I am about to load some .357 Mag for my first attempt at this game and I will be using 158 gr. Hornady XTP hollow point bullets. In case my load development shows the hot loads to be most accurate, is there a rule of thumb regarding velocity to make sure I do not have a load that will damage targets?

I won't be going over 1250 fps with 2400, but it looks like the minimum with H110 would be 1418 fps.

Are you planning on shooting big-bore full-size or Field Pistol ??? Revolver or Single-shot pistol ?? Having asked that, I do not think that you have to worry about target damage - your loads would have to achieve 1800 FPS+ to damage targets.

Planning on using a SW 686 for Field Pistol, and perhaps also for big bore. I may try a 44 Mag SBHH for Big Bore. Thanks for the advice.

SJS, For FP, you would not need even 1200fps in your 686. 38Spl loads do fine as you have plenty of weight. Going into Big Bore, the 357 can be usable but not in shorter barreled revolvers. The Dan Wessons were selected due to the 8'' or 10'' barrels. The usual practice was a 180 or 200gr bullet (usually cast) and powder to get it out around the 1150fps area. In a TC 10'' barrel without the cylinder gap problem it is easier to get velocity (up to 1300fps). At one time there was a 170gr jacketed bullet. In BB, it is difficult to find a 160gr that works reliably on the Ram target. Most elect a 180 or 200gr for that chore. rp

SJS, is your SBH 44 with the 7.5'' or 10'' barrel ? Either would be sufficient for BB targets, even with mild loads-----if you have enough rear sight elevation.

My 686 is a 6". My SBH Hunter is a 7.5. I also have a SW 629 with a 6.5" barrel. I am trying all three with iron sights, with red dot and with scope.

I do not have steel targets at the ranges I need to practice but I have paper target backstops at 25, 50, 100 and 200 yards. I have not yet found a load for any of the three guns that I have settled on.

I wanted to try my first match in March at Lincolnton but I figured I ought to at least have an accurate load for at least one revolver settled on and zeroed first. I am trying to do too much at once. So I decided to just work with the 357 for now and get a good load that I can shoot well out to 100 yards. I hope to use irons but I may have to use a dot or scope.

So, I am hoping to make a match soon even if I can only shoot one category. I have not even seen an IHMSA match but it sounds like great fun. It also sounds like it involves skills I have yet to develop, but I am working on it.

SJS, Come visit on the 4th Saturday. It is easier to pick up on what you want to do if you see what needs to be done. Spot for someone. You will learn the match sequence that way. rp

I am going to try to do that. If I read the schedule right that would be the 28th at Little River.

I made good progress today at the range. I have a good load to start with for big bore with my SBH Hunter 44 mag. I hope to settle on my SW 686 357 load on Thursday and Friday for Field Pistol.