357 load development and casual observations
- Thread starter AJC1
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So scratch all that above. I cannot say which load is more accurate. I can say which ones aren’t. Higher charge weights of W231 and HS-6 didn’t work too well with these 125 grain cast bullets.
The best group with 2400 shot about the same as a group of my W231 wadcutters if I can be excused a flier and the second best was only 0.2” bigger.
Basically I can’t shoot well enough to tell a difference at 25 yards between the best 2400/125 cast, the best W231/wadcutter, the best W231/125 cast, or the best HS-6/125 XTP loads.
I can say with more confidence the 2400/158 XTP loads are a bit better than the others.
This all came about after measuring a group of wadcutters I shot at the end. I’m going to start having to use a reference group.
The best group with 2400 shot about the same as a group of my W231 wadcutters if I can be excused a flier and the second best was only 0.2” bigger.
Basically I can’t shoot well enough to tell a difference at 25 yards between the best 2400/125 cast, the best W231/wadcutter, the best W231/125 cast, or the best HS-6/125 XTP loads.
I can say with more confidence the 2400/158 XTP loads are a bit better than the others.
This all came about after measuring a group of wadcutters I shot at the end. I’m going to start having to use a reference group.
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AJC1
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So I finally loaded up my 38 test box of 38 with unique. I only decided to load these to close out this powder. My 7 grain unique load with 357 is a solid performer and doing due diligence for junior seems important. 4.8 to 5.4 grains with 5.2 and 5.4 both being +p. Next up shall be Silhouette to close that out.
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AJC1
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Just building a complete reference for junior. This is my first loading shortage so I will be prepared. If I could only buy one powder I can get it done with a few right now. #9 would be first choice, Silhouette a close second.
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AJC1
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Sw heavy pistol is on the testing list, supposed to be very close. I'll post some comparisons.
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AJC1
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I don't know how you adventure but their are options. If you use grt or quickloads that's an easy option. Second choice is to compare it to like powders accurate 4100, 296/h110 and use simular loads. You can start at jacketed start loads and stop before jacketed max.
It takes a darn nice target gun with good ammo to hold the 10 ring on a 50 yard target (3.3" IIRC). Any hunting gun would be doing well to have 4" mechanical accuracy at 50 yards. You need to decide how accurate you need to be. I'd say 6-8" or better.
There is a lot of room between 850 and 1400 fps. If it cost me no more than 2" I'd take the extra power for hunting. You are just going to have to see how you and your gun can shoot at your intended hunting distances.
I have a couple of loads that could hold under 4” at 50 yards if I can. CFE Pistol and W231 both were under 1.5” at 25 yards. Alliant 2400 shot about 1.6” at 25. These are all with 125 grain cast bullets. Alliant 2400 pushes down under 1.25” consistently with 158 grain XTPs. However that load is more than double the cost of the cast loads. I doubt I’ll use it very often but I’ll keep a couple cylinders worth for special occasions. I won’t use the cast loads to hunt so damage and velocity aren’t an issue there. I’ll probably go with the CFEP load around 1200-1250 fps. The W231 load was slightly more accurate but velocity was down around 1000 fps or so. I can use it for a shorter range target load.
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AJC1
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So you plan to hunt with a 125? I don't shoot bullets that lite, are you getting decent penitration at hunting ranges. The energy numbers game is good on paper but I'd want the sectional density of a heavier bullet. A 125 near 1000 fps is like hunting with a 9mm but slower. A 180 at 1k is a little more robust.
I was unclear there. If I do any serious work with the Blackhawk it will be with the 158 grain XTPs at the near max charge of 2400. The 125 grainers are for target loads only. My accuracy ambitions aren't terribly high. I'd be ok if I could just keep all my shots on a standard silhouette at 100 yards to start. Ideally for target shooting I'd like to be able to keep a cylinder full on a 12" target at that range. The gun is capable, but I'm not sure if I am. I haven't tried yet, as I wanted to do some load development first. Honestly, shooting that box of 250 HBWC at 25 yards was too much fun anyway. I'm out of them now, so I have to move on to the reason I got this revolver.
GeoDudeFlorida
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At what?
GeoDudeFlorida
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Penetration is irrelevant to paper - unless you download to the point that the bullet won’t go through the backing - but punch is very relevant in to silhouettes. You should plan on developing two different loads. Labels are cheap.
GeoDudeFlorida
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Hopping into the way back machine, here.
. In my 20’s I routinely took wild pigs on the hoof in dense scrub at up to 10yds shooting single-/off-hand from the ground. Me and piggy both at a flat run. Nowadays I need time to switch glasses so I can see the pig and front sight simultaneously. I think you’re going to find it depends on how you are doing that day but I will say developing two loads is not hard and will save you some aggravation. Just probably.Definitely work up a second load. Target shoot with a pop gun. Use the barn burner for hunting.
I followed the barn burner load all the time and destroyed a nice revolver.
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AJC1
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That seems to happen most with light bullets and slow powders. I just stay above 140 and don't worry about it.
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