SP101 ammo ???

[Angry Perch]

Took the Ruger SP101 to the range for the first time. Was shooting at 50 feet. First 5 rounds shooting PMC brand .38 Special, at center target, group circled in blue. Then took 5 shots at lower left target with American Eagle .357 loads, and did not hit paper. Loaded 2 more rounds of .357, aimed at center target, and hit low, circled in black. Does it make sense for them to be that far off? I realize I suck with a handgun, but clearly shooting high with .38, and low with .357. Also, the .357 cases were all tight in the cylinder after firing, to where I had to push the ejector rod down on the bench to get the cases out.

Any advice for a handgun rookie would be appreciated.

At least the .243 was working!

[h2ofowlr]

My guess you probably were not shooting off a bench or rest while shooting the pistol.  Given that assumption, it could be follow through, grip on the pistol, fatigue, etc.  Lots of factors play in when shooting freehand or offhand with a pistol.

[300rum]

Were you shooting single or double action?

[fisheral87]

Can you give more specifics on the loads?

What is the barrel length?

I have the 3.06 .357 model.

Al

[Angry Perch]

Were you shooting single or double action?

Single

[Fl0und3rz]

Shooting different weight/recoil loads will pattern differently.  Fast loads clear barrel faster in recoil cycle, hitting low, whereas slower loads spend more time in barrel and will clear the barrel later in the recoil cycle, hitting higher, all else being equal.

[Angry Perch]

Shooting different weight/recoil loads will pattern differently.  Fast loads clear barrel faster in recoil cycle, hitting low, whereas slower loads spend more time in barrel and will clear the barrel later in the recoil cycle, hitting higher, all else being equal.

That makes a lot of sense.

[300rum]

Probably a pre-ignition push. 

Basically, your mind is saying that the .357 kicks too much and doesn't like it and is anticipating it.  If you keep your eyes open throughout the firing process you will be able to see what is happening.