light fast versus heavy not so fast
 

This is not really an ML question but since you guys know so much about weight of bullet versus velocity/energy, I figured I’d ask the question here.

Looking to start carrying my 4" Colt KC .357, during muzzleloader season in my state (Virginia). I sometimes hunt in some fairly remote areas. Looking at Speer Gold Dot ammo since I’m a fan of the .44 and .45 bullets in in my Omega X7. The two main cartridges available for .357 are 158 grain and 125 grain.

My question is whether there would be any real advantage in carrying the 158gr ammo over the 125gr, assuming equal accuracy. Looking at the ballistics of the two factory rounds (http://glarp.atk.com/2011/2011_Catal...mmoCatalog.pdf, see last page), it seems that they are almost identical in terms of energy, for ranges of less than 50 yards. In fact, it does not seem that the heavier round has any significant advantage until 100 yards. As I don't think I would ever take a shot much past 25 feet, I am thinking that the 125gr loads would be easier to handle with no real loss in stopping power.

Am I off in my thinking?

This will be like motor oil, dino vs. synthetic, LOL.
Since you won't be worried about "meat damage", I'd go with the heavier bullet. IMO it's about frontal diameter. YMMV.

This is a topic thats been debated for years, use what you prefer. If we are talking about those two leged predators, I don't think it makes a difference. My 357 mag has a three inch barrel and the sights are regulated for 158 grain ammo so I go ahead and use the 158 regardless of 357 or 38 special.

At the distance you will be shooting speed isn't an issue so go big

It depends...What are you killing???

The .357 earned it's reputation with police as a one stop killed with a 125gr hollow point...

From what I've seen, deer hunters that have had success with a .357 use a 158 or heavier gr flat point bullet...

Of course, I think you need another gun...I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 mag...Then it won't matter... :)

I have a Smith & Wesson 686 4" .357 mag and being in the same shoes as you.. the 158 grain would be in my revolver. They should get better penetration. Although I am sure at the ranges your talking, you might get a pass through.

Thanks for the replies so far. Note, this is NOT for hunting, it's for protection, both four and two legged critters. Just like having more than my one shot ML when I am out by myself in the middle of nowhere.

Wanted to know that where terminal energy is the same, does size matter?

I don't know where Clifton is...I would say this, if bears might be encountered, go with the 158s...If the gun prefers 125s go with them...In theory, the 125s will give you a wider, shorter wound channel while the 158s will go deeper but have less of a wound channel...

If you aren't worring about tracking and recovering, don't worry about exit wounds, go with more internal damage...

I know my Ruger Blackhawk in .357 much prefers 125 Federal hollow points, that's what's in it right now...

http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01...end357_200810/
http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01...357pt2_200811/
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=30

For hunting I like the 158's or 180's in a 357. For protection I go with the 180's.

You really are not comparing light and fast vs. heavy and slow between the two bullets you chose. There is not alot of difference in velocity.

Light and fast is for larger CF rifles. Not so much for big bore or handgun shooting. I have never seen any noticable advantage to a slightly faster handgun cartridge. But I have seen alot of advantages to heavier bullets in handgun cartridges. Tom.