185 FNGC @ 1100 fps from S&W 4" .357 Mag.

[RMc]

185 FNGC @ 1100 fps

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When loading for my 4" S&W 686, I want a smooth balance of controlability and deep penetration. For my purposes a hard cast, heat treated 185 FNGC with a .28" meplate at 1100 fps fits the bill. The load I developed with the Beartooth Bullet 185 FNGC works extremely well in delivering fast and accurate double action fire. Frankly, I find it easier to track and hit a moving target with the smooth roll of a well tuned double action trigger. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/


Distance to chronograph screens 10 ft.
Temp: 78F Six rounds.
Firearm: S&W 686 4 inch barrel .357 Magnum

Beartooth Bullets 185 grain FNGC, 13.0 grains of H4227,
New Starline .357 Magnum brass,
Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primers:

1103 FPS average, 27 fps extreme spread, Low 1091 FPS , High 1118 FPS.

Bullet / cartridge measurements: .358" diameter, .728" long, and 1.566" oal seated in 1.278" Starline cases.


This is a comparatively soft recoiling, low muzzle blast load that leaves surprisingly little powder residue. Also, 13 grains of H4227 measures exactly 1.0 cc by volume - handy for adjusting the powder measure - checked with a scale of course.

Hogdon's online data manual shows a Maximum load of 13.7 gr. of H4337 with a 180 Nosler Partition and WSPM primer. This load was derived from the Hogdon data. As always, check the data source yourself and use at your own risk.

The 185gr. BTB FNGC .357 bullet has the same meplate size as the original Keith 250 grain .44 special/magnum bullet. So if both bullets completely penetrate most game at 1100 fps, then both should have equal terminal effect!

 

[huntershooter]

I shoot the same bullet from a couple of my "N" frames; a 4" mod 28 and a 6" mod 27.
I'm running AA9. The 4" chronos right at 1150 fps and the 6" is close to 1200 fps.
The mod. 27 shoots six (not five) rds. into just under 2" at 50 yds, 1.80" groups consistently. The 4" mod. 28 is a 2.5" gun at 50 yds. These are the only two .357's I have that shoot this load this well (I have 10 more that seem to prefer lighter, 158 gr. bullets).
I carry these revolvers at the ranch occasionally.
In my estimation, this is about as good as a .357 gets, if accuracy and penetration are your goal.

 

[sixgunner455]

That sounds like a very sensible, effective load.

 

[RMc]

That sounds like a very sensible, effective load.

Thank you.

The concept of a heavy for caliber .357 Magnum WFN load at a reasonable velocity for a 4" DA revolver is sound. Yes, by loading ultra-slow ball powder, the velocity can be increased by 100 fps in a 4" revolver - at the cost of a fireball flash, and greatly increased noise. I was pleased to find this very balanced, easy to shoot and very accurate load.

By the way, Federal's 180gr. Cast Core .357 factory round produces the same ballistics and easy shooting characteristics in my S&W 686.

 

[BCRider]

Hogdon's online data manual shows a Maximum load of 13.7 gr. of H4337 with a 180 Nosler Partition and WSPM primer. This load was derived from the Hogdon data. As always, check the data source yourself and use at your own risk.

I'm going to assume that the "4337" is a mis type for "4227"? It may be worth while editing that.

For my own part I like heavy loads but don't like it when the slap hard. I tend to like them more when they give a big thump. So my own reloading has sort of concentrated on finding slower powders. The big fireball they produce is just a nice bonus.... So it's nice to see some write ups such as yours talking about the results of using slower powders that are still suitable for handguns.

 

[RMc]

I'm going to assume that the "4337" is a mis type for "4227"? It may be worth while editing that.

For my own part I like heavy loads but don't like it when the slap hard. I tend to like them more when they give a big thump. So my own reloading has sort of concentrated on finding slower powders. The big fireball they produce is just a nice bonus.... So it's nice to see some write ups such as yours talking about the results of using slower powders that are still suitable for handguns.

Yes it should have read 4227 - this forum does not allow corrections after another reply is made, so...

The load I posted is also a fantastic load for bowling pin shoots!