What is your woods load?

[magnum0710]

What do you carry in the woods/outdoors and what load or ammo are you using? I'm in NE Ohio so we have quite a bit of black bear sightings, it's a slight concern but definitely not the main concern. Stray dogs and coyotes are my main concerns.

I normally carry my Ruger Speed Six in 357 magnum, my woods load is a hard cast (16-18 bhn) 158 grain SWC with 13.5 grains Accurate #9 and a small magnum primer. I pretty much have to load my own to get the load I want. All of the hard cast 357 factory options are 180 and 200 grain, and they're loaded hot! Those are true bear loads capable of thwarting a grizzly attack. For my neck of the woods a full power 158 makes much more sense. The problem is no one makes a full power 158 hard cast 357, the Underwood and Buffalo Bore 38+p Outdoorsman loads are close but more of a 38/44 load. I figure a 158 running at 1200 fps or so from a 3 inch barrel should be able to thwart a black bear in the small chance of an attack but not be overkill for smaller threats. My revolver also has fixed sights so that's another point in favor of 158s.

ETA: I forgot to mention, my woods load used to be 9.5 grains HS6 with the same bullet. I switched because I was able to get #9 for less and I knew it would get better velocity than HS6.

 

[forrestr]

What hard cast bullet are you using?

 

[magnum0710]

What hard cast bullet are you using?

Right now the 357 powder coated grooveless from Missouri Bullets, I also use the 158s from T&B Bullets but theirs still have the lube groove. Summit City's were good too but they've been out of stock for a while now. I'm thinking about trying the 170 grain Keith bullet from Matt's Bullets next, I think theirs drop at 178.

 

[forrestr]

Groove less are fantastic when it comes to getting the highest velocities from any load. More specifically, the slower burning powders.

I'm a huge fan of the 170's in the short bbl'd 357mags. Impressive what they can punch thru or penetrate.

 

[magnum0710]

Groove less are fantastic when it comes to getting the highest velocities from any load. More specifically, the slower burning powders.

I'm a huge fan of the 170's in the short bbl'd 357mags. Impressive what they can punch thru or penetrate.

I like the grooveless because the OAL is the same but they take up less space in the case. It's barely shorter than the standard 158s but theoretically not being as deep in the case should lower pressure somewhat. I never thought about wether it'd give higher velocities or not, although I've heard powder coated bullets in general will produce higher velocities than traditionally lubed bullets.

Unfortunately I don't have a chronograph, but I did find a way to measure projectile speed by recording audio of the shot. It may not be exact but should give me a general idea of where my loads are at.

I really want to try the 170s, I've just been putting it off cause very few commercial casters make it. Rim Rock is way over priced, Matt's is good but I'd have to have them substitute alloy for sure. I'll probably try 100 and go from there.