I just bought a GP100 6" and have had good accuracy with 158 gr but was wondering if anyone has had good luck with 170 or 180s? I know it has a slow twist rate, but was hoping to be able to stabalize them with handloads using H110. Also, does anyone have experience with Barnes 140gr bullets in 357? I am in the Cali Condor zone so i must use non-lead.

Thanks for any help.

If I was in the Condor Zone, and hunting deer, pigs or black bear, and using a 357 mag, I would use the heaviest Barnes X, that shot good in my handgun.

The 140s are the biggest barnes makes!

Then see how they shoot, make the first shot count, and be prepared to shoot more than once, if necessary.

Ya, I use 180s, but they are handcast bullets. They shoot great to looong range. Not sure who would make a full copper bullet that heavy however. But it will do well if you find some.
My load uses 16 gr. of 'Lil gun powder; but would back that down to about 15 gr. with a copper bullet.
Good luck.

Im sure the 140 barnes will be tough enough for most applications. I would like to try the 180s for long range target shooting as well. I'll see how the lil gun does. Thanks

Unless laws have recently changed, if anyone makes a handgun bullet, not designed to expand, that does not have a certain percentage of lead, then it is considered an Armor Penetrating bullet [ie bullet proof vests] and is illegal...

This is why the Punch bullet, has a lead core, and lead is visible at the nose.

It is also why Barnes quit making their Solid handgun bullets...

At least this is what I have been told....

N E 450 No2, you are correct, all pistol bullet made and/or sold in this country are by the legal definition "expanding bullets"

JWP, I don't understand this as one can buy lead semiwadcutter loaded ammo. Is this expanding?
guncurtis2, I posted elsewhere on this forum my 180 grain JHP loads for my S&W 686.
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
JWP, I don't understand this as one can buy lead semiwadcutter loaded ammo. Is this expanding?

Peter.

Yes. The key words here are "thelegal definition" of an expanding bullet. Makes no difference whether or not it meets your definiton. Even the Belt Mounton punch bullet meets the "Legal Definition of an expanding bullet"

Any handgun bullet that does not is illegal for or production sale in the United States

The Barnes are definately an "expanding" bullet. They have a hollow point like a mason jar. Some of you may not know about the California Condor zone, but lead bullets are not legal for hunting in areas of Cali considered the Condor habitat area. Bogus way to restrict ammo, but its moving to other states. Arizona has been considereing it. That's why i was asking about Barnes.