Author Topic: .300" Meplat 175-185 grain 357 magnum  (Read 1324 times)

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Offline RMc

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.300" Meplat 175-185 grain 357 magnum
« on: September 21, 2011, 08:21:34 AM »
Veral,
 
 What are your thoughts on a WFN .357 Magnum bullet with a .300" meplat.  Given the standard barrel twist rates would could such a bullet maintain stability out to 100 yards?

Offline Veral

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Re: .300" Meplat 175-185 grain 357 magnum
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2011, 07:18:40 PM »
It would work quite well as long as weight didn't go over about 180 gr.  I in fact make what I call the XS which stands for extra special.  It has the maximum meplat which will fly accurately out to well beyond 100 yards.  It is my favorite heavy load bullet for 38 special.  Speed needs to be at least 1100 fps from most revolvers and a bit faster to full magnum power is better.
Veral Smith

Offline cinosbus

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Re: .300" Meplat 175-185 grain 357 magnum
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2011, 04:12:00 AM »
I would like to know more about this XS bullet. Will it work with lighter weights in an effort to get enough velocity/stability from shorter barrels in .38spl? Something from 120-160gr?

Offline Veral

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Re: .300" Meplat 175-185 grain 357 magnum
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2011, 05:43:15 PM »
  I'd have no problem recommending a weight down to 150 gr but not less, and a weight of 180 gr max if it is to be used in a magnum with stout loads. 

  In designing this bullet I kept making changes and cutting molds until I found the absolute maximum meplat that would stabalize at long range and penetrate straight when shot at around 1100 fps from a S&W 38 cal revolver.  Because it took such fine tuning to get performance I can't recommend much deviation in weight, either down or up.   Or down in  velocity without out some weight reduction.  As for higher speed, the more the better it will stabilize and the more weight can be stabilized.

  Keep in mind though, that when any fixed sicht revolver is used with a non standarg bullet weight or velocity, it will not hit to the fixed sights.  When I load for the short 38's I use 160 gr and load them to the highest velocity which will print close to the sights, but allowing a bit low to be able to milk a few more fps from the anemic little guns.  If you have a weak one, don't overload it, but if it is classed as capable to handle +P, you can load pretty warm with cast, expecially if lubed with LBT bullet lube and gas checked, which both reduce chamber pressure dramatically compared to any other lube and or pb bullets.
Veral Smith