Speer 146gr JHP-SWC

[Greysky]

Does anyone else use the Speer 146gr JHP-SWC (pictured) in their .38/.357 Magnum revolvers, and/or rifles?

If so, do you achieve good results with them for killing paper targets, and game?

I just loaded a couple of test batches with these bullets using HS-6, and 296 powders. I hope they work well for me.

[PaulS]

I used these for sihlouette - hunter's pistol (NRA).
They are accurate and gave some very high velocities when used with very near maximum charges of H110.
There are warnings about using these bullets in light loads because the jacket can remain in the barrel after the lead is gone. If you were to fire another round with a jacket in the bore you can imagine the results. Keep them hot and fast and you will never have a problem. BTW I was using a Ruger 6" revolver to compete.
I have tried them in the 357 Maximum but they are not accurate. I don't think it makes a good game bullet because the jacket separates from the core easily. For game up to white tails use a 158 grain bullet. It is the best choice for velocity and weight. even at that range should be limited to uder 75 yards. For close-in shooting of boars the 180 grain pistol bullets are very popular but I don't have any experience in that area.

[Greysky]

I used these for sihlouette - hunter's pistol (NRA).
They are accurate and gave some very high velocities when used with very near maximum charges of H110.
There are warnings about using these bullets in light loads because the jacket can remain in the barrel after the lead is gone. If you were to fire another round with a jacket in the bore you can imagine the results. Keep them hot and fast and you will never have a problem. BTW I was using a Ruger 6" revolver to compete.
I have tried them in the 357 Maximum but they are not accurate. I don't think it makes a good game bullet because the jacket separates from the core easily. For game up to white tails use a 158 grain bullet. It is the best choice for velocity and weight. even at that range should be limited to uder 75 yards. For close-in shooting of boars the 180 grain pistol bullets are very popular but I don't have any experience in that area.

Thanks for your informative response, Paul. 

[Graybeard]

Tried them way back in the 60s, never was happy with the accuracy I was getting from them so gave up on them. They made that design in two bullet weights, I think the other was around 160 or so grains. I never got satisfactory accuracy from them and gave up on both. Over the years I've used fewer Speer bullets than any other brand, it just seemed when I tried them I didn't like them. Now there are some I do like but over all I just never could warm up to their bullets.

[Greysky]

Tried them way back in the 60s, never was happy with the accuracy I was getting from them so gave up on them. They made that design in two bullet weights, I think the other was around 160 or so grains. I never got satisfactory accuracy from them and gave up on both. Over the years I've used fewer Speer bullets than any other brand, it just seemed when I tried them I didn't like them. Now there are some I do like but over all I just never could warm up to their bullets.

How do you like Speer GDHP bullets?

I recently loaded 50 rnds of 158gr GDHP bullets for a buddy (deer hunting fanatic) to try out in his Marlin 1894C carbine. We were both rather surprised to learn at the range his carbine stabilizes heavier bullets such as Sierra's 170gr JHC better than bullets under 140grains.

[Graybeard]

I've not shot enough of them to form an opinion really. I have some in .45 Colt but have only shot a few on paper. At least I think that's the bullet they have in them. I bought them for a pair of EMF Colt Clones I had and shot some on paper but never did anything more with them. These days when I'm not using cast I use Hornady XTPs or Noslers.

[ricciardelli]

They were the first jacketed bullets I used in the 1960's...in both .357 and 44 mags.

Since then times have changed and so has bullet selection.

[PaulS]

Greysky,
When I was shooting in competition with those bullets I tied the range record with a guy who was using a 10" TC Contender with a $600 modified eye relief Burris scope. He had my ammo outlawed from competition because it "damaged the targets" by leaving a perfect imprint of the bullet nose about 1/8" deep in the T-1 steel targets. I don't think he liked a Ruger revolver tying his Contender. That is how accurate they were in my 357.
I have since changed to the 140 grain Speer HP. It gives nearly the same velocity and accuracy is at least as good. They perform better on the small game that I use it for. I don't use that gun for deer but if I did I would consider the 150 or 158 grain Speer bullets or the 158 Sierra JHC bullet.

[Greysky]

Greysky,
When I was shooting in competition with those bullets I tied the range record with a guy who was using a 10" TC Contender with a $600 modified eye relief Burris scope. He had my ammo outlawed from competition because it "damaged the targets" by leaving a perfect imprint of the bullet nose about 1/8" deep in the T-1 steel targets. I don't think he liked a Ruger revolver tying his Contender. That is how accurate they were in my 357.
I have since changed to the 140 grain Speer HP. It gives nearly the same velocity and accuracy is at least as good. They perform better on the small game that I use it for. I don't use that gun for deer but if I did I would consider the 150 or 158 grain Speer bullets or the 158 Sierra JHC bullet.

I own two 6" Ruger .357 Magnum revolvers, and they both deliver excellent performance for me.

Yes, I too have encountered a few sour grapes at the range who apparently didn't think my .243 NEF, for example, should perform as well as their $2,000 custom sniper rifle, after I proved it could. 

I discovered that .357 bullets in the 140gr range do leave deeper impressions on steel plates, especially when fired from carbines.

I prefer Sierra bullets over all other reasonably priced brands. And since I absolutely refuse to spend $35.00 or more for el supremo, platinum cored, gold jacketed exotic bullets that are only going to be used once I suppose Sierra and Speer will just have to suffice.