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Post by wilmsmeyer on Apr 5, 2015 9:32:23 GMT -5
20 years ago I bought 100 of them when I first started reloading. I had little or no experience reloading. I can't remember the load but I probably did not heed the "start 10% below max" rule. I fired 2 cylinders of them and I literally scorched some of the bluing off the flutes on the forward end of the cylinders. Didn't know it until I cleaned the gun (Ruger GP100 4" bbl) and what I thought was suet was actually missing bluing. Scared me and that set the tone for my future reloading endeavors. SAFETY!
So...I came across the remaining 180's today as I organized some stuff downstairs. Seems like all the reloading data out there says you might be able to get 1,100 fps with them. My question is this: Do they even have a purpose in a 4" revolver? Would a person be better off with a 158 gr bullet going a little faster? 1,250 fps on a 158 gr hollow point wouldn't seem so fast that it would drastically come apart. I finished of a buck at point blank range with a behind-the-shoulder shot using a 158 gr Hydro-shok and recovered the slug on the offside shoulder just under the skin. Perfect mushroom.
I would think the 180 XTP's would be better used in a .357 Maximum. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these? Can they do anything better than a 158 gr bullet in certain circumstances in a std .357 Mag?
Thanks
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Post by deadeer on Apr 5, 2015 18:37:26 GMT -5
Heavy for the mag but not crazy. Perfect for the max. If you want to trade off for 158xtp or 158hdy flat points, shoot me a pm.
Thanks, Jay.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Apr 5, 2015 19:25:50 GMT -5
Deadeer,
Thanks. I think I'll keep 'em. Just not sure what I'll do with them. Maybe do some testing for accuracy and expansion for the fun of it. Thanks for the offer.
Maybe kill a deer with them? Heck I've been threatening to shoot a deer with my pistol for 20 years.
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Post by Savage Shooter on Apr 10, 2015 12:00:04 GMT -5
My go to for hunting load is with the 180gr bullets in the 357 mag. Been shooting 15.5gr of Lil Gun for a long time. Older 6" barrel Ruger wheel gun spits em out at just under 1,400fps.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Apr 10, 2015 18:51:30 GMT -5
Wow that's hot! I have a hard time getting 1400 fps with 125 gr handloads in my 4" GP100.
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