125g Zero JSP for 357 Mag

[RVenick]

Looking for some input on using Zero 125g JSP's in a 357 Mag reload. I recently bought a Ruger GP100 6" 37 Mag and have been shooting some 38spl reloads that I have for the Wife's SW 642 Airweight. The 38 stuff was real low 4.1g W231 with 125g Berry's Plated so I loaded some +P using the Berry's Plated at 5.3g big difference . Today I received 1000 Zero 125g JSP's (only took a month ) and now I want to load some of these in 357 Mag. I have W231 and Titegroup powders available and just looking for some suggestions from other's personal experience.

 

[dwhite]

If you're into velocity and "BANG" you'll need a slower powder. Something like 2400, AA#9 or AA#7. Titegroup and 231 will get you into the low midrange of power but these bullets won't really shine at those velocities.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[CSA 357]

2400 and h 110

 

[appalachainamerican]

H110 does it for me. Have a sp101, gp 100 and a colt python I load for. Never used the zeroes, but 21.6 grains behind a hornandy 125 xtp is definately a handfull in the sp.

 

[TheotherMikeG]

I use Herco and Unique for mid-power loads and 2400 for full power. One plus for me with 2400 is that I can use normal small pistol primers. Don't take my word as gospel, but I think 296 and H110 require/prefer magnum primers.

 

[Bailey Boat]

I've loaded quite a few of the 125 grain Zero's and had fair success. The only issue with 125 grainers might be flame cutting of the top strap in the faster/heavier loads. In 357 a 158 grain bullet will definately gas cut less than a steady diet of 125 grainers.

According to my load data sheets I have tried Bullseye, Green Dot, Unique, Power Pistol, HP 38, 231 and Ramshot Zip. Velocities ran from a low of 1125 to a high of 1342 form a 5" Mod 27. Best accuracy was achieved with Unique and 231 with velocities of 1180 and 1230.

I run all of my loads for accuracy first and velocity second. A hit at 900fps is better thatn a miss at 1500fps...... Good luck with this and remember to write everything down to save time and money.......

 

[Walkalong]

I have loaded that bullet at light and midrange power levels in .357.

Unique works very well for midrange loads in .357. (1200 to 1400 FPS) N340 does extremely well also.

The faster powders are best for light loads. (850 to 950 FPS)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My trinity of powders is W231(HP-38), HS-6 and W296(H110). The last two are better choices than the first for .357 Magnum rounds.

For full power .357 Magnum rounds there are many powders that will do a good job. With a 125gr jacketed bullet W296/H110, AA#9, 2400, Enforcer, VV N110, IMR4227 and H4227 will all produce the highest velocities. You can add Lil'Gun to the mix when loading a 158gr or heavier bullet too.

 

[fourdollarbill]

2400 and H110 are my coice of powder for any 125gr jacketed. ALSO don't forget to clean your cylinder of any 38spl fowling or leading.
GP100 6" "fantastic gun" "love mine"

 

[RVenick]

Are any of the recommended powders above ball type? I know that 2400 is not. The reason I ask is because I use a Lee Pro Loader and with the Auto Disk stick type powders do not meter will through the disks. I loaded some starting to mid range loads using the W231 I have and have been waiting for a break in the rain (it has been raining here since Thursday) to head out to my outdoor club. Hopefully I can get out there today.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

W296/H110 are ball powders as is Lil'Gun. I'm not sure of some of the others.

 

[Walkalong]

2400, N110, & 4227 are not ball powders.