125gr. H110 .357 load data

[Beagle-zebub]

I was looking at pistol load data for the .357 using 125 grain XTPs and H110 powder. The starting load gives a velocity of 1880 fps! What length test barrel is this?! And can the forcing cones of the GP100 and Blackhawk take that stuff?

I've heard that stainless forcing cones are more durable, since they don't turn brittle under high pressure the way that normal steel ones do; this, I heard, is why one doesn't hear as much about problems of this sort in the S&W 66 as in the 19. Can anyone comment on that? I ask since the Blackhawk and the GP100 both come in stainless.

 

[ARTiger]

I'm seeing that same load data, compressed charges at that . . . 38K to 41,400 CUP pressures!! Maybe the Ruger's can handle it - probably can, but wow. All other load data for .357 using H110 that I can find seems similarly hot.

 

[Steve C]

For a 125gr bullet I prefer a faster powder but if you like huge muzzle blast, big ball of fire and a flame cut frame then H110 is the one to use.

Hodgdon's data is all taken from a test barrel and is you won't get that much velocity from a typical revolver though you'll probably get higher from a 18" or longer barreled carbine or rifle.

The Sierra manual always gives a closer to real life velocity and they say 1,450 fps with 19.8gr of H110 (their max load BTW).

125's are only a problem with S&W M19 and M66 pistols because of the thinned down section of the forcing cone that's done to allow the cylinder to close in the K frame. No issue with Rugers, Colts, L or N framed S&W's.