Best Grain Size For Security Six

[whisperingsmith]

Looking to get your guys opinion on what is the best grain size to shoot 357 and 38 special out of a short barreled security six? Looking for the best accuracy at 15 to 20 paces.

Thanks

 

[recumbent]

I like 158 grain bullets in my 357 LCR and SP101.

 

[daveg.inkc]

I load 125 gr and 140 gr for my .357’s. Try them!

 

[silverback]

That is a tough question. Are you looking for accuracy at the range or self defense accuracy and effectiveness.

The 357 really comes into it's own at the 4 inch barrel lengths and beyond. I am not saying that 2 and 3 inch barrels arent effective . It's just they don't really optimize the cartridge like the other lengths.

Personally I have gone to federal hst for self defense.

Here are a couple of different things to look at:

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/tested-federal-hst-38-special-p/

https://revolverguy.com/ammunition-small-357-magnum-revolvers/

https://youtu.be/g6WsZK0ZYdA

 

[kevin masten]

Good answers above. For the short barrel when shooting 38 SPL rounds, I use the 148 grain hollow base wad cutter inverted into the case. Moderate velocity and very effective at close range and as a home defense round. But ,then you have to reload your own ammo to achieve this.

With a self defense round in mind, especially in the home, you do not want the full house rip snortin’ 357 round ripping through walls , etc and endangering family members. Also, you have a fairly stiff recoil with the full house 158 grain bullets.

Just some thoughts.

Regards

 

[Rclark]

At 15 to 20 paces just about any bullet is going to be ok. How 'accurate' it is, at that distance, is on how well you shoot the gun. For myself, I just use 158g SWCs for all my .357 shooting. I load to around 1000fps, at most 1100fps out of 6 1/2" barrel. I don't fool around with .38 cases, just use .357 cases and load them to 'my' needs.

 

[unionprez]

When I do carry a .38 or a .357 mag, I use 158 grain rounds no matter what type of bullet they're loaded with. I believe that the Six Series revolvers with fixed sights were made to shoot to point of aim at 25 yards with 158 grain bullets.

 

[mac66]

As others alluded to it kind of depends on what you're trying to do. Self defense? target shooting? plinking? The nice thing about the 357 is that it can be loaded up or down depending on what you want. Typically 158 gr bullets are kind of the standard and the type (FMJ, WC, SWC, JHPs) varies on your needs

 

[Snake45]

Yes, please tell us exactly what you're trying to do. Punch holes in paper? Or "more"?

 

[FergusonTO35]

My Service Six shoots all of them great, but 158 is my fave as I never had a .38 that wouldn't shoot it well.