I picked up a nice used XD in 357sig a couple of weeks ago, fired some factory Winchester 124's that clocked in 1300+. I was impressed at how well this gun grouped. I got to fire some hand loads today and I like it even more. Still no match for a 10 but a lot of fun. Didn't want to hijack the XD 10mm thread so I will say it here, I would buy an XD in 10mm if they came out with one.
I like the 357 Sig from my Glock 29 with a LWD conversion barrel...Trying to get a 357 Sig 6" barrel for my Glock 20SF... ::)
I just got a LWD ported conversion for my 29 and had some feeding issues the first time out (today) so I didn't want to say much until I had a chance to try some other types of loads. Glad you like yours it gives me some encouragement to keep trying mine.
I had an original xd357 when it first switched from the HS2000. It would never return to battery. You'd have to slap the back of the slide after every shot.
The papers that came with it indicates it was made late 2004, this one has no problems at all.