Clear Gel Terminal Test Benchmark Speer Gold Dot 125 Grain 357 Magnum

Ljutic · 01-31-2013, 06:57

Here's a look at the high water mark for defensive pistol ammo. Now we have something to compare against.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2...125-grain.html

SCmasterblaster · 01-31-2013, 08:59

That's right. The .357 Mag 125gr JHP load has a 95+% stopping power according to Evan Marshall.

9mm +p+ · 01-31-2013, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCmasterblaster

That's right. The .357 Mag 125gr JHP load has a 95+% stopping power according to Evan Marshall.

Mock all you want, when i started in Le in the early 90's as a reservist I carried and used a 4" 686 federal 125. It was an amazing load the likes of which I've yet to see again, I can't even describe how well it works against folks, even folks hopped up on PCP. I've personally used and have seen it used on about 10 different occasions, 9 were DRT's, in other words 100% cease and desist hostile actions on the ground. Since then I've used 9mm, 40 S&W and have seen 45 ACP, NONE of which performed anywhere near the 357 magnums level,period.

SCmasterblaster · 01-31-2013, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mm +p+

Mock all you want, when i started in Le in the early 90's as a reservist I carried and used a 4" 686 federal 125. It was an amazing load the likes of which I've yet to see again, I can't even describe how well it works against folks, even folks hopped up on PCP. I've personally used and have seen it used on about 10 different occasions, 9 were DRT's, in other words 100% cease and desist hostile actions on the ground. Since then I've used 9mm, 40 S&W and have seen 45 ACP, NONE of which performed anywhere near the 357 magnums level,period.

It is too bad that the two dead FBI agents in the Miami Shootout didn't initially use .357 Magnums against Platt and Maddox. The shootout would have ended quite a bit earlier.

M 7 · 01-31-2013, 10:13

That's excellent performance from the test round.

Thanks for doing the test, Ljutic.

Beware Owner · 01-31-2013, 10:24

That's rough.

SCmasterblaster · 01-31-2013, 15:56

Great wound channel.

Ljutic · 02-02-2013, 16:18

It's going to be interesting to see how the hot 9's, 40's, and 45's compare through the same stress test barrier. I really didn't think the .357 magnum would do this well. It's definitely set the bar pretty high.

Speer Gold Dot 357 Magnum 125 Grain Stress Test - YouTube

Ak.Hiker · 02-02-2013, 21:40

Interesting info. Question for 9mm+p+. Was that the Federal C357B that you carried.

BrokenArrow · 02-03-2013, 12:38

The 125/357M loads that gave it it's outstanding rep on the street w cops, the 125g SJHP, had a terminal ballistic profile that got it failing grades in the FBI test series. Had about the same performance in the FBI test series as the 115g 9mm Silvertip (about 11.5 inches, .55 caliber, 35% "succcess rate"/14 of 40 at least 12 inches).

The 357M load carried by the FBI at the time of the Miami Massacre was the 145g Silvertip. It had the same penetration and expansion profile as the 147g 9mm HS load the FBI went to later (about 18 inches/.50 caliber avg for entire 8 event/40 shot series, w 33 0f 40 going at least 12 inches/82.5%).

IOW, the 115/9 Silvertip and the mighty 125/357M looked the same to the FBI, ditto the 145/357M and 147/9 HS. Lottsa cops thought they worked different though, still do.

The 125/357 SIG and Mag Gold Dots give you the best of both. High energy w deep penetration after tactical barriers: FBI avgs about 16/.55/95-100% at least 12 inches.

collim1 · 02-03-2013, 18:08

Gotta love the .357mag. Revolvers dont get much respect these days except for 5 shot pocket pistols. I have a feeling revolvers will make a big comeback if the libs do get any serious magazine restrictions passed.

If I cant have 15+ rds of 9mm I'd want 6 of something with some real zing to it, and the 125g Gold Dot is no doubt what I'd load it with.

fredj338 · 02-03-2013, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by collim1

Gotta love the .357mag. Revolvers dont get much respect these days except for 5 shot pocket pistols. I have a feeling revolvers will make a big comeback if the libs do get any serious magazine restrictions passed.

If I cant have 15+ rds of 9mm I'd want 6 of something with some real zing to it, and the 125g Gold Dot is no doubt what I'd load it with.

Well last time the 10rd mag limit went into effect, the 45acp got quite a pop back w/ a lot of small/lt 1911s. I would have no issue carrying my 2 1/2" M66 w/ a spare reload, but ccw is a bit diff than uniform carry. The 357sig in a sim size gun is also a very good choice.

Merkavaboy · 02-03-2013, 19:01

Both the .357/125 and the 9mm+P+/115 have a long proven street record of stopping BG's in their tracks but yet they are ignored by the FBI and "expert" jello shooters. After the '86 FBI fiasco what did the FBI issue in 9mm? The feeble and erratic performing Win 147JHP, the Darling of the jello shooters.

Tiro Fijo · 02-03-2013, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenArrow

...The 357M load carried by the FBI at the time of the Miami Massacre was the 145g Silvertip...

Yes, agents then had the choice of using the 145gr. ST, but they actually carried .38 Special +p that day.

Zombie Steve · 02-03-2013, 22:09

.357 mag is pretty cool. Welcome to 1934.

Was shooting some 160 grain lswc's yesterday at the new Ft. Carson range at 50 yards. Those loads make me look like I know what I'm doing.

SCmasterblaster · 02-08-2013, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

.357 mag is pretty cool. Welcome to 1934.

Was shooting some 160 grain lswc's yesterday at the new Ft. Carson range at 50 yards. Those loads make me look like I know what I'm doing.

Ah yes, the classic .357 load - the 160gr LSWC. Hits hard all the way out to 100 yards.

Ljutic · 02-08-2013, 14:41

The 158 Grain test went up on the blog yesterday. It wouldn't be my first choice for a self defense load. http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2...158-grain.html

Ak.Hiker · 02-09-2013, 08:41

The 158 grain Gold Dot is a tough bullet. Double Tap loads it as well.

SCmasterblaster · 02-10-2013, 11:41

Indeed - the classic 158gr .357 magnum.

Zombie Steve · 02-10-2013, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ljutic

The 158 Grain test went up on the blog yesterday. It wouldn't be my first choice for a self defense load.

It's a great all-rounder for personal protection. Probably too much penetration against people, not as big and fat as I'd like for animals, but if I could only have one load for .357 mag, 158's would be what I'd pick...

SCmasterblaster · 02-10-2013, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

It's a great all-rounder for personal protection. Probably too much penetration against people, not as big and fat as I'd like for animals, but if I could only have one load for .357 mag, 158's would be what I'd pick...

I recall back in the 70's where Speer came out with a .357 140gr SJHP bullet for reloaders. Where has the time gone?