180 grain .357 loads

[Rapier]

As you have found out the 357 with heavy bullets is a or can be a hard nut to crack. I would like to know what powder and powder weight you are using and what specific bullet you are using. Also, are you shooting a snake?

One of the problems you have with the 180gr bullets is that some have a very tough jacket while others are designed to expand at reasonable velocity. The trick can be even with the bullets that do expand to get your load up to the needed velocity and the 6 inch barrel is a disadvantage in that regard. If your 357 does not sound like a rifle when fired, you are not even close to fast enough yet.

I am a old silhouette shooter who ran 357 Mag and the 357 Super Mags for about 20 odd years in competition. So I am pretty sure I can get something to work for you.
Ed

[PJgunner]

Well, I only shoot cast bullets in my handguns, usually with a 150 (Lyman #358477)or 158 gr. bullet (Lyman #358156 gas check). Either one gets 14.0 gr. of Alliant #2400 and I don't look back. I did make some comment on using s 200 gr. cast bullet in the .357 Mag. and tou can find them on "The 200 gr. bullet in the .38 Spl." thread.
Just a couple of comments on #358156. Using a Smith & Wesson (no number) 38/44 outdoorsman revolver which is the .38 Spl. on a 44 frame, I took a 250 pound Black Bear with the appropriately loaded .38 Spl. rounf and that bullet. I used that same bullet to stop a wild feral hog's charge in a .4" .357 Magnum with a stiff load of #2400. (Hercules version) Both animals took two shots, although probably the first shot would have done the trick. In both sets of shot, which were fairly up close and personal, shots were fired double action.
Sadly, both guns are long gone but I've found a replacement for the Outdoorsmad and I will never part with that one. I've also replaced the .357 mag. but this one has a 6" barrel. I'm still looking for one with a 4" barrel that isn't all beat to hell and gone.
Paul B.