.357 Mag. barrel break-in?

[Bowhunter57]

I own a .357 Mag. Ruger GP-100, in stainless steel with a 6" barrel. I'm wondering if there's a barrel "break-in" period for it.

I've shot 6 or 7 different loads with a Hornady 125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point bullet and can't seem to obtain "acceptable" accuracy, at 25 yards. I'm shooting from a bench rest, taking my time, using sand bags, on calm days, etc. etc. However, I'm not able to get less than 2" groups with this handgun.

I don't think that I'm expecting too much from this weapon, as I used to own a Ruger Security Six and it would shoot touching holes at 40 yards.

Your opinions and experience is appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

[securitysix]

Try heavier bullets.  My 6" GP will not get acceptable accuracy with 125s either, but does fine with 158s.

[Bullseye]

My GP has a 4" barrel and it shoots the 158 gr bullets very well.  I did two things that made this gun get much better groups for me.  I changed the trigger spring and got the pull down to about 3.5 lbs in single action.  I also bought a new sight from Ruger for about $11 that is made like the SRH sights with the Red nylon insert.  This sight works much better for me.

Good Luck.

[Bowhunter57]

Thank you for the suggestions, gentlemen. I'll be trying some 158gr. Jacketed Hollow Points for my next reloads.

A friend of mine suggested a good load for the 158gr. bullet weight to be used for deer hunting too. He also has a "jig" for cutting an "X" into the lead nose and about 1/16" into the copper jacket, with a jeweler's saw. His reloads will nearly cut an adult groundhog in half with this bullet. However, it would not be recommended for deer or wild boar.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57