options for commercial .357 loads?

Robin

May 17, 2011 04:44

My wife and I are going to the Yellowstone area this coming June. We hope to do a bit of light hiking and possibly camping in or near the park. I planned to carry a handgun but am limited to one of 2 revolvers I own; a S&W model 19 with a 4" barrel or a S&W premodel 27. I am thinking with the right loads one of these may be a decent but not best choice. A least the model 19 is not much of a burden to pack around. I do have a Super Red Hawk in .44 mag but has a long barrel and not that convenient to pack around. I don't reload so I would need factory loaded.357 ammo. Any suggestions/ 170 or 180 grain bullets? Thanks

Great advice, I look into a good quality pepper spray and dust off the old pre model 27 and hopefully find one of the loads recommended

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  tsr1965

  May 17, 2011 05:14

  Robin,
  
  Actually I would not put that kind of strain on your 19, and would use the 27 if possible.
  
  Federal makes a 180 grain Castcore, which is good, but go to
  
  www.doubletapammo.com
  
  
  They have some 180's and 200's.
  
  Best

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  llama

  May 17, 2011 06:20

  Buffalo Bore makes some high powered 180 grn loads for the 357

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  62fuelie

  May 17, 2011 13:53

  I would want the heaviest load available if I elected to use a .357 for protection in brown bear country. The M-27 is based on a .44 frame while the M-19 is based on the .38 "K" frame. The larger pistol will be far less strained by the use of the heavy loads. I have used the federal castcore loads and they are quite stout and are designed for the deep penetration you would need in these circumstances. Stay away from hollow point or other expanding bullets.

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  ruger41

  May 17, 2011 22:23

  The Pre 27 and Buffalo Bore's 180 grain load
  http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100
  Just in case you didn't know there are more than just bears in and near Yellowstone that have hurt folks--lots of big bison & moose than can be cantankerous. In addition to the gun I'd carry a can of bear pepper spray(probably more effective than the .357).

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  He Dog

  May 18, 2011 04:05

  And if there are two of you, two cans.

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