my answer to the “long range deer hunting revolver” problem. I went through various super magnum cartridges, 460 & 500 S&W, 445SM, 357Max, 357/44 Bobcat (stupid poly carb collars), 256win, 22 Jet, 22 Hornet & K-Hornet… and finally stumbled upon the 357/44 Bain & Davis about 10 years ago. This pursuit was significantly hindered by the non-existence of the right combination of bullet weight and construction for given calibers. But drawing the Speer .358” 180 grain HotCor through a .357” bullet sizing die offers the right mix of short bearing surface, short ogive, while being sufficiently robust to hold together at relatively extremely high impact velocities for a revolver cartridge without being so tough to not expand at relatively low impact velocities for a rifle cartridge.
View attachment 1139963 View attachment 1139966
Over substantial charges of H110, I can get this 180 grain bullet up over 1900fps from a 7.5” Redhawk barrel. I am sourcing parts currently to build a Marlin 1894 in the same, and expect another 300-400fps from a 20” barrel. My objective with this pursuit was to create a revolver truly capable of taking deer out to 250yrds - and my load is hitting harder at 250 than a conventional .357 magnum would with the muzzle pressed against the hide.
Less recoil and a smaller revolver than a 460 S&W X-Frame, and nearly a whole 0.1 higher BC, my B&D is actually meeting and beating the 460 at 250yrds on energy, velocity, sectional density, and trajectory… in a revolver ~30% lighter.
Nice write up. The 357 B & D has been an "academic" interest of mine for a few years. Really, it is more gun than I need, or even want but I'm glad you're having fun with it. I like your solution to bullets that are unsuitable for the velocities you are achieving. I have read about that scenario being repeated in other proprietary cartridges. It's interesting that as interest in wildcatting grows more companies aren't building bullets that can "work" at higher velocities. In the spirit of this thread, I wonder how many pistol/carbine combinations have failed for lack of bullets that could effectively be used in both rolls.