Trying some different types of bullets for .357

[clovishound]

Clovispup and I shoot on average 200 rounds of .38/.357 a week from my model 10 Smith, and Henry BB steel .357. We run .357 magnum through the rifle almost exclusively. I would like to standardize on a bullet for both. I like 158 grain. I like TCs and RNFP in the Henry. Being a revolver, the Smith doesn't really seem to care about profile.

I started off with Xtreme plated. I was using the TCs, which worked well enough for the Smith, although I was not as happy with the accuracy as I got with cast. I got tired of cleaning lead deposits off the frame of the Smith, so I had switched to plated prior to getting the Henry. I get better accuracy from the .357s in the Henry, likely due to higher velocities, but I have to be careful not to exceed the 1200 fps limit on the standard plated. I get excellent accuracy from Xtreme's HPs loaded over IMR 4227. Between the more expensive HPs, and the more expensive powder loading, this load runs me more than I would like to pay for target ammo. Not unwilling to pay the extra, just would like to find something nearly as accurate, but less expensive.

I have recently tried two brands of coated. I got a batch of 158 grain SWCs from Acme. They performed well over HP38, but I had too many crushed tips from the bullet going through the sizer backwards. The SWCs feed, but the RNFP are smoother, and Acme doesn't offer them. I just got a batch of RNFP coated from SNS. They feed well, were fairly accurate, but noticed a fair amount of lead particles on the patches when cleaning. These were middle load .357 magnum with HP38. Got just a small amount of leading in the Smith. Nothing on the frame. After I ordered them, I read a couple people reporting leading with loads over 1000 fps.

I like the cost and accuracy of the coated. I am hoping I can find a company that offers TCs, or RNFPs and don't seem to have leading problems up to at least 1300 or 1400 fps. I suppose I could just give up and order separate bullet types for the different weapons. Would prefer not to.

What has your experience been with coated and rifles?

[clovishound]

Anyone?

Bueller?

[White Squirrel]

Not much, at this point.

The first coated bullets I reloaded were 9mm, so didn't shoot those out of a rifle, only handguns.

I did like them, so I got a box of 158 grain to reload for .38/.357, but I had a large supply of 158 grain LRN and SWC and I haven't loaded any of the coated bullets yet.

[CT_Shooter]

What has your experience been with coated and rifles?

I've never used them, either; but, I'm watching this thread closely. I'm interested in good, inexpensive bullets, too.

Since I've been handloading, I've worked my way through 1000 ZERO 158gr JHPs and have another 2000 158 JSPs on order, though they have some serious production problems (I ordered them last July and have been waiting ever since). In the meantime, I bought 2000 ZERO 125gr JSPs, which is pretty much all I'm shooting now. I really like ZERO bullets and wish they'd ship my backorder. As soon as I get it, I'll place another order for the same quantity. The 158s cost about 11 cents each and the 125s are a dime each, but you have to buy a minimum of 1000 (shipping is free). I also have a box of Hornady 158gr LSWCs (12 cents each) that I've just started using for very low velocity loads, and I have 200 Hornady XTP 158gr JHPs left (23 cents each - ouch!) that I'm saving (for who knows what) because they were so expensive. I went through 100 of those before I bought the ZEROs.

These are the only bullets that I've tried so far; no hard cast lead, but I'm open to using them, too. I just haven't, yet.

[JEBar]

we plan to load Oregon Trail .38 Caliber 158 Grain RN FP bullets for our Henry 357 ... they shoot well in our Ruger GP100's

[CT_Shooter]

we plan to load Oregon Trail .38 Caliber 158 Grain RN FP bullets for our Henry 357 ... they shoot well in our Ruger GP100's

Thanks for sharing this, JEBar. How would the extended Henry's rifle barrel affect the velocity of your current GP100 load? Would you modify it at all? I've got lots more to learn and this is helpful. Thanks.

[JEBar]

we plan to load Oregon Trail .38 Caliber 158 Grain RN FP bullets for our Henry 357 ... they shoot well in our Ruger GP100's

Thanks for sharing this, JEBar. How would the extended Henry's rifle barrel affect the velocity of your current GP100 load? Would you modify it at all? I've got lots more to learn and this is helpful. Thanks.

can't answer those questions yet .... as noted, we know how they perform in our pistols so that is where we will start .... we will be buying our first Henry 357 in August as a birthday gift for our grandson .... he will turn 8 and will be eligible to attend NC's hunter safety course .... it will be our test rifle for which we will develop a hand load .... with our Henry 44 we were able to use the same reloads that we've been using in our Ruger Redhawk for decades .... we hope that will be true for the 357 .... once my wife shoots our grandson's 357, if she likes it, we plan to get her one that can be used on a family hunt

[sharpessword]

158 grain, .357 Coated Lead Round Nose bullets, from the Missouri Bullet Company work pretty well for me in my Henry Big Boy.
These coated bullets are in their Cowboy collection and are designed for lever action rifles. 800-x powder, shooting just shy of 1000 fps, and
these 158 grain Coated Lead Round Nose bullets will generally group at about an inch at 50 yards, with peep sights. I am still tinkering
with this load, but it is the best I have tried, to date. 800-x has grouped better for me than 2400, Unique, and Bullseye. But, it is still
early days and finding an accurate cast bullet load is always satisfying.

[JEBar]

I do have a bit of an update .... we finally got our hands on a Henry 357 at our local dealer .... he'd taken it in on trade .... bottom line, its too heavy for my wife to use .... will still get one for our grandson but will have to go a different direction for her

[PT7]

Which model .357 Henry did you handle, JEBar? I know the ones with the octagonal barrels are heavier, of course.

The Classic model (H006M) I have has a 20-inch octagonal barrel and weighs almost 8.7 lbs. If that's what you looked at, I can sure understand it being too heavy for your wife. I know the .357 Carbine (H006MR) weighs 7 lbs. as does the .357 Steel Big Boy. The Carbine has the 16" octagonal barrel, and the Steel has the 20" round barrel. Weights make sense with the different barrel lengths and configs. I also had the Steel Big Boy, and it is definitely a pleasure to handle/shoot being lighter. Those 1.7 lbs. make a difference!

Keep on keeping on. There is a Henry out there for your wife!!

I do have a bit of an update .... we finally got our hands on a Henry 357 at our local dealer .... he'd taken it in on trade .... bottom line, its too heavy for my wife to use .... will still get one for our grandson but will have to go a different direction for her