Speer .357 Gold Dot short barrel in a 640?

[LtDave]

Anyone shot any of this in a steel gun, say a 640 Pro? How did it compare recoilwise with the .38 +P Gold Dots? I'm guessing that it must be similar to a 940 with +P 9mm, which is my closest frame of reference. If comparable, I might try and hunt some down. If really unpleasant, I'll pass on trying it.

[DpdG]

Haven't shot this load in a J frame, but is noticibly less unpleasant to shoot than 125 or 158 GD 357 loadings in a 3" 65. Recollection says it is loaded to about half way between 38 +P and full patch 357.

[Buckshot]

I carry this load in my Speed Sixes. I think of it as a modernized version of the old pre-war 38-44 load - its noticeably stiffer than a +P but pretty mild for a magnum. Its not "pleasant" in a 640 IMO, but noticably tamer than Silvertips or 125 grain Flashbang grenades. Similar control to 110 gr mags without the audio/visual drama.

[Chuck Haggard]

A little stouter than +P in my experience, about equal to the .357 125gr Golden Saber in recoil.

[LtDave]

Thanks for the feedback, now the hard part of actually finding some...

[Buckshot]

Thanks for the feedback, now the hard part of actually finding some...

Yup!

[Chuck Haggard]

I haven't seen any in over a year. They make it in small batches, and it sells out quickly.

[Wayne Dobbs]

Has anybody chronographed it through 2" and 3" barrels? Darryl and I have long discussed that a 135 Gold Dot at about 1000-1100 would be just about perfect in a .357 snub, especially a steel framed gun.

[Dagga Boy]

Has anybody chronographed it through 2" and 3" barrels? Darryl and I have long discussed that a 135 Gold Dot at about 1000-1100 would be just about perfect in a .357 snub, especially a steel framed gun.

I just got two boxes specifically for my 3.5" Model 27 and 4" 28. I ll be interested to see what the velocity is at if I can get access to one. In my 2.5" 66, it may be right there numbers wise.

[LtDave]

Has anybody chronographed it through 2" and 3" barrels? Darryl and I have long discussed that a 135 Gold Dot at about 1000-1100 would be just about perfect in a .357 snub, especially a steel framed gun.

Speer claims 990 fps out of a 2" vented barrel for the 23917 short barrel .357 load. 860 fps for the .38 +P.

Actually found some in stock at Lafayette Shooters. Apparently the only place in the country that has it. Well, less 2 boxes now.

[Lyonsgrid]

I'm looking at 6 boxes (20 rd) 23.99....someone let me know and I'll grab it for them.

[Lyonsgrid]

6577
In stock

[Jeep]

Has anybody chronographed it through 2" and 3" barrels? Darryl and I have long discussed that a 135 Gold Dot at about 1000-1100 would be just about perfect in a .357 snub, especially a steel framed gun.

I'd tend to say "only in a steel framed gun," but 1100 fps with a 135 grain Gold Dot sounds like a very effective load.

[eb07]

Has anybody chronographed it through 2" and 3" barrels? Darryl and I have long discussed that a 135 Gold Dot at about 1000-1100 would be just about perfect in a .357 snub, especially a steel framed gun.

I did a lot of chrono documentation here:

https://thedesertsedge.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/38-special-p-vs-357-magnum-aka-reloading-self-defense-rounds-for-the-snub-nose-revolver/

[Chuck Haggard]

I did a lot of chrono documentation here:

https://thedesertsedge.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/38-special-p-vs-357-magnum-aka-reloading-self-defense-rounds-for-the-snub-nose-revolver/

Good effort, well done.


I assume that the .357mag LCR continues to give good service from your 2014 review?

[eb07]

Good effort, well done.


I assume that the .357mag LCR continues to give good service from your 2014 review?


Yes it's over 5500 now. I've slowed down since the hand surgery but it still plugs along and I still carry it more than my g26

I did have to modify the grip further so my jacked up hand could get a good grip. I also painted the front ramp green with nail polish for better sight acquisition.

[eb07]

Yes it's over 5500 now. I've slowed down since the hand surgery but it still plugs along and I still carry it more than my g26

I did have to modify the grip further so my jacked up hand could get a good grip. I also painted the front ramp green with nail polish for better sight acquisition.



Here is the update

https://thedesertsedge.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/revisiting-the-ruger-lcr-and-its-speed-loaders/

[Digiroc]

A little stouter than +P in my experience, about equal to the .357 125gr Golden Saber in recoil.

I asked for the Speer "short barrel" loads and my favored gun shop had none. They offered "Golden Sabers" as a less hot solution to more modern factory ammo (Cor-Bons etc).

Carry in my Airlite and train with my 640 Pro.

Digiroc

[NEPAKevin]

Looks like 357 GDSB is available at some vendors and Unicorn supply houses.

[Poconnor]

It's my carry load in my 2.5 66s.

[deputyG23]

Wish they sold it in 50 round LE boxes for about the same $$ as the twenty rounders like the .38 GD is if you search online.