357 load development and casual observations
- Thread starter AJC1
- Start date
I tried out the full power loads today with an XTP bullet and 2400 powder. Something I never considered happened. Actually 2 things.
First there is a charge range between 13.1 and 13.5 grains that is at least as good as my wadcutter target loads and likely better.
Second as the charge weight increased to the 13.3 grain and up range I could feel the heat from the cylinder gap on my hands. The recoil and snap jumped noticeably above that level too. The first time it happened I almost quit shooting.
The astonishing thing is I could possibly go as high as 14.7 grains and be just at the max load in the Lyman 50th edition manual. There have been no pressure sign to this point other than the other shooter on the line moving to stand behind me when I told him what I was about to try.
First there is a charge range between 13.1 and 13.5 grains that is at least as good as my wadcutter target loads and likely better.
Second as the charge weight increased to the 13.3 grain and up range I could feel the heat from the cylinder gap on my hands. The recoil and snap jumped noticeably above that level too. The first time it happened I almost quit shooting.
The astonishing thing is I could possibly go as high as 14.7 grains and be just at the max load in the Lyman 50th edition manual. There have been no pressure sign to this point other than the other shooter on the line moving to stand behind me when I told him what I was about to try.
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
The first time I shot a real mag powder I was equally surprised
Isn't that what Magnum loads are supposed to be? I've found h110 to be just as accurate as target loads if I control the recoil. I'm sure 2400 would be the same for me.
The blast is part of the fun.
I suppose one good takeaway is I was so focused on the sights I didn’t actually see the fireball or flash from around the cylinder gap. I guess this powder is listed as most accurate for several bullets for a reason. I might try some 158 grain cast bullets too. They are listed as accurate in 38 cases with W231 which I already used for the 357 target loads as well as usable with 2400.
Last edited:
After reviewing the targets I found basically all three loads from 12.9 to 13.3 grains of 2400 shot about 1.15”. The 4th charge went to 1.4” but had a flier. If it was really a flier and not the load that puts the group at 1.03”. These are all more accurate than my target loads with either W231 or CFE Pistol. However my supply of 2400 is quite limited so I won’t be shooting that as much. Also the XTP bullets are 2x the price of the wadcutters. The targets also have some 38 Special factory loads sprinkled in for off hand practice.
So if I wanted to decide on a standard load I can use, would 13 grains of 2400 be reasonable? This is given that 12.9 through 13.3 grain loads shot from 1.15” to 1.18” groups? I want to load for the most accurate charge and allow a little leeway for my powder measure to be off by 0.1 grains, which it has held when measuring some samples of thrown charges. That’s a variation less than 1%. At this point there’s no way I think I can shoot good enough to see that difference.
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
If you dont buy sd or varmit loads make a box and keep them handy. I am developing my fun lead loads first to get practice with my new gun and the character of the powders. Somewhere in the 13-14 range seems reasonable so far but my testing is far from done. I've basically been trying to get through the first set of loads through the rifle and pistol.
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2020
- Messages
- 11,143
Seems pretty reasonable.
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
http://www.lasc.us/FryxellSkeetersBullets.htm
I believe his load was 14.5 but I would not load that hot.
Last edited:
BJung
Member
My favorite powder use to be AA9 which has a burn rate close to 2400. I don't have my test records anymore.
This is my test groups using Blue Dot. Blue Dot has a burn rate close to AA7. Shot at 25 feet. Yes, I only shot 4 rounds.
Both loads were shot with my S&W Model 66
This is my test groups using Blue Dot. Blue Dot has a burn rate close to AA7. Shot at 25 feet. Yes, I only shot 4 rounds.
Both loads were shot with my S&W Model 66
Attachments
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
I can believe I can find h4350 but not blue dot. I'm searching high and low as it's the last powder on my must try list.
BJung
Member
![IMG_2775[1].JPG](/data/attachments/987/987642-1cacd7ae1dbe59f68a3d42650e346b34.jpg)
I was able to get out to test the latest loads this morning. My plan to put in more powder and watch the groups grow backfired spectacularly. Now my highest charge is also the most accurate charge beating the ones above for all 4 shots, no fliers.
GeoDudeFlorida
Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2020
- Messages
- 11,143
Wish I could help but my priorities for 9mm are reliability first, versatility second and accuracy somewhere farther down the list. As long as I can hit center mass at 30 paces one handed I’m fine. Sounds like it will make a good thread tho.
2ndtimer
Member
I believe you will find the .357 Magnum offers better intrinsic accuracy potential than the 9mm, based on the firearms they are offered in. Now, if you want to talk speed and “combat accuracy”, the 9mm’s (and other auto loaders) have all the edge there.
Shivahasagun
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2021
- Messages
- 922
The 158 gr XTP's I loaded to 1.590 weren't really deep enough.
Nearly all of the cannelure was showing and the mild crimp just rolling into the groove.
This is over 13.9 g of R. Enforcer. I want a thorough burn and no bullets jumping the crimp so I put them back under the Lee die.
I seated the bullets so the crimp barely shows with a little more aggressive roll crimp. They really look like factory loads now!
OAL is down to 1.571-1.573 and the Lee book says min. Is 1.59 but general consensus says not to worry about that.
I have to wait another week before can chrono them.
Nearly all of the cannelure was showing and the mild crimp just rolling into the groove.
This is over 13.9 g of R. Enforcer. I want a thorough burn and no bullets jumping the crimp so I put them back under the Lee die.
I seated the bullets so the crimp barely shows with a little more aggressive roll crimp. They really look like factory loads now!
OAL is down to 1.571-1.573 and the Lee book says min. Is 1.59 but general consensus says not to worry about that.
I have to wait another week before can chrono them.
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
The bullet always determines my oal. If it's a lot different I will reduce the max I will load to. As long as you start at the start load no big deal.
Shivahasagun
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2021
- Messages
- 922
Well...I actually started at 13.3, 13.5, 13.7, now at 13.9. Max is 14.0. (35k psi) Gun is a new King Cobra 3 inch.
OP
OP
AJC1
Member
Ran my second round of testing with true blue. The 7.4 grain load under the 180 sil bullet still has sticky extraction but all the lower loads shot well. The bullet with gas check and powder coat weighed in at 194 so that is contributing to the pressure issues. I put these through the carbine and my son was was shooting 3.0 grains competion with a 158 rnfp. We dueled on a battleship target and I cleared my section in 18 rounds. The 180 was hitting poi and the 158 was 2 inches high. I also tested my cast 154 noe bullet and the entire range listed in the ramshot tables was fine. My preferred load was 8.8 grains.
Similar threads
