BBS 357 range report

[Hatchdog]

Mounted my Leupold 2-7x33 on my new Henry BBS 357 and headed to the range for first shots. Flawless function with the cheap 357 ammo I used which was S&B 158 grain FMJ. While still at home I tried cycling some 38 special thru it and had mixed results. My hand loads with Hornady XTP hollowpoints ran thru mostly ok but did have a few hiccups. My hand loads using Berrys plated bullets did not cycle at all. I have about 500 Hornady XTP bullets on hand and lots of 357 brass so I’ll load those up for the Henry.

Got the scope sight in at 50 yards just fine. Of course the 357’s little brother the 327 wanted to come along so I took the opportunity to do some comparisons. Not much difference in the recoil department (mostly none) but I thought the 357 had a slightly better trigger. I shot five shot groups from both at side by side targets and the results were nearly identical. A three shot cluster with two fliers. Gotta be me! 50 yards from a bench on bags.

I did find that the scope height is a bit higher than comfortable for me. I used the Henry mount as it is high enough that the scope clears the rear sight. I like not having to remove the sight. I ordered a strap on butt stock cheek riser which I hope will make the cheek weld more comfortable. Really, I think this problem is just from the bench while shooting multiple shots. Throwing the rifle up to my shoulder while standing the scope lines up just fine.

The picture with two targets shows the 327 on the left and the 357 on the right.

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[Cofisher]

Good outing. I use the same scope on my BBSC 357. I find it an ideal match. You put up some nice groups. And, a fine pair of shootin irons.

[fortyshooter]

Looks like both are very good shooters! My 357 BB CCH cycles my 38 Special rounds fine. Could be the bullet shape or COL.

[JEBar]

interesting side by side comparison .... both seem to be fine shooters

[BigAl52]

Nice groups Hatch. But Im also curious what the oal of the Berrys loads are.

[Rifletom]

Hatchdog, nice tight shooting indeed! Good looking set-ups there. I have the same scope and mount set-up on my Henry .45 rifle.Had the same issue while at the bench, but, made do. Standing was fine. For some bench shooting, I turned an old style car jack into an adjustable rifle rest. This works well!
I'm sending you a PM.

[Hatchdog]

Nice groups Hatch. But Im also curious what the oal of the Berrys loads are.

Al,

The Berrys are 1.45 oal. They (Berrys loaded for 9mm) wouldn’t cycle in my AR-9 either but run great in a couple of pistols I have. The pistols have a much better loading ramp than the AR had. (Had cuz I sold it and bought the BBS 357 with the proceeds )

I miss-spoke earlier, I didn’t attempt to cycle XTP reloads, the cartridge that cycled mostly fine was a factory Winchester 147 gr sub-sonic I picked up somewhere. Looking at my XTP bullets I’m sure they will cycle great as the jacket runs up the entire length of the bullet.

[BigAl52]

Ive never had any issues with Berrys cycling but Ive always used the 158 gr size. I use the 210 gr size in the 41 and they run great.

[Hatchdog]

Hatchdog, nice tight shooting indeed! Good looking set-ups there. I have the same scope and mount set-up on my Henry .45 rifle.Had the same issue while at the bench, but, made do. Standing was fine. For some bench shooting, I turned an old style car jack into an adjustable rifle rest. This works well!
I'm sending you a PM.

Here’s a picture of Rifletom’s repurposed jack stand into a rifle rest. Pretty creative I’d say!

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[Hatchdog]

Ive never had any issues with Berrys cycling but Ive always used the 158 gr size. I use the 210 gr size in the 41 and they run great.

Al.

These Berrys I used have a pretty flat point on them which may be my problem but they are 158 grain. I should have taken them to the range with me and tried them out. I have these FP-HP’s on hand that I’ll give a try. I think I will load them to 38 special velocities but use 357 brass for the length. They should cycle just fine. I loaded the FP’s for revolvers and of course they shoot very well.

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