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38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

M38357
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38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by M38357 » Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:02 am

Hey guys I don’t want to beat a dead horse I read through another post that was similar, but there were mixed answers.

1. Just need to know what 38 special factory ammo works best in the big boy 357 side gate? (I do not load my own and I already have some 357s that I run fine). Please be specific with grain/type/brand! Please and thanks a lot guys.
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Hatchdog
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by Hatchdog » Thu Nov 03, 2022 10:17 am

My advice would be the Federal American Eagle 130 grain FMJ or a different brand with a similar bullet. That being said, I haven’t used that exact ammo in my rifle but have used hand loads loaded very similar to this load.
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Vaquero
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by Vaquero » Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:35 pm

My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP
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M38357
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by M38357 » Fri Nov 04, 2022 12:30 am

Vaquero wrote:
Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:35 pm
My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP
Cheaper? Alternative when I can’t get a good deal on 357s? Better for my kids to learn with?
Here’s my question now. Why stir the pot when you already know the obvious answer? Wanna compare what types of rounds we shoot for a pissing contest next lol?
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Vaquero
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by Vaquero » Fri Nov 04, 2022 7:41 am

M38357 wrote:
Fri Nov 04, 2022 12:30 am
Vaquero wrote:
Thu Nov 03, 2022 9:35 pm
My question is as always. Why?
Any 357 round is a pussy cat in a rifle.
Other than getting an extra round in the magazine, what's the appeal?

RP
Cheaper? Alternative when I can’t get a good deal on 357s? Better for my kids to learn with?
Here’s my question now. Why stir the pot when you already know the obvious answer? Wanna compare what types of rounds we shoot for a pissing contest next lol?
:lol: The difference between the two in a rifle is Neil as far as I'm concerned.
But do understand that at the present time one needs to grab what one finds.
I myself load my own and don't have that to worry with.
I gave all my 38 spl brass away some years ago, as I don't see time to waste on them.
I don't have any 38 spl specific firearms any longer.
And the only difference is just a little less powder.

Good luck in your search, I'm sure there's a few that have shot at least a little bit in their rifles.

RP
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M38357
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by M38357 » Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:39 am

Anyone else have an actual answer to my question?
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daytime dave
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by daytime dave » Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:16 am

I have read here on the forum that Henry suggests 158 grn bullets for use in the .357 bigboy. I have used some Georgia Arms 158 grn in mine and it shot well. These are reloads that they produce in their facility.
You might want to call Henry customer service at 1-(866)-200-2354. I don't think the brand will matter as much as the bullet weight.
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DsGrouse
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by DsGrouse » Fri Nov 04, 2022 4:19 pm

I have to say wolf's 130grain steel cased do very well.

Top shot was my sight in shot at 75 yds.
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by Rifletom » Fri Nov 04, 2022 5:18 pm

M38357 wrote:
Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:39 am
Anyone else have an actual answer to my question?
You could actually buy a couple different boxes and see for yourself. Provided you can find some.
As for your post above, temper your responses a bit, and you'll more than likely get helpful replies.
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Re: 38 sp best factory ammo for BigBoy357?

Post by Mags » Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:24 pm

To Dave's point. This from the owner's manual.
The calibers and capacity of the H012G models are as follows:
.357 Magnum/.38 Spl - 10 rounds, Carbine - 7 rounds
.357 Magnum is designed with .357 Magnum cartridges in mind. While you can use .38SPL loads, you must
ensure they are 158GR with an overall length that closely mimics the .357 Magnum cartridge. Due to the
shoulder location on the carrier, the gun will not feed: 110GR,125GR, 130GR, etc. .38 special loads reliably.
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