Henry Rifle Forums

Got the new revolver out today for the first time, starting off easy to get the hang of it. Shot at 15 yards, standing. This was my second grouping after making a few sight adjustments. It is a blast to shoot, and with the .38 specials you could plink away all day without a sore hand (or wallet). These were factory PPU loads with a 158gn swc, the only thing I could get my hands on. They were fairly accurate, but did NASTY things to my shiny new bore. Will detail that in a seperate post. Overall, really liking this little revolver. As soon as my bullet order shows up, I will be working up some loads and sharing results on those. Cheers!

Interesting bullet holes. Was there a cardboard backing behind the target? Looks like a few keyhole hits.
Not bad for first shots with a new revolver! Maybe if you can find some jacketed ammo to try next time out.

There was a backing behind it, but the paper was loose and hanging away from the cardboard. I noticed the strange bullet holes also. It is possible the way those bullets gummed up the barrel however.

Well, done. I suspect going to jacketed bullets will keep things cleaner. PPU is definitely bulk grade ammo, anyway. What do you plan to shoot as your main load? 38s or 357?

I haven’t totally decided yet NCG, my thoughts are 38 +p, or a mild .357. Plan to do some playing around with loads in that range. Any advantages/disadvantages to one or the other?

Well depends on what caliber you have the most brass. You can load the Mag brass down to 38 Special levels and then load some up to standard Mag level or anything in between. I have a good bit of 38 Special brass I collected over the years so I load that up to +P levels to shoot in 357 Mag revolvers and my Henry BBS. Also have a good amount of 357 Mag brass and load that to mid range levels. With the longer Magnum brass you don't have to worry much about a carbon ring in the Magnum revolvers or rifle or the bit of bullet jump to the cylinder throat in the longer Magnum cylinder.
Some good .38 and .357 loads circulating here in the Henry group! Those 180 gr. Missouri Bullet Pugs is one favorite!
I have great luck in rifle and revolver with the 158 gr. RNFP Cowboy 15 bullet from MB loaded in 38 Special brass with 5.6 gr. of Power Pistol.

I have only had a couple of .357 revolvers but the best accuracy seemed to be with loads in .357 brass. I think it has something to do with bullet jump. I have read that a lot of people have had different results.

I agree with going 357 for accuracy and lack of dealing with a crud ring, not to mention that 38 +P is still a ;long, long way from being a 357, all the more so in a 4" revolver.