Best GP load for Ruger Blackhawk .357 - The Firearms Forum

Fatstrat · 06-21-2003, 09:47 AM

After years of wanting one, I finally bought a Rugar Blackhawk .357 w/4 5/8 BBL.
I've never owned a .357 before and when I bought the gun, I bought a box of the cheapest ammo the store had. I knew I was going to shoot the whole box up, so I figured "what the heck".
I didn't have any problems with this ammo, but now, before I buy any more, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on which might be the best General purpose load for this handgun.
The criteria I'm looking for is this:
#1. Affordability. I see ammo priced from $25. a box down to $10. I'd prefer something moderately priced.
#2. Best accuracy results. What loadings have you found most accurate in this type of handgun?
#3. Suitable for self defense.
This handgun will be stored unloaded, as I have other weapons for primary self defense. But in the event that need should arise, I'd like a loading that would "do the job" efficiently.
In short, I'm looking for the best combo of these 3 criteria.
Thanks for any suggestions.

inplanotx · 06-22-2003, 08:33 AM

Hi Fatstrat and welcome to TFF. Hope to see you posting throughout the forums here.

Your question is not easy to answer. Each question, unfortunately has its own answer. Here we go.

#1 Affordability - For practise, the cheaper the better. No sense in shooting up all your money. If you shoot a lot, then think about reloading your own sometime down the road.

#2 Best Accuracy results - This is what you need to find. Every gun is an individual and likes its own load. What shoots well in my gun may not necessarily shoot well in yours. You need to buy different brands and find which one your gun likes.

#3 Self defense - In self defense, accuracy is more in tune with can you hit your aggressor. The torso of an attacker is bigger than a 10 ring on a target. It does not matter if your self defense gun shoots 1/2" groups or 2" groups. If you do your part, then your attacker will go down. I use federal hydrashocks, but there are plenty to choose from out there. A lot of people like their own found brand. It is a personal choice for a self defense gun.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions.

JohnK3 · 06-22-2003, 11:04 PM

For some statistics on handgun cartridge effectiveness, check out http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm

Those Federal Hydrashocks share the highest percentage of one-shot-stops with the Remington SJHP. It'd be hard to go wrong with either load.

Sir Bug · 06-23-2003, 12:11 AM

Hello Fatstrat,

Welcome aboard. Congrats on the new Blackhawk.

My favorite weapon is my Ruger, Security Six, .357 mag, stainless steel heavy frame and heavy 4 5/8" barrel.

I'll agree with JohnK3 on knockdown power and Inplanotx on his responses. I will, however, give my little twist to it.

1. Affordability - I use the ammo the firing range has for sale because I find it to be cheaper than anywhere else. It is .38 spl, target load, gives me an excellent pattern without the recoil my regular ammo does. Try to find a range close to you and see if they offer re-loaded target loads.

2. Best accuracy results - that depends on you and your weapon as much as it does on the ammo. I find that I have better groups firing rapid with the lower grs. (That may be a determining factor when used for home security.) If you go to a range, see if you can trade some of your ammo with someone. Then, experiment with it. Which feels best, with the desired results.?
Personally, I use Remington +P, 158 gr.

3. Self defense - I keep it loaded, by my bed - the Ruger safety feature allows for peace of mind. That way, if needed, it's there. It is my primary home defense weapon because my wife and daughter can readily use it, unlike the semi-autos that need to have a round chambered. They know to "point and pull." As for concealed carry, it is a little on the heavy side, but still very comfortable. When I do carry it, I carry fully loaded with two extra speedy loads.

Good luck.

Your Friend in Dixie,

Sir Bug

Logansdad · 06-28-2003, 09:32 AM

Try different weights too..my old Smiff & Western (I've heard them called that..I think it's funny) likes 158 grain Blazers
and I wanted to use 125 grainers...but 158 Blazer Hollowpoints hit point of aim at 25 yards while 125 grainers hit 8 inches lower...guess which one got the nod

Fatstrat · 07-03-2003, 06:06 PM

Thanks to all for your replies.

Tony Mig · 07-07-2003, 04:37 PM

Fatstrat,
I had a Blackhawk .357 mag with a 6" barrel, and it liked the hot federal ammo as well, but for normal target shooting I just pumped reloaded .38 wadcutters through it. The wdcutters didn't group quite as tight as the federal loads, but close enough for casual target shooting.

BTW...with a handle like "Fatstrat", can I assume that you are a guitar player?

FN_Project90 · 07-08-2003, 12:11 AM

Have not read the page with the handgun power results, but what about the fabled black talons? are they on that list, the winchester silver tips are pretty much the same bullet just without the black teflon (i believe thats what it is) coating. *shrugs*
I have speer ammo for my .357 sig glock, shoots the best out of it, winchester silvers for my .45 kimber, and Master's for my .41 mag. I shot a cantelope with all three guns, all of them don't leave much so I upgraded to large watermelons, they did pretty much the same but left some stuff on the sides, Ermy would be proud... hehe

06-28-2003, 09:32 AM	#5
Logansdad V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Alabama's Gulf Coast Posts: 222	Try different weights too..my old Smiff & Western (I've heard them called that..I think it's funny) likes 158 grain Blazers and I wanted to use 125 grainers...but 158 Blazer Hollowpoints hit point of aim at 25 yards while 125 grainers hit 8 inches lower...guess which one got the nod __________________ "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Jesus, Luke 22:36 "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." Galileo It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it..

07-03-2003, 06:06 PM	#6
Fatstrat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Okla. Posts: 536	Ruger .357 Ammo Thanks to all for your replies.

07-08-2003, 12:11 AM	#8
FN_Project90 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 803	Have not read the page with the handgun power results, but what about the fabled black talons? are they on that list, the winchester silver tips are pretty much the same bullet just without the black teflon (i believe thats what it is) coating. shrugs I have speer ammo for my .357 sig glock, shoots the best out of it, winchester silvers for my .45 kimber, and Master's for my .41 mag. I shot a cantelope with all three guns, all of them don't leave much so I upgraded to large watermelons, they did pretty much the same but left some stuff on the sides, Ermy would be proud... hehe __________________ Things n' Stuff

06-21-2003, 09:47 AM	#1
Fatstrat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Okla. Posts: 536	Best GP load for Ruger Blackhawk .357 After years of wanting one, I finally bought a Rugar Blackhawk .357 w/4 5/8 BBL. I've never owned a .357 before and when I bought the gun, I bought a box of the cheapest ammo the store had. I knew I was going to shoot the whole box up, so I figured "what the heck". I didn't have any problems with this ammo, but now, before I buy any more, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on which might be the best General purpose load for this handgun. The criteria I'm looking for is this: #1. Affordability. I see ammo priced from $25. a box down to $10. I'd prefer something moderately priced. #2. Best accuracy results. What loadings have you found most accurate in this type of handgun? #3. Suitable for self defense. This handgun will be stored unloaded, as I have other weapons for primary self defense. But in the event that need should arise, I'd like a loading that would "do the job" efficiently. In short, I'm looking for the best combo of these 3 criteria. Thanks for any suggestions. -->

06-22-2003, 08:33 AM	#2
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Hi Fatstrat and welcome to TFF. Hope to see you posting throughout the forums here. Your question is not easy to answer. Each question, unfortunately has its own answer. Here we go. #1 Affordability - For practise, the cheaper the better. No sense in shooting up all your money. If you shoot a lot, then think about reloading your own sometime down the road. #2 Best Accuracy results - This is what you need to find. Every gun is an individual and likes its own load. What shoots well in my gun may not necessarily shoot well in yours. You need to buy different brands and find which one your gun likes. #3 Self defense - In self defense, accuracy is more in tune with can you hit your aggressor. The torso of an attacker is bigger than a 10 ring on a target. It does not matter if your self defense gun shoots 1/2" groups or 2" groups. If you do your part, then your attacker will go down. I use federal hydrashocks, but there are plenty to choose from out there. A lot of people like their own found brand. It is a personal choice for a self defense gun. Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions. __________________

06-22-2003, 11:04 PM	#3
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	For some statistics on handgun cartridge effectiveness, check out http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm Those Federal Hydrashocks share the highest percentage of one-shot-stops with the Remington SJHP. It'd be hard to go wrong with either load.

06-23-2003, 12:11 AM	#4
Sir Bug V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North-Central, North Carolina Posts: 125	Hello Fatstrat, Welcome aboard. Congrats on the new Blackhawk. My favorite weapon is my Ruger, Security Six, .357 mag, stainless steel heavy frame and heavy 4 5/8" barrel. I'll agree with JohnK3 on knockdown power and Inplanotx on his responses. I will, however, give my little twist to it. 1. Affordability - I use the ammo the firing range has for sale because I find it to be cheaper than anywhere else. It is .38 spl, target load, gives me an excellent pattern without the recoil my regular ammo does. Try to find a range close to you and see if they offer re-loaded target loads. 2. Best accuracy results - that depends on you and your weapon as much as it does on the ammo. I find that I have better groups firing rapid with the lower grs. (That may be a determining factor when used for home security.) If you go to a range, see if you can trade some of your ammo with someone. Then, experiment with it. Which feels best, with the desired results.? Personally, I use Remington +P, 158 gr. 3. Self defense - I keep it loaded, by my bed - the Ruger safety feature allows for peace of mind. That way, if needed, it's there. It is my primary home defense weapon because my wife and daughter can readily use it, unlike the semi-autos that need to have a round chambered. They know to "point and pull." As for concealed carry, it is a little on the heavy side, but still very comfortable. When I do carry it, I carry fully loaded with two extra speedy loads. Good luck. Your Friend in Dixie, Sir Bug

07-07-2003, 04:37 PM	#7
Tony Mig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Sorprano State Posts: 716	Fatstrat, I had a Blackhawk .357 mag with a 6" barrel, and it liked the hot federal ammo as well, but for normal target shooting I just pumped reloaded .38 wadcutters through it. The wdcutters didn't group quite as tight as the federal loads, but close enough for casual target shooting. BTW...with a handle like "Fatstrat", can I assume that you are a guitar player?