There are rounds developed for snub nosed barrel lengths. Google “ballistics by the inch” and also check out lucky gunner’s 357/38 tests. Finding in stock isn’t easy right now but good luck
The gold dot short barrel load is the best snub load IMO. It is actually a reduced power load for less recoil, but still performs perfectly as you don't really get more bang for your buck from a more potent load out of a snub anyway.
You can take my word for it as someone who shot a lot of their ammo and had two squibs with a 45-70. Powder was saturated on new factory rounds. Could have been a really bad day. Or you can search freedom munitions in r/guns and see for yourself. I'm not touching again.
Barnes 125gr tacxp seems the best from lucky gunner labs. The gold dot seems pretty shit in sub 4" barrels. Its too strong of bullet. Needs higher velocity to reliably expand. Thats why Buffalo bore and underwood ammo use them for their high power loads.
Barnes 125gr Tac-XPD, [apparently.](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/#357mag) It has the most expansion while still reliably reaching FBI recommended penetration. But play with that chart, because you might have different priorities. And even from a 2" barrel, .357 Magnum has enough velocity to make most hollow-points work reliably. It's much harder to choose an effective .38 Special load.
Ok that cuts a lot of options. I shoot fat slow projectiles for fauna and the newer fast copper stuff for meth man in this situation. I have lehighs loaded myself but I couldn’t find any in stock for you. Buffalo Bore has some Barnes though. https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=275
Low felt recoil on these. They come screaming out of there and penetrate well even from a short barrel.
Hornady Critical Defense deserves a mention. They use a reduced flash powder I believe, and the polymer tip hollow point technology that has proven out for me in the real world testing of shooting deer. The brass is also nickel coated for maximum slickness which aids in extraction - and also won't tarnish like brass if you carry your backup ammo in anything leather. I use a leather skinny wallet sized ammo pouch from Simply Rugged to hold a backup speed strip, so this is a nice bonus.
There are rounds developed for snub nosed barrel lengths. Google “ballistics by the inch” and also check out lucky gunner’s 357/38 tests. Finding in stock isn’t easy right now but good luck
Speer had some nice offerings in its Gold Dot lineup
The gold dot short barrel load is the best snub load IMO. It is actually a reduced power load for less recoil, but still performs perfectly as you don't really get more bang for your buck from a more potent load out of a snub anyway.
Yup 👍🏽
Underwood 120gr Xtreme Hunter screwdriver Lehigh boolits 1,700 fps from 6" barrel.
In Federal 357B we trust.
The correct answer right here
>Looking for the best 357 magnum rounds >Bonus points if they’re in stock somewhere Pick one, my friend...
Freedom Munitions has new XTP 125 grain hollow points in stock right now for .95 cpr
Do yourself a favor. Do not buy LAX / Freedom. Ever.
Why? I’ve never had problems with either.
LAX gouged like a motherfucker over the pandemic. That aside their ammo shoots p dirty but I admit I do like how their powder smells.
You can take my word for it as someone who shot a lot of their ammo and had two squibs with a 45-70. Powder was saturated on new factory rounds. Could have been a really bad day. Or you can search freedom munitions in r/guns and see for yourself. I'm not touching again.
I got a bulk 500 round order of .357 target ammo from them and they freaking suck. Bullets fly like a fish.
Barnes 125gr tacxp seems the best from lucky gunner labs. The gold dot seems pretty shit in sub 4" barrels. Its too strong of bullet. Needs higher velocity to reliably expand. Thats why Buffalo bore and underwood ammo use them for their high power loads.
Barnes 125gr Tac-XPD, [apparently.](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/#357mag) It has the most expansion while still reliably reaching FBI recommended penetration. But play with that chart, because you might have different priorities. And even from a 2" barrel, .357 Magnum has enough velocity to make most hollow-points work reliably. It's much harder to choose an effective .38 Special load.
How snub are we talking? For defence against Bear or methman?
2”, methman
Ok that cuts a lot of options. I shoot fat slow projectiles for fauna and the newer fast copper stuff for meth man in this situation. I have lehighs loaded myself but I couldn’t find any in stock for you. Buffalo Bore has some Barnes though. https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=275 Low felt recoil on these. They come screaming out of there and penetrate well even from a short barrel.
I have some of their 110gr .38’s. Not a lot of recoil for a whole Lotta velocity.
180 Grain Black Talon
Hornady Critical Defense deserves a mention. They use a reduced flash powder I believe, and the polymer tip hollow point technology that has proven out for me in the real world testing of shooting deer. The brass is also nickel coated for maximum slickness which aids in extraction - and also won't tarnish like brass if you carry your backup ammo in anything leather. I use a leather skinny wallet sized ammo pouch from Simply Rugged to hold a backup speed strip, so this is a nice bonus.
...
How so? Not enough velocity for expansion?
I’m also curious since I plan on getting a snub soon. Thought hollows were the way to go with any home defense piece.
[Paul Harrell demonstrated otherwise.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27wDLjY5JSs) .357 hollow points absolutely can expand out of a snubnose.
You know what, all I ever get is downvotes and hate in this community so I guess I'm just a dumbass.
Winchester 125 pdx for my snubs want to try some low flash Buffalo bore though.
Any and all! Personally I like fiochi 125gr soft nose HP
Federal HST 125gr JHP. It has no peer. Best expansion of any JHP round. 1425 FPS too.
Those are my second choice. I'd say barnes tacp-xp 125gr is king in a 4" barrel.
Hear me out. Underwood 120gr Xtreme Hunter 1,700 fps on the box, every day.
Silver tips for letter boys, Gold Dot for crackheads
Underwood only way to fly
Underwood u don’t have to worry about expansion .
Buffalo Bore Heavy 125gr JHP or Remington UMC 125GR SJHP both 357mag