03/07/2025 – I’ve been trying to read a bit, as I sort of hate TV. However, even that seems to lead to conflict and discord. The Summa Theologica, Proof 1 suggest that Issac Newton may have plagiarized the work of Thomas Aquinas, work that predated Newton by four hundred years. Probably why Newton was only a Sir, while Aquinas was a Saint.
Which doesn’t bring me to the point of this article, my GP100 and why it is still a part of my routine, even though I no longer write about the state of the firearm industry’s products. My relationship with firearms developed around target shooting, hunting and, later, self defense. The latter, after I concluded that everyone is not rational, not moral, nor do they need much in the way of motivation to harm another or take what is not theirs. Please insert punctuation as your education and inclinations mandate.
The GP100, six shooter is like… Skippy peanut butter. Skippy Creamy is peanut butter, Skippy Super Chunk, Skippy Natural, Skippy Reduced Fat, and Skippy Protein infused products are not. And so goes that the six shot Ruger GP100 357 Magnum is a GP100. Those revolvers labeled GP100 that are seven shot, chambered for the 22 rimfire, 44 Special, or 10mm Auto are not peanut butter.
Why is that? I don’t know. Let me think for a moment. Oh, I know. None of those variations add practical value for real world applications. Over the years, I have owned several GP100s, all the same type and appearance. However, as I modified each until it was less than optimal for my personal applications, it was sold and replaced it with another.
Using the Ruger serial number look up, I was surprised to find my “new” GP100 is sixteen years old. I’ve slicked it up a bit with a new grip, a fixture guided trigger job, spring change, and light pipe sights. Do I use it much? The opening photo shows traces of dried skin from my winter frozen hands on the grips.
Two bullets and one type of powder. It really doesn’t matter…
Handloading can be an exercise in experimentation, finesse, utilization, or necessity. Perhaps all three. For every published data set and component combination for handloads, there are a hundred that will do as well, meaning they will all accomplish the same objective and there is no difference as a practical matter.
Cast bullets are a good choice for use in revolvers, especially when coated to reduce accumulative leading and lead particle inhalation. For casual target and varmint work with the 357 Remington Magnum; Acme 105 grain Hi-Tek coated flat points. Pictured is a lot from an older generation, as current production has no lube groove. For a trail load and for hunting game such as deer and black bear; the Acme 158 grain no lube groove Hi-Tek coated semi wad cutter.
The bullets are cast from 92-6-2 alloy BHN-16. A good number of recovered bullets suggest these specific bullets are soft enough to conform to the bore, without shattering, splintering, or fracturing on bone with the 357 Mag at standard to high velocity levels. They also, however, give little consideration to expanding.
Like a T-10 transmission behind a big block – Sidebar
I started prepping brass for my handload extravaganza with my Hornady Power Case Prep Center when it had a melt down that was worse than a sanctuary city mayor at an ICE convention. In the beginning, I used the machine infrequently. However, as a tribute to laziness and case uniformity, I found myself using it all of the time.
Its failure may have had something to do with trimming and prepping two five gallon pails of 223 Remington brass, and a five gallon pail of 45 auto brass, in a ham fist fashion, just prior. Some of the spinning things stopped spinning and the gearbox sounded like Captain Crunch. Opening the gear box resulted in a small pile of broken gears collecting on the work bench. My suspicion was that something might be wrong.
A call to Hornady customer service, nice people, got replacement parts sent out, same day, free under warranty. There is a lot to be said for purchasing brand name product from a good company. Yes, sometimes I find an alternative Asian source for equipment. Particularly when a U.S. company is selling the same under their label and the price difference is significant. Unfortunately, when products fail, attempts at warranty repair often end in a circular conversation from a guy named Chad, who only speaks Mandarin, and the full purchase price of a new unit.
The science of powder selection
Careful assessment of powder for assignment to a project begins with which, in broad strokes, work with the cartridge and bullets I have selected. Then it is identifying, within that population, which type I trip over when trying to get to the lathe or milling machine, and then those forming the subset of those inventoried in large bulk quantities, for reasons I have long since forgotten. It is an exhausting, but well grounded process.
After all of that… thinking, I decided I needed but two types of handloads to serve my mundane lifestyle. More would be superfluous.
Far left:
105 grain cast, 1.585″ COL, 11.0 Grains Alliant Power.
MV 1512 fps
25 Yard rested 6 shot group size 2.6″
Left:
158 grain cast, 1.575″ COL, 14.0 Grains RamShot Enforcer
MV 1297 fps
25 Yard rested 6 shot group size 2.1″
In my view, that is a lot out of a 4″ barrel revolver, and a lot more than tap, tap, tapping away with a 9mm auto loader.
200 rounds of 105 grain were loaded so I will have enough to scare squirrels when I am bored, 100 round of 158 grain will give me a little practice ammo and enough to meet outdoor carry requirements.
My biggest handling challenge is not endlessly loading different powder/bullet combinations. It borders on irrational; perhaps I need a step program. I’m doing better with some calibers, less so with others. Tired of picking up empty cases frozen into the snow, I shot some revolvers this week. How about: 1 bullet, lead, caliber appropriate, coated in Hi-Tek, and a clean burning powder? Lovely results: moderate power for .38 Spl, more juice in .357 cases. Sometimes we make life too complicated.
Agreed, Bill.
Joe
I’ve been searching for that particular grail, but my problem is that I have multiple versions of 357 wheel guns and what shoots well in one often is only mediocre in another. I am trying to narrow down a “go to load” for each. That has been keeping me busy.
My particular challenge with revolvers is that there are so many calibers, powder, and bullet options that, for years, my reloading was a continuous process of experimentation. Not an inherently bad thing, but more complexity in my life than I now need. After 50 years, I finally settled on .45 Colt and .357 Magnum, with 2 or 3 loads for each (although I could get by with just one). I load 148 grain wadcutter, 158 grain SWC, and 180 grain hard cast SWC in .357 and 185 grain & 250 grain SWC in .45 Colt. Plated bullets preferred. After multiple .357 Magnum revolvers, I have finally settled on a 3” GP100 with factory rubber insert grips (wood grips being more uncomfortable to shoot than I like). In .45 Colt I splurged on a Freedom Arms Model 97 with 4.5” barrel. Both are easy to carry and capable of handling heavy loads, but are much more comfortable with “standard” loads. If push truly came to shove and I could only choose one revolver, I suspect it would be the Ruger – compact, strong, accurate, versatile and timeless.