Taurus 65 357

[charlie brown]

Needing to get a .357 pistol that I can throw in my pack for carrying around my lion hounds. I am thinking of the Taurus 65, due to the fact that it won't burn a hole through my paycheck, and I won't be afraid for it to get a little scratched or dirty. If I get one, I will be reloading for it, and will probably load a good Hard cast 140 or 158 grain or the XTP in those weights. For practice, I will probably just shoot some light 115 grain FP with Unique or something. I am wondering if anyone has this particular pistol, and if they reload for it, or have they in the past. If so, how does it perform with fairly stout loads. I will also be getting the 4" model.

Thanks for any input.

[48thguns]

I've got one...the 7 shot version. It shoots great and lots of fun. Mine is the 5 inch barrel. I say, go for it....nice pistols! Regards, Rick.

[HighDesertWolf]

for my 357 mag i load a 158 grain xtp/hp over 16 grains vectan SP3 from my 6 inch barrel I chronographed a average velocity of 1401 fps my highest was 1435 fps and my lowest was 1360 fps its a stout load but works well and is extremely accurate at 25 yards from a sandbag rest it holds consistant 1 inch groups. Ive killed a deer and several coyotes with the load.

Since my stash of vectan SP3 is running low and Im unable to find SP3 these days ive been trying a new load a 158 grain xtp/hp over 11 grains blue dot (I dont recommended doing this since the max according to alliant is 10.7 grains for this load, especially in that butter soft steel of a taurus) Im not worried about it since my pistol is a ruger probably the strongest revolver frame available and I have yet to see any real signs of excessive pressure other than flattened primers. this load is chronographing an average of 1455 fps my lowest was 1422 fps my highest is 1467 fps this load is quite stout and also very accurate. I cant wait to use it on game.