[i82frogs]

I have a box of Federal Vital-Shok 180gr hard cast lead .357 cartridges.

Are these safe to shoot in a Taurus 605 snub-nose?

 

[Robby]

Well the list I see from Taurus says Max load is

357 MAGNUM..........................................158 GR 1450 FPS

I am sure some of the more experienced here will have a better answer. What FPS does the box say they put out. I understand the large the bullet, the smaller the charge of powder to keep the FPS within norms.

 

[i82frogs]

The box says muzzle velocity is 1250 fps.

 

[Robby]

The box say muzzle velocity is 1250 fps.

Check out some of the other posts here in Factory loads and Hand loads. but it looks to me like they should work. My only ? is the 180 gr, but I am not and probably never will be a reloader.

 

[i82frogs]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[Robby]

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3169.0

Here is the place to start!!

 

[NativeTexan]

You shouldn't have a problem with the 180s so long as they clear the forcing cone (OAL is standard) and the bullets don't pull their crimps any on firing. That can be a problem in lighter guns, but my SP101 handles 180s well.

 

[drummin_man627]

Heavier .357 mag loads are usually meant for medium game. They are suposed to enter and possibly exit giving a blood trail. The other 180 gr loads are listed for hunting. I didn't find that one. The 1250 fps is most likely from a 4 or 6 inch bbl.
Unless you're in bear/ gator/big cat, country and don't have a longer bbl revolver to use, I woudn't take the chance.
BTW If you do shoot it, make sure you eat your Wheaties that morning. It'll kick like a mule.

 

[i82frogs]

Thanks for the info...

 

[NativeTexan]

I get 1306 fps from my 180 grain handload in a 2.25" ruger SP101, which is real close to Buffalo Bore's claims for their 180 hard cast load. I get 1401 fps/785 ft lbs out of a 6.5" Blackhawk. 1250 out of a 2" barrel is not a problem to get with SAAMI pressures with the 180.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357

. 3 inch S&W J frame

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1302 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr. JHC (jacketed hollow cavity) = 1299 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Speer Uni Core = 1398 fps
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Speer Uni Core = 1476 fps

2. 4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1375 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr JHC = 1411 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Speer Uni Core = 1485 fps
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Speer Uni Core = 1603 fps

3. 5 inch S&W model 27

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard Cast =1398 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr. JHC = 1380 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Speer Uni Core = 1457 fps
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Speer Uni Core = 1543 fps

4. 6 inch Ruger GP 100

a. Item 19D/20-125gr. Speer Uni Core = 1707 fps

5. 18.5 inch Marlin 1894

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard Cast = 1851 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr. JHC = 1860 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Speer Uni Core = 2153 fps---- Can you believe this?!!!
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Speer Uni Core = 2298 fps---- Or this?!!!

 

[i82frogs]

Well, I tried them out today. They didn't kick as hard as I had imagined they would.
they semed to work fine in the snubby.