357/Accurate #9

[Bearhands]

Greetings,
I would like to know if anyone could give me "fps" on this load out of a 2.75' and 4" barrel

357/10.4gr #9/158gr SWC
I'm tryin to use up my #9 and keep the load relatively tame
Thanks for any input.
BH

 

[pinkymingeo]

That would be light, indeed. The lowest AA9 I've chrono'd was 12.8 in a 4" for 1180fps. I imagine a good plinking load would be in the mid-11 grain range.

 

[Werewolf]

And though I've never heard of or read of detonation occuring with AA#9 it is similar enough in burn rate to Hodgdon H110 (which is the powder most report detonating) that running that light of a load may make detonation a possibility.

On your side though is the relatively small size of the .357 case. All the detonation stories I've heard or read about usually happen in large cases like 45 Colt where there's lots of empty space in the case.

Be careful when under charging with a slow burning powder.

 

[Steve C]

Hodgdon H110 (which is the powder most report detonating) that running that light of a load may make detonation a possibility.

H110 does NOT detonate, it SQUIBS with lower density loading. Squib = powder failing to burn properly and the bullet getting stuck in the barrel.

AA #9 is not a volume/load density sensitive powder and there is no worry with light loads but you can expect more smoke and residue than a higher pressure load.

My results using a 158gr commercial cast bullet, CCI 550 magnum small pistol primer, misc cases and 12.3 grs of AA#9 produced an average velocity of 1,268 fps out of my 4" S&W M66.

Your velocity will depend upon primer, bullet and individual pistol but I'd guess you'll be around 900 to 1,000 fps from a typical 4".

 

[Bearhands]

Gentlemen, thank you for your replies.... I guess what I am trying to do is; acheive 1000fps out of my 4" w/ lead swc. I sure don't like "de-leading" higher velocity rounds. I'd figure that if I got 1000 fps out of the 4", then the 2.75" would realize even less, which would also be ok. Anyone with a recipe for 1000 fps using #9 feel free to chrip in!
Thanks Again

BH

 

[Steve C]

If you are buying commercial cast bullets then you will get leading at low pressure as the bases won't bump up to fill the bore. The load I listed above gave me no leading while using the same bullet in a .38 spl case at velocities below 1000 fps would lead. With commercial hard cast I've found the addition of Lee Liquid Alox makes them less likely to lead and seems to reduce the smokiness.

If you have softer swagged bullets from Speer or Hornady then you will be good at 1000 fps or less.

 

[Seafarer12]

I never could get a complete or even close burn with lighter #9 loads. I was down to maybe 11 grains and had a lot of chunks in the case and barrel. I was still getting crud at 12 grains. I haven't messed with the powder since. Lyman 49 lists 13 grains with a 155 swc for 998 fps out of a 4 inch pipe.

 

[Werewolf]

Gentlemen, thank you for your replies.... I guess what I am trying to do is; acheive 1000fps out of my 4" w/ lead swc. I sure don't like "de-leading" higher velocity rounds. I'd figure that if I got 1000 fps out of the 4", then the 2.75" would realize even less, which would also be ok. Anyone with a recipe for 1000 fps using #9 feel free to chrip in!

IF that's what you want then using AA#9 isn't the way to go. Titegroup, AA#2, AA#5, HP-38, Win 238 would all be better choices.