OK, I'm a K-Frame Addict. So Sue Me.

[Zeke38]

FWIW I'm running the Golden Sabers 357 reduced loads in my Kimber K6 2" and in a Model 19-4 2.5". Just breaking 1100 with the Kimber and right at 28 fps higher in the Model 19. This load is very doable in both of these weapons.

[revchuck38]

Is there much of a difference between them and Winchester Ranger (.38+P) out of a sub-3” tube?

From Lucky Gunner's testing, data from a 2" Kimber K6S:

Winchester Ranger .38 +P 130-grain bonded - 860 fps
Remington Golden Sabre .357 Mag 125-grain - 1096 fps
Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 Mag 135-grain - 1069 fps

[Lester Polfus]

To me, it seems like both the Golden Sabre and Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 loads are an attempt to get 9mm ballistics out of a wheel gun. That makes a bunch of sense to me for an urban/suburban carry gun.

[Dave T]

For K-frames you might consider Buffalo Bore's "Heavy 38 Special 158g SWCHP-GC +P". They chronograph @ 1050 fps (factory claims 1059) and it even breaks 1000 in a 2" barrel. This is in the performance level of the 1930s 38-44 loadings. It's velocity is comparable to the reduced 357 Magnum offerings but with a heavier bullet. Recoil is brisk but doable for 6 rounds. From what I understand this load with it's 158g projectile shouldn't be hard on the K-frame forcing cones.

Dave

[03RN]

For K-frames you might consider Buffalo Bore's "Heavy 38 Special 158g SWCHP-GC +P". They chronograph @ 1050 fps (factory claims 1059) and it even breaks 1000 in a 2" barrel. This is in the performance level of the 1930s 38-44 loadings. It's velocity is comparable to the reduced 357 Magnum offerings but with a heavier bullet. Recoil is brisk but doable for 6 rounds. From what I understand this load with it's 158g projectile shouldn't be hard on the K-frame forcing cones.

Dave

Fwiw I've found that the .357 golden sabers recoil is nearly identical with my reloads of 7gr unique under 158gr bullet.

[jtcarm]

For K-frames you might consider Buffalo Bore's "Heavy 38 Special 158g SWCHP-GC +P". They chronograph @ 1050 fps (factory claims 1059) and it even breaks 1000 in a 2" barrel. This is in the performance level of the 1930s 38-44 loadings. It's velocity is comparable to the reduced 357 Magnum offerings but with a heavier bullet. Recoil is brisk but doable for 6 rounds. From what I understand this load with it's 158g projectile shouldn't be hard on the K-frame forcing cones.

Dave

That was among loads tested at the 2018 RR. It expanded to a nice mushroom. Don’t recall exact penetration but it was more than adequate.

[jtcarm]

I’m so glad I don’t have that problem.



These are just the 2.5-3” stainless guns.

[Lex Luthier]

I’m so glad I don’t have that problem.



These are just the 2.5-3” stainless guns.

Those nipped-hammer-spur models are whispering things to me that I can't quite make out, but find intriguing.

[jtcarm]

Those nipped-hammer-spur models are whispering things to me that I can't quite make out, but find intriguing.

You have to buy or build one and hold it up to your ear.

[Poconnor]

I think they are whispering get me wood grips; but I like your style