Dave H.
Short barrel 357 load question for woodsbumming
Sunday, February 01, 2026, 10:12

I’m interested in dropping down from my GP100 to my SP101 with 2 1/4” barrel for woods bumming. Not looking to shoot the SP loose or break my wrist, but want a good, practical load. What would you load?
We have small bears in south Alabama, hogs can get 250lbs+, so that’s probably my most lethal threat when out in the piney-palmetto woods. Thinking a 180 is heaviest for a short-barrel SP. I’m not as interested in velocity as I am a penetrating load. This would be for self-preservation only, not small game hunting. Appreciate the feedback, experiences and responses.