barnes pistol bullets

[searlock]

hi all, i want to load some barnes 357 mag 125 and 140 grain bullets for my gp100 357 mag 6 inch barrel. would like to know about accuracy with these bullets. can you all advise me? i have used tsx in my 375h&h and my browning didn't like them.

[Autorim]

Personally, I don't see the need for a solid copper bullet in a handgun.

[spinafish]

I haven't used those bullets yet, but I believe Lyman has them listed in their lastest manual..you could also contact Barnes for suggested loads, they have always been helpful to me.

[Retsof]

I can't tell you anything about the Barnes XPB in a 357 Masg pistol. However, on 2 rifles, I've had great accuracy with the XPBs: A Marlin 444P with the 225 gr XPB and a H&R Handi-rifle in 500 S&W using the Federal Premium factory load with the 275 gr XPB. Both are scary accurate at 100 yards. I also have a box of Federal Premium ammo for my 4" GP-100 that is loaded with the 140 gr XPB but I have yet to shoot it. Though I have only thus far shot the XPBs out of rifles, I suspect that with the right load you should be able to get good accuracy out of your revolver. FWIW I have handloaded the Barnes TSX for 1 rifle and the initial results have been promising.

[LaOtto222]

I know 1 thing about them - they are pricey. It is just like any other bullet however in the fact you need to experiment to find out a good powder charge and if they are going to shoot in your gun at all. I would like to experiment with them, but at that price I have been using other bullets. I would hate to shoot up $100 worth just find out they do not work for me. If you are going to use them, they would not be for target practice. Hunting situations only. I do not think they are the best choice for self defense because they would shoot clear through, I am afraid. I think that is what they are for  - deep penetration with out fragmenting. Good Luck and Good shooting

[Grumulkin]

I've tried Barnes bullets in a number of cartridges.  I didn't get very good results with the .224 and .375 caliber bullets but still use .308 and 7mm Barnes bullets in a couple of cartridges.  I've tried Barnes XPB bullets in a 454 Casull and a 460 S&W Magnum; accuracy was OK but not any better than more economical bullets.  Unless you plan to use your handgun for hunting pretty large animals, I doubt you'll have any benefits you couldn't get with a much cheaper bullet.

[searlock]

thanks guys, i have hundreds of rounds in the other stuff, gold dot,hornady, winchester including the original black talon,federal. 125,140,158,180grain but the least i have is the black talon and i want a load set up for penetration of winshields and wehicle body panels and i believe the solid copper might hold up best. not into hard cast, thought about tmj but in a pinch the hollow point might serve dual role. again many thanks to all, great bunch of folks here at gb's   searlock

[spinafish]

Searlock, I twas wrong again..its not in the Lyman manual, but e-mail barnes and see what they tell you. For your purpopse you should look into silhouette bullets, they are in the 170 to 180 grain range and usually a real tough bullet.