I wanted to share my latest results from my 357 Handi.
I started with a standard 357 Handi with a synthetic stock. A friend and I cut the barrel to 16.5" and threaded it. I then added a TROS Dimplomat II supressor. Finally, I installed a 1-4x red-dot Mueller optic.
I developed a subsonic load with 180gr Hornady XTP. It was subsonic, and seemed to group well. However, at the expensive price of 21 cents each, I went in search of a cheaper alternative. On impulse, I bought some 158gr Berry's plated bullets. Please note that lead or moly bullets are not acceptable with the supressor.
Initially, the Berry's bullets were not as accurate as the XTP. I did some experiments with fore-end screw torque, and found that 15 in-lbs was best. I also played around with some nylon washers on the fore-end screw stud. They only seemed to return the accuracy lost when using a bipod.
Most recently, I used some quick-steel epoxy and bedded the underlug and sides of the barrel into the receiver. It was frustrating, since at first the barrel would not lockup, and I didn't know where to remove bedding to make it fit.
Today, I took it to the range with a few of the subsonic Berry's, and found (like with the 180gr XTP) that just barely subsonic provided the best group!
Here is my latest group:
