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October 1, 2012
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After many years, I finally broke down and bought a 40VS-8. Now I need ammo and I don't reload. I know 125 gr will flame cut and 180 gr will not. What does 158 gr do. Most of the ammo I find is loaded with the 158gr. Velocities range from 1000fps to 1825 fps. I wont buy the dangerous Precision Cartridge ammo that can blow up the gun.
Also, Do both barrels that are supplied have the same twist rate ? Thanks
HUGELK
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Not sure about the barrel twist rate but I would try to avoid the 158 gr bullet. 170,180 or higher is best. The 158 is fine for rifles and Thompson, with no cylinder gap. A few rounds wouldn't hurt much but a steady diet in the amounts silhouette shooters use would flame cut, IMHO. 15 is fine if you use 357 Magnum. Best to take care of the gun. It is unlikely anyone will every manufacture a revolver in maximum again. Especially Ruger, haha. Maybe Freedom Arms though. I have a 40, a 740 and a Ruger Blackhawk that I believe was never even fired at the factory. I have only shot the 40 a couple of times. It might be fun for feral hog hunting though. Gotta try that. May love it.
February 16, 2016
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Found information and a twist rate table, by manufacturer, at Exterior Ballistics:
32 H&R Magnum - 1 in 18-3/4"
38 Special - 1 in 18-3/4"
357 Magnum -1 in 18-3/4"
357 Magnum - 1 in 14" (10”,12”, 15” barrels only)
357 Maximum - 1 in 18-3/4"
375 Super Mag - 1 in 18-3/4"
41 Magnum -1 in 18-3/4"
44 Magnum - 1 in 18-3/4"
44 Magnum - 1 in 20"
445 Super Mag - 1 in 18-3/4"
October 1, 2012
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Has anyone shot many 158 gr thru their SuperMag ?
April 25, 2008
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Safe, but not recommended. Stick to the 170 and above weights. As an aside, Remington factory ammo for the .357 Maximum came in 158 and 180 grain flavors, but then, they pulled their gun off the market.
Both supplied barrels have the same twist rate.
As far as Freedom Arms making a .357 SuperMag, they won't. It would require an extended frame size, something they won't do. With the strength of their guns, they claim that their loads in the .357 Magnum Model 83 will equal .357 SuperMag loads, Just don't try them in any other .357 Magnum revolver.
The Savantist
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March 25, 2013
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And THAT is the definitive answer!!
December 19, 2015
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Haven't been here in awhile, but is nice to see familiar names on the post.
Actually, I don't think the weight of 158g had anything to do with the flame cutting.
When using 180g bullet with a fuller case of H110, W296, or 4227; target velocites are usually from 1500fps to 1800fps.
Hot Rodders tried to get velocities above 2000fps by using lighter bullets well below 158g, and more powder. They didn't follow the rules and the revolvers paid the price. Going outside the table limits is not without consequences.
Reloaders know that lighter bullets requires more powder to get to speed, so the hot rodders started adding powder and watching for pressure signs. The revolvers were so well built that flame cutting started before the additional pressure showed damage.
It's the additional powder that caused the flame cutting, not actually the bullet weight.
Hey OP, I'm the one that had my Ruger blow up from the PC ammo so I have done a lot of reading.
February 16, 2016
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Prescut said
Hot Rodders tried to get velocities above 2000fps by using lighter bullets well below 158g, and more powder.
If I recall from my reading correctly, it was 110-gr. and 125-gr. bullets they were using.
DWF Supporters
August 28, 2016
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No flame cutting on my 40- 8" bbl, I've only shot about 150 rounds of factory Remington 158 gr. semi-jktd maximum thru it, maybe more rounds will tell a different story. I've only got about 300 rounds of the original stuff left. R
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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150 rounds is just warming up to a Silhouette shooter.
October 1, 2012
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Thanks to all that responded. I appreciate the help. I am buying 100 rounds of new 180 gr XTP Hornady loaded to 1800 fps. This should be a good deer cartridge, they are big in Illinois, accurate for target, and minimize flame cutting.
April 25, 2008
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Stinger said
If I recall from my reading correctly, it was 110-gr. and 125-gr. bullets they were using.
That is correct.
The Savantist
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