.357 accuracy load
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ArchAngelCD
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I don't load a 125gr bullet much but when I do I usually use W296. Since you don't want to pound the gun I would suggest using 2400 instead because it can be downloaded. A charge of 17.0gr 2400 under a 125gr XTP will make a nice load IMO.
If you decide to switch over to a 158gr XTP try 14.5gr 2400.
If you decide to switch over to a 158gr XTP try 14.5gr 2400.
For a 125 grain bullet you don't want absolute maximum velocity I'd suggest using Unique or something in the medium burn rate. Other powders of similar rate would be AA#5, Hodgdon Universal, IMR 7625, etc. Try 8.0 grs of Unique to start and that should give you around 1,250 fps from a 4" barrel and you can go up to 9.0 grs for a little under 1,400 fps.
For the .357 magnum with 125gr bullets I've used 13.8 grs of Blue Dot with magnum primer for years and this duplicates factory full power loading about right around 1,450 fps from a 4" barrel. Blue Dot isn't recommended for the .357 mag and 125 gr bullets now but some of the data listed for it went up to 16+ grains with the 125 bullet though most topped out at 14.6grs. Alliant just issued the warning a couple years ago on new lots of Blue Dot.
For the .357 magnum with 125gr bullets I've used 13.8 grs of Blue Dot with magnum primer for years and this duplicates factory full power loading about right around 1,450 fps from a 4" barrel. Blue Dot isn't recommended for the .357 mag and 125 gr bullets now but some of the data listed for it went up to 16+ grains with the 125 bullet though most topped out at 14.6grs. Alliant just issued the warning a couple years ago on new lots of Blue Dot.
ironhead7544
Member
IMR4227. Use the start load and go up slowly. I have had some groups at 100 yard with this combo using a scoped revolver that you would not believe. This powder is also easy on the revolver.
Publius1688
Member
+1 for 4227 or A5. Check your Hornady manual and work your way up. If you don't have a Hornady manual, get one!
Bula
Member
17g of 2400 is a very accurate load.
Runningman
Member
I've always had very good luck with accuracy from the 357 Mag with 140 Gr bullets. The 140 Gr XTP is a very accurate bullet from my experience. The 125 Gr have always been a little finicky for me. For powder VihtaVuori N110 works very well in the 357 Mag, so does IMR 4227
Seedtick
Member
To date, my most accurate 357 load has been with this bullet sitting atop of ever how much 2400 you feel comfortable with. I've also had good results with Accurate No. 9 using that same bullet.
ST
ST
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I'm glad someone agrees with me and it really is a very accurate load...
The Bushmaster
Member
13 to 14 grains of 2400 under a Remington 140 grain SJHP or a Hornady 140 grain HP/XTP are nice rounds for what you are asking for. I use this round in an old (44 year old) Colt SAA 4 3/4" barrel. I'm getting around 1100 to 1200 fps and it's and accurate loading.
_N4Z_
Member
I will also agree that 17gr of 2400 over a 125 sjsp/sjhp is very accurate, out of my Marlin1894c.
Not something I choose to use in revolvers though. Not tested it for accuracy in revolvers either.
Not something I choose to use in revolvers though. Not tested it for accuracy in revolvers either.
Ozarkrick
Member
I second 8.0 grs of UNIQUE (7.8 to be exact for me) with the 125 JHP. Accurate, comfortable, with the right velocity.
Strongbad
Member
I havent used the XTP in that weight but I have an excellent shooting load with Winchester HP's, also 125 grainers with H-110. Excellent shooting load and very pleasant to shoot. Even my wife doesn't mind shooting it out of the S&W Highway Patrolman.
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