what are the best bullets

[tac_driver]

I am new to reloading. I want to know what are the best bullets to get for my S&W 640 .357 2 1/8 barrel with a 12:1 twist rifling? Also would like links to sites that have them.
I Shoot mostly paper targets max distance 15 yds. but also use it for concealed carry.
I would like data for best loads for target and self-defense for this revolver in .38 special and .357 magnum.

Currently using a Lee turret press with Lee deluxe 4-die set for .38/.357, Lee pro auto-disk powder measure, Winchester brass and Winchester small pistol primers. Also have 2 1lb. containers of winchester 231 smokeless powder.

 

[Doug b]

My 2" 66 Smith and my 8" Python like 158 gr Hornady xtp's and Alliant 2400.

 

[evan price]

I would stick to factory controlled expansion ammo for CCW for liability reasons.

That said, here are what I consider benchmark revolver loads with Win231. All are listed in factory manuals.

Jacketed:

38 Special:
158-gr Hornady XTP, 4.3 gr of W231 = 779 fps and 15.9K psi

38 Special +P:
158-gr Hornady XTP, 4.6 gr of W231 = 807 fps & 18.1K psi

357 Magnum:
158-gr Hornady XTP, 6.9 gr of W231 = 1220 FPS & 40K psi

LEAD:

38 Special:
158gr Lead SWC, 3.7 gr W231 = 834 fps & 14.6K psi

357 Magnum:
158gr Lead SWC, 5.0 gr W231 = 1109 fps & 23.9K psi

 

[Seafarer12]

I would stick to factory loadings for ccw. There are a few out there that are for snubbys now adays. As far as paper, whatever floats your boat. I doubt you will be shooting a lot of full .357's but I would stick to a faster powder since you don't have much barrel to take advantage of a slower powder. As far as 38's the sky is the limit. Personally I like a 158 grain lead rnfp over 3.4 grains of red dot. I just like the RNFP because I use them in a rifle from time to time and they feed the best.

 

[wally]

Stick to factory ammo for SD usage.

For practice with a 2-1/8" barrel, just buy whatever is cheapest in your chosen carry round bullet weight and load them to match the carry load factory velocity as much as possible.

For reduced .38 special loads the 148 gr hard cast wadcutters are tough to beat for accuracy and cost.

Unless I'm confused, 231 is too fast for full house .357Magnum loads, but its certainly usable. Try some Blue Dot or 296 if you really want to equal factory loads.

--wally.

 

[joneb]

I like 4.5grs of Bullseye under a BBWC and standard primers for a .357 mag target load, this load is accurate and has a low flash/bang, I would not feel uncomfortable using this load for self defense, but I would not use a WC design with speed loaders.
I really like Hornady XTPs and AA#9 and standard primers for full power loads in my Ruger Sec. Six w/a 2.75" barrel.

 

[tac_driver]

thanks for all your help a lot of you had good advice.