Working up field loads, both Factory and Handloads, for the RUGER 77/357.

Working up field loads, both Factory and Handloads, for the RUGER 77/357.

Started w/ this vid, as I found it very interesting.




Sighted in for a MPBR(3") (+/- 1.5"), I get a Max-range of a little over 125 yards - and at that range a Velocity/Energy of ~ 1370 fps/ 660 Lb-ft..

Should be good for 150 yards (~ 1300 fps/600 Lb-ft) with ~ 4 inches of hold-over.

Under 50 yards, this round is a little over-stressed, but still holds together and is very dynamic.

This Pistol gel test is equivalent to the HDY Custom/Carbine load at ~ 85 yds.
(the Carbine test is 235 fps over the HDY Custom load, and still holds up, but is pretty shallow)




The XTP FP would probably be a better bullet at this velocity, but I got a few boxes of the HDY Custom on sale, and then a pile of the FM loading of this bullet, which runs ~ 50 fps slower, at a ball ammo price .


So it's a start.




GR

Iroquois said:

Garandimal,

This will be a very interesting thread to me. I will be following to see if you post any load information. I have a 77/357 that my son uses for deer. He has shot a couple of deer with the 158gr Hornady XTP (factory) and it has performed well. I’ve been wanting to handload for this but just haven’t got there yet!

Click to expand...

I will be working up a 180 gr. HDY XTP Carbine/R-BH load using Hodgdon Lil’Gun - should be in the 1900 fps range.




GR

CoalTrain49 said:

Some people knock the XTP but with the right velocity (>1200 fps) it's a good bullet. That's what it was designed for and it works.

I ran a lot thru a 77/37 at 1700 fps MV. I'm not sure anyone makes a better bullet for hunting deer.

Of course you won't get the desired expansion sub sonic but who's going to be dumb enough to expect it to work at that velocity.

Click to expand...

What bullet wt. do you use, and is it a HP of FP construction?




GR

MachIVshooter said:

You would think folks would consider the what the semi-initialism XTP stands for and understand that they are different from more lightly constructed, rapid expanding JHPs like the Gold Dot.

Click to expand...

The 158 gr. HP variety seems to be even stouter than HDY advertises - which makes it a pretty good Carbine/R-BH bullet.




GR

CoalTrain49 said:

158 gr 35780 FP XTP was designed for rifles with higher velocity. That's the one I would use. Just make sure it stays above 1200 fps at the outside range you want to use it at. That isn't all that hard with a stout load of H110 or W-296 and an 18" barrel. I used 2400 but probably not the best for max velocity. Hornady manual will give you safe loads in the rifle section. Rule of thumb with 357 loads. Add 300 fps to any short barrel load if you use 18" barrel. Most loads in the manuals are tested with 6-8" barrels. Good luck. That's a nice capable little carbine.

Click to expand...

Thanks.

The woods I hunt have some very large feral hogs in them (Piney-woods Rooters) - like 300+ lbs.

So am limiting my handloads to the 180 gr. and up bullet weight, and as thermonuclear as the RUGER Carbine and 6.5" BH can handle.


Also acquired a pile of Federal AE 158 gr. JSP (Thank you, rebate), so they will fill out the 158 gr. Factory ammo can.

They have ~ the same ballistics as the HDY XTP, but stouter construction.

From a Carbine:

At Point Blank.


At ~ 135 yds.





GR

kcofohio said:

I have some of those to play with. I haven't tried any 'Lil Gun. But won't rule it out, I would like to see what results you may get, if you so desire to post. Lyman's list N-110 as a good powder. I was hoping someone had 300MP data for the 180 gr.

I have only shot less than 100 rds. though my 77/357. But I'm content with my purchase of it. Just waiting for more favorable weather to run several test loads I have ready.

Click to expand...

According to Hodgdon - Particular to the .357 Mag and heavy bullets, Lil’Gun produces higher velocities with lower pressures than H110/W296.

Maximum Loads (180 gr.)

Lil'Gun:
GRS. VEL.(FT/S) PRESS.
15.0 1422 34,500 CUP

H110/W296:
GRS. VEL.(FT/S) PRESS.
13.5 1396 39,100 CUP

The SAAMI Max. Pressure for the .357 Mag. is 45,000 CUP.

Should be able to really smok'em out of a Carbine.




GR