147 grain bullets for 357 Sig?

[stonecoldy]

I was able to purchase blemished 147 grain hollowpoints (.355" diameter) last week from Midway. These appear to be Hornady XTP bullets. New to me will be reloading for the 357 Sig cartridge. I don't have any other .355' diameter bullets to look at loading right now, had looked fruitlessly for 125 grain jacketed flat points. I'd like to hear of anyone trying this bullet in this cartridge. I have found conflicting opinions/ reviews on this bullet weight in regards to cartridge overall length. If the concensus becomes a no-go, then I'll try to trade them for appropriate bullets I can use.
Thanks for any good advice.
Ron

 

[rcmodel]

It might work, depending on the ogive profile.

If they can be seated 1.140" or less and not have the ogive inside the case mouth.

Hornady lists no .357 SIG data for them.

Lyman #49 has data for the 147 Speer TMJ seated 1.135"..

rc

 

[stonecoldy]

I did also look at my Hornady manual, as you pointed out, rcmodel. Worth trying. I'll be shooting these through a Sig P226. If they don't work then trading them.

 

[Bovice]

I think there's data for the 147 XTP in 357 SIG. I think I saw it in my Lee manual.

Personally I liked the 124 grain bullets.

 

[Cycletroll]

I have loaded .357 Sig extensively with bullets including 124/125gr, 140gr, 147gr, 158gr, and even 180gr.
There is load data for 147gr. Most load data published for the .357 Sig is very conservative. The brass (and most pistols chambered for it) is very strong.

The real concern with reloading the Sig is adequate neck tension to prevent bullet setback. As long as there is good grip on the bullet and the bullet isn't being jammed into the rifling then pressure is usually not a problem.

Mid range burning rate powders like Longshot, Power Pistol, 800x, and AA#7 are excellent for the heavier bullets.

Work up carefully and enjoy

 

[Lagarto]

357 Sig/ 147 gr.

I have loaded Speer 147gr GDHP's with 7.1 gr of Power Pistol for use with a supressed barrel on a G20.

Worked great. The supressor takes away all the flash from the PP.

Check Alliant's website. Their technical man, Ben, shoots and reloads 357 Sig he may be able to give you some pointers.

 

[stonecoldy]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of your advice. I'll give these XTP's a try then rather than trade them. Next step is to track down appropriate powder, such as those you mentioned, of which I have few choices. I'm really looking forward to reloading this cartridge, my new-to-me Sig P226 is pretty fun to shoot.

 

[Dave P]

I think my best load was using 800x, with a 147.

Standard OAL: 1.15" maybe? Check this please!

Just be sure the bullet is crimped tight in the neck - push a few against the floor with your thumb - shouldn't move.

 

[JimKirk]

Both Hornady manual #8 and #9 .... have 357 SIG data for the Hornady 147 grain HP XTP ...

Power Pistol...
Blue Dot...
HS-6...
AA#7

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Data here too...

 

[Peter M. Eick]

147 XTP's are the most accurate bullet I have every fired out of my 229 sport. I use full book max loads of aa9 with them and it is unnerving how accurate the gun can be.

I don't shoot them much do to the expense, but if I "had to" make a shot with a handgun, this combination would be on my short list of combinations I would consider.