Python at 80+ yards

[capstan]

I loaded some 357 mag. 180 grain HPXTP's with 6 grains unique and cci500 primers. The rifle range at the huntin cabin, is 80 some yards. I held about 8 inches high and shot 3 went up and only 1 graze mark at top of target. I thought sure it would shoot low at that range. I tried 3 more holding at the center of the target and all 3 hit about 4 inches above where I aimed. The group was about 3 inches.
I was surprised that it shoots that high at that range. But with the right load and sight adjustment, I can see that the Python is still quite accurate even at that range.

[Dragon88]

The 357 is pretty flat shooting at short range. Especially if you go with a fast 125gr load, it's like a laser beam. I shoot out to 100 yards with my revolvers every week, even my old pre Model 10 can make hits regularly with a good plinking load.

[buck460XVR]

I held about 8 inches high and shot 3 went up and only 1 graze mark at top of target. I thought sure it would shoot low at that range.
I was surprised that it shoots that high at that range.

I have had the same experience with my .357 mags, .44 mags and .460 mags.

Was the gun sighted in originally with 158s or 125s? Heavier bullets outta handguns generally will always print higher than lighter bullets at ranges under 100 yards. Because the slower/heavier bullet spends more time in the barrel and the barrel rises because of recoil, the bullet leaves the barrel at a height higher than a lighter/faster bullet.........at least that's the way it has been explained to me. At 75 yards, 300 grainers print 12'' higher than 200 grainers outta my .460 with the same POA.

[magsnake]

Heavier bullets outta handguns generally will always print higher than lighter bullets at ranges under 100 yards. Because the slower/heavier bullet spends more time in the barrel and the barrel rises because of recoil, the bullet leaves the barrel at a height higher than a lighter/faster bullet.........at least that's the way it has been explained to me.

Really? Not challenging the statement; just find that interesting to consider and wondering if anyone has any data on that sort of thing -- i.e., specific effect of bullet weight difference at the target over set range for same loads (in addition to your observations about the 300 vis 200 grain).

Learn something every day, or at least, I hope to.

[capstan]

Yes it is true that heavier bullets typically shoot higher than lighter bullets out of hanguns,at least out to 25 yards and probably further.
I have tested alot of different reloads and factory loads from 38 special and 357 mag. Results are pretty typical. A couple of my newer Detective specials were shooting pretty high at 15 yards with the 158 grain bullets a little lower with 148 grain and close to pont of aim with the 125 grain bullets. So I use 125 grain jacketed and lead flat nose for plinking for those guns, and from 3 to 15 yards they are close enough to dead on)
The older Det Spl's. (without the shroud under the barrel),typically shoot close to pint of aim at 15 yatds with the 148 grain wadcutter and 140 grain jacketed. So thats what I use for them.

I rarely shoot past 25 yards with my handguns so I wasnt sure where the Python would hit at 80 some yards. Apparently it is on the climbing arc and not the descending part of the arc still at that range.

[steveracer]

If I sight my Trooper in at 25 yards with 125grains, it routinely groups higher with 158s.

[Dragon88]

The effect is called bullet dwell time. I questioned it as well until I saw it for myself on paper. It's interesting to see how standard loads for a particular cartridge change over time. Fixed sight 38 special revolvers from 40+ years ago are often dead on with a 158gr LSWC load, but low with a 125gr load. Fixed sight 38 specials today are often sighted in for the hot 125gr loads which are so popular right now.