Looks like there is a hog hunt in my future. Next year guys are getting a GA hog hunt together. I will most likely use my .45-70 GG but would like to take along my .357 mag. as a back up. It would not be the gun of choice but my S&W Model 66 w/ it's 4" barrel is the only hand gun I have that comes close. I'm looking at Beartooth Bullets' 185gr hard cast bullet loaded with either the H4227 that I already have or H110 that I want to get. I have an assortment of brass that I've cleaned and both CCI STD and mag. primers. Suggestions on loads using these or other components would be greatly appreciated

Load is/would be, too hot and long for a S&W M66!

It sounds like you are trying to duplicate a '357 Silhouette' load, which CAN NOT be used in any other than 'some' Ruger, Dan Wesson, and Reeder revolvers (but all T/C i would think) because of the OAL.

I would not use the 185s let me suggest the Cast Performance line of hardcast bullets. They have a 160gr WFNPB.

www.castperformance.co...?Vl=1&Tp=2

This would be the heaviest that I would use in a Mod-66. This frame is the same as the Mod-19 only in Stainless. This is not a heavy frame so I would not suggest heavy loads for it. I wore one out with factory loaded magnums in less than 2 years/ 6000 rounds.

If you use the above load you can keep within very reasonable limits and the bullet does very well. I have used it in my 586s and Contenders. With just below published Max loads I have put bullets completly thru a whitetails shoulder and found the bullet on the opposite side just under the hide. In a couple of others I had complete pass throughs. None went more than 50 yards. Give them a try I think you will be happy with them.

I got this off the web site of Beartooth Bullets after hours so couldn't ask them about it. Marshall Stanton states the results he posted were from a Ruger Blackhawk in 6" blue but that it had been tested in over 40 different handguns and carbines. I personally have no idea and am glad you folks know enough to warn me off. I have a box of 460gr Cast Performance waiting to be loaded for my .45-70 somewhere down the line. I heard they make good bullets. I saw on another thread hardcasts were recommended for hunting with a .357 mag.

Thanks again

Hard Cast bullets IMO are the BEST rounds to be loaded in a .357 Magnum for hunting. There have been a few others that do very well but IMO push a lighter framed .357 to its limits. In a large frame revolver there is that extra margin of stregnth that precludes possible wear/damage. Also, in most cases a hardcast bullet of the same weight can be safely pushed to a bit higher velocity due to the bullet having less friction/drag in the barrel. Being that it is also harder than other aloys it will not deform near as much and the large flat metplat will provide a large wound cavity. Those that have actually used hardcast can vouch for them, those that haven't don't have the facts.

I agree with you about the 160gr WFNPB (and hardcasts ) (but would not go over, or be on a steady diet of them either) and don't want to make any claims to S&W's being unreliable because that's not the case at all.

A concern however lies in the age of the revolver, and in knowing K-frames vulnerabilities with heavier loads. It goes without saying timing becomes an issue, and how well your forcing cone is cut and polished to reduce flame/gas-cuttting and leading. Lastly, you always take a risk with frame/barrel twisting, as i have seen MANY (and mostly innocent) mistakes which the barrel pin is sheared off and unrepairable (although in most cases a heavy grain diet was the end result).

Cast Performance makes great castings in many flavors but i'd gather (RPM1031) that on the other thread, most hardcasts were used in a single action or a Ruger, Dan Wesson, and Taurus double actions.

Take care

I haven't had time to work on any loads for my K frame .357. Been bouncing back and forth between NJ and GA. I still would like to take it as a back up gun when I go on a hog hunt. I was looking into cast preformance 160 gr. on Midway. I saw under reviews that someone with a 686, another S&W K frame, had trouble it. Said the bullet was too large for the throat and actually imprinted the bullet. Does anyone have any other suggestions? S&W suggested a 158 grain jsp but I see some have put them in the same category of a jhp when used in a handgun.

I've even had trouble with my 686+ with 158's :(....the only suggestion i would give is to get a new 357 mag in Ruger or Taurus to give you a good strong revolver that CAN and WILL be able to handle heavy loads.

Why i expressed "can" and "will" is because Taurus has taken a bad rap over the years....but i assure you they are every bit as strong as a Ruger!

Can't justify the cost of another gun right now. Push comes to shove I just won't take my model 66 on the hunt. If I do get another handgun it would probably be a .45 long colt.

Now a 45LC would be a great choice IMO

RPM1031 wrote:

I haven't had time to work on any loads for my K frame .357.

RPM1031.......a K Frame is not a good gun to trust with too many full house .357 MAG loads. I had a K Mod 19 and used it for 357 MAG factory (125gn Lawman initially) then 158gn SWC handloaded. Basically, the gun couldn't handle the big loads....it shot loose in no time and I even SPLIT THE FORCING CONE which locked up the cylinder (this is a bad thing) and had to rebarrel it. I bought a 586 L Frame and it was great. The S & W L frame (586 or 686) is the smallest I would use for a steady diet of good solid magnum loads. At least it will do the job for you when you most need it.

Cheers, Vince