Frankdozer

What is the heaviest hitting, most slamming recoil 357 ammunition out there. In particularly in regards to the Ruger GP100 SS 6".

BlkHawk73

I guess if someone needed a testosterone boost, the Buffalo Bore stuff could suffice.

Ale-8(1)

Actually, you could cook up a handload using something like a 200-grain bullet and a pound or so of Bullseye that would really get your attention.

What time are visiting hours at your local hospital?

Frankdozer

Actually I am please with both answers. Espesially the testosterone boost and the handload cooking, but, I should have clarified that I really meant Factory off the shelf rounds. In my mind, I'm trying to set the bar at both ends. A High and Low for the 357 Magnum.

mavracer

Heaviest recoiling are going to be the heavy 180-200gr cast loads from the botique ammomakers like Buffalo Bore and Doubletap.But for wow factor (esp. at an indoor range) I have a 125gr load using ww296 that makes 3 foot flame balls.

Bagheera

Well, by all means. Please share this tidbit with the rest of the class, Oh great lord fireball.

Amigo Will

I can say that the 180gr BB out of my SP 101 is a handfull

ROK185

I have used a fair amount of .357 over the past 50 years. The most powerful factory .357 I have ever used is the 180 Buffalo Bore. I have chronograped it in some of my guns. It runs 1400+ FPS in three 4" S&W 686s and in my 5" model 27. It chronographes 1500+ FPS in my 5.5" stainless Bisley.

The 180 BB ammo extracts easily and primers appear normal, but I don't even want to try it in a J frame Smith or SP101. My hat is off to you Amigo Will.

Frankdozer

Buffalo Bore Ammunition | Strictly Big Bore - Strictly Business

Frankdozer

DoubleTap Ammunition

mavracer

OK but first
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

I use 20.5 gr of 296 with Remington bulk 125gr JSP and Winchester SPM primers
I chronoed this load at 2150fps from my Marlin 1894

Bagheera

WoW,

That must be a massive recoil. No? If it'll go 2150fps, have you measured the actual muzzle energy as in foot pounds? Must be pretty close to say, 750-800? I'll have to try that in my GP100-6", after I do some calculations on my computer first of course. But I know the GP100 is pretty damn stout, and could handle this load.

If I just want to screw around, I use 5.5gr of HP38 or Win231 (same powder) coupled with a 125gr TC/FP Lead Bullet. With a CCI Magnum Primer. This is an actual load given by Hodgdon.

If I want to get somewhat serious, I upgrade to 6.8gr of Universal, coupled with the same 125gr TC/FP Lead bullet and a CCI Magnum Primer. The velocity jumps to 1450-1480 through my GP100-6" And the pressure jumps to 33,000-33,200. Damn good load.

CAUTION: Do not exceed these numbers on grains of powder. These are documented loads that are considered MAX load(s). Going over this level can cause serious injury or death. RugerForum.net DOES NOT endorse ANYTHING written in this post. And DOES NOT bare any responsibility for the use of any product(s) mentioned here, or the irresponsible use thereof. Always consult numerous reloading manuals for safety sake. Remember, the life you save may be your own.

mavracer

Recoil is not that bad from my 4" GP however I'm kind of an old recoil junkie I still hav a couple 44 and 357 loads that shake your boots a little. Now that I'm older they make up a very small % of rounds sent down range.

as to energy from the rifle it's actually about 1280 ft lbs.

Bagheera

1280, nice. Me likey. I miss the old days when bullets had more juice to let loose. I think many bullets today have lost that true "punch." Years ago, I used to fire Federal 125gr factory loads that you would swear was a stick of dynamite going off. We used to call them, "The Crowd Pleaser." Now, that .357 seems a might bit like a small party favor. I can personally remember using what they used to call "cop killers" on engine blocks, and trust me, they did go through a V8 big block. We took a few down to a friends junk yard where he wanted to witness for himself whether it was true or not. He found out, it was true.

jhrosier

A (safe) full load with a 125 gr bullet won't generate intolerable recoil in a 6" GP100.
A full house 180 gr bulleted load in a S&W snubbie or a SP101 can ruin most of the nerves in your wrist in a few rounds, if that's what you are looking to do.

Jack