Loading LeverEvolution bullets for .357 mag.

Status
Not open for further replies.

JRWhit

Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2012
Messages
1,020
Location
MO
Has any one loaded the polymer tipped LeverEvolution bullets for .357 magnum.
I noticed by comparison that 140 gn LeverEvolutions are as long as the 180gn xtps. With the longer bearing surface and the fact that they will take up so much more space in the case neck , I was thinking that I should use starting load for 180 gn xtp and work up from there even though it's a 140gn bullet.
Anyone, been through this or have thoughts on it?
 
I have a different insert for the seating die to push on the ogive without pushing the tip. I just wasn't sure about powder charge with so much more bearing surface in contact with the barrel.
 
IMG_0263.jpg
This is a dummy round I seated. It is crimped at the top of the connelure and measures 1.5880". It is very tight but it is seating below max OAL. Brass is untrimmed.
 
After reading the other forum, I may just wait till I get the hornady load manual.
I have some noslers I can work up for the time being. Thank you for the information.
 
I have noticed that the factory brass from these rounds is significantly shorter than factory standard brass.. they may require shorter trimmed cases to chamber correctly... 45-70 is the same.. those are the only two calibers I have used the factory ammo
 
You do know that with the 140 gr. FTX unlike the other FTX bullets you don't gain anything in ballistic coefficent over the XTP bullets.I'am not sure what the purpose of the 140 gr FTX bullet is.
 
You do know that with the 140 gr. FTX unlike the other FTX bullets you don't gain anything in ballistic coefficent over the XTP bullets.I'am not sure what the purpose of the 140 gr FTX bullet is.
My purpose at the moment is availability. The XTPs I usually get have been out of stock. Grabbed these and thought ,well lets try em.
 
View attachment 181136
This is a dummy round I seated. It is crimped at the top of the connelure and measures 1.5880". It is very tight but it is seating below max OAL. Brass is untrimmed.
Speer had load data on their site for all the cartridges loaded with the FTX bullet but removed the files when their 9th Edition load manual was released. The load data is specific for the FTX bullets in all calibers they can be loaded and is different than all the other data. As a note, in the .357 Magnum you need to trim the brass to 1.240" so that you can keep the COAL within SAAMI specs when loading the FTX bullet which is longer than other .357" bullets. I had the .357 Magnum file but I lost a lot of my files when my other computer crapped out. Sorry I no longer have it or I would send you a copy. Hopefully someone else here as it available and will send you a copy. In the mean time, tell me which powder you're using and I'll tell you the charge weights in Hornady #9 so you can test some ammo while ordering the manual for yourself.

You do know that with the 140 gr. FTX unlike the other FTX bullets you don't gain anything in ballistic coefficent over the XTP bullets.I'am not sure what the purpose of the 140 gr FTX bullet is.
I have to disagree, you do see a gain when the FTX bullet is used in a Carbine over the XTP bullet.
 
I am using Blue Dot.

Am I mistaken on SAMMI max length? My sources show 1.590" and I was able to seat it at 1.5880". That being the case I wouldn't think trimming is necessary with this brass. I'm using Remington brass that measures 1.28" uncut.
 
ArchAngelCd show me where the gain is. You do in every other one but the .357 140 Per Hornady specs. FTX BC .160 SD .157 XTP BC .169 SD .157
Unless Hornady has made a mistake in their bullet specs. you don't gain anything
 
I have loaded 100 without trimming my cases. While loading mid range loads with 2400 I have had no problems and no pressure signs in either my 686p or Winchester 94. No real benefit that I've noticed over 158 gr or 180 gr XTPs though.
No problems with length and I seat to mid of the cannalure (sic.). If you make the brass shorter don't you increase the pressure? If you can get it down to 1.590 why wouldn't you?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top