I know everyone was all gaga over the 125's but I have always preferred the 158's in .357. Since my .357's were mostly field revolvers rather than defensive, I had full confidence that my field loads would get the job done defensively just fine should it be called into duty. One load to rule them all:)
I tended to stuff my S&W M19 with either Remington factory, or my own load of a 158gr XTP on top of a stiff shot of 296. Killed everything I ever pointed it at, and did so with no complaints. While it did kill the one bear I got in a fight with, it didn't kill it fast enough for me, so when it comes to things larger than deer, I leave the .357's at home. But as a general purpose woods revolver, the .357 acquits itself quite well. And I'm really not a bit .357 fan.
