180gr for the 357 mag?

[handirifle]

Does anyone make a 180gr bullet for the 357 magnum?  It's the heaviest handgun I have and the 180 would make a better bear bullet (protection, not hunting) than the 158.

[andylate]

Yes, there are a lot of 180gr. bullets available for the 357. Nosler, Hornady, Cast Performance, Beartooth Bullets and many others. Loaded ammo available from Cor-Bon, Buffalo Bore, and the big three. A 180 grain bullet won't make a 44 Mag out of a 357 tho.
Andy

[handirifle]

No but if it's all you got, might as well get the most out of it, right?  Cast bullets are cheaper than a new gun, that I can't afford.

[andylate]

My last post sounded pretty "know it all", when to be honest, I have never lived anywhere they have big bears. That said, I also love the 357 Magnums I own. Beartooth Bullets and Cast Performance both make heavy, hard cast and large meplat bullets for the 357 which will make the most of the caliber. Federal loads the Cast Performance 180 grain hard cast in their "Cast Core" line. Stonewall doesn't cast any heavy hard cast bullets for the 357, last I checked, but I got some 158 gr bullets from him, and made some great mid-range loads with them.
Andy

[Swamp Rat]

I have been using BTB 185FPgc and casting my own 180gc from a saeco mold with good results. I just recently received one of Ranch Dogs 190 FPgc tumble lube, I cast up about 40 but have not shot any yet. I have taken deer and hogs with the 180's without issues and hopefully will have the opportunity to take a black bear at some point.

And will agree the Stonewalls 158 FP's make fine target rounds. I have been loading them with 14g of 2400 (around 1600fps) with my '94CP with good accuracy and no leading.