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SP101 Ammo

7K views 22 replies 17 participants last post by  Rock67 
#1 ·
Hi I am looking for self defense ammo for my new 357 SP101 Crimson Laser model, this gun is the one with the 2 inch barrel. I am interested in keeping recoil and flash to a minimun. I am looking for ammo recommendations for both
. 38 and 357 loads. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
I recommend Remington Golden Saber 357 magnum JHP round for this revolver. A nice mid-velocity magnum round with tolerable recoil and accurate performance without wrist-breaking recoil or over-penetration! :)
Once you shoot this round in this frame you will become very confident in shot placement.
 
#5 ·
Check out Buffalo Bore. They're a little pricey, but they make a 158 grain low flash/recoil round that I have shot through my 3 incher. The recoil was less than it was with Remington 125 grain magnums, and the heavier bullet is better in a self defense round.
 
#6 ·
I checked out Buffalo Bore and was about to buy until I saw the $13.96 shipping price for one box of 20.

I'll just have to take a pass on that until I can find some friends around here who want to buy some as well. Apparently that shipping price will pay for up to approx 10 boxes.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I have used BB reduced flash/recoil 357s 125 grain (they also make 158 reduced flash/recoil), now use Hornady Critical Defense 357s, which also produce reduced flash/recoil but still serious stopping power. Both accurate and very manageable. (Some think CD is a gimmick, but the design makes sense to me, reviews are solid, and works great with speedloaders due to tip shape.) (I don't use anything but 357s in 3" SP & 3" GP, including 180 gr hard cast Buffalo Bore in the back country where there are other predators to think about.) Shipping for any of these from Midway USA is reasonable. IMO important to run at least a couple of boxes of any of these thru periodically to be comfortable with the loads.
 
#11 ·
I use the Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWC-HP/GC in my SP for SD. They chrony an average of 1,037fps out of my 2 1/4" SP. That bullet at that speed should be enough to do the job.
 
#16 ·
That's what I intend on using. The 135 gr Short Barrel version should be just the ticket and I get to keep most of my hearing if ever I have to fire indoors(sans my ear muffs). It has a wicked looking HP.
 
#15 ·
I love my SP; had it since mid 90's. It is my favorite gun. Built like a tank. No wear or slop after well over 5000+ shots. For reloads I like 158gr lead in mild 38 loading and 125 XTP JHP in a 90% 357 loading. Both hit at same sighting point. I did shorten the front sight significantly (in small increments) because it shot quite low. I always shoot 357 cases to avoid fouling ring in cylinder with one exception. For defensive load I carry 125gr, 38+p Golden Sabers. They have a large sharp hollow point opening and a hard jacket, like a leather punch. In court at least one could say they didn't see the need to use a full magnum load. Winchester 110gr factory 357 are also very nice. Lost of muzzle flash with those for sure - see picture to left. For me, the recoil of 158gr 357 loads seems a bit much or at least the maximum for an SP. They are very nice in a GP-100 tough.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I always shoot 357 cases to avoid fouling ring in cylinder with one exception. For defensive load I carry 125gr, 38+p Golden Sabers.
I do the exact same thing. :)
I don't want the concussion, blast, and awe of the magnum round fired indoors. I consider it to be a disadvantage on recoil, noise and flash. However, I never fire a bullet less than 125gr and prefer the 158gr in this caliber. And, the larger grips I installed help to manage the heavier bullets. The factory grips were a little small and less forgiving.

 
#18 ·
Hornady Critical Defense was mentioned above. I have no experience with them myself but the technology sounds good and saw their add that says, "Optimized propellants burn quickly, reduce recoil, and limit muzzle flash to protect night vision". Who wouldn't want all that? They list 38sp +P and 357.

A point to ponder when shooting light bullets in 357...
Some lightweight snubies say right on the barrel not to use bullets lighter that 125gr (if I remember correctly). I believe this is because the low mass of the pistol allows it to accelerate faster from recoil and the bullets, not yet fired, can pull out of the case from their own inertia and jam the cylinder from turning. I recall this happens with light bullets because lighter means shorter and there is less jacket contacting and holding them into the case (a crimp isn't enough). The SP is a beafy big-little gun. I have never heard about this in regards to SP and have never had problems myself even with reloads.

As far as noise...
I forgot to put my earplugs in one time and let loose a 357. My ears rang and I sure learned not to do that again. To me it seems if you ever really had to use a pistol for self defense, it would be a few shots in one encounter and probably not destroy your hearing. (If you are defending yourself more than that, you ain't livin' right). You may even be so stressed as not to notice it. For target shooting I love the earmuffs that amplify ambient noise and cut out the bang. If turned up, you can hear your footsteps crunch as you walk in gravel. I don't, but how about keeping a set with defense gun? If you have a few seconds, put 'em on and listen to the troll downstairs walking on your carpet...
 
#20 · (Edited)
The issue of using light weight bullets has been discussed many times here and elsewhere. Iowegan has explained it very well. Like Midlife said, the light bullets will accelerate quicker and leave the chamber before all of the powder is burned, and then as the powder continues to burn, the hot gases take the path of least resistance which is out through the B/C gap. Since the top strap is so close to the forcing cone, the gases are hot enough to erode the steel in that area. But I believe this requires extensive use of light bullets and it also appears to be self limiting and at some point will not progress any further, so I don't think it is a major cause for concern.
 
#23 ·
.38 Special +P is a good round for me. I can't control .357 Magnum.

I shoot Hornady Critical Defense FTX .38 Special +P. At 50 feet, it travels at 997 feet per second and has 930 foot-pounds of energy. That's enough speed and impact for a jacketed hollow point to spread and dump maximum energy at 6 cm penetration.
 
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