I’d like to try a load I could just run with the Lee Dippers. That would simplify things a bit just for practice ammo.
I loaded up a set of tests with HS-6 and a 125 grain Hornady XTP. I found some HS-6 and it seemed like it would work in all the handgun calibers I reload: 9mm, 357 Mag, and 38 Special. I’m hoping to save the rest of my 2400 powder for cast rifle loads but I’ll finish out my supply of 158 grain XTPs first.
This was a load of HS-6 for the magnum cartridge with just under 11 grains max. Data is from Hodgdens web site. I tried a total of six charges spanning pretty much the whole range of charge weights from them.
None of the loads were bad. However as charge increased, group size decreased again. The best shooting load was the highest charge weight, grouping 4 shots into about 1.25”. This is close to the best of the other 357 mag loads I’ve tried, which all range from 1.03” to 1.25”.
However, they all have quite different impact points. The sights are set for the 158 HBWC load at 10 yards. At 25 yards these are a little high, maybe an inch or so. The 158 grain XTP load shoot 4” high and 2” right. The HS-6 load shoots centered but 4” lower than the HBWC load.
Clearly I will have to make a decision on what I want to use. The point of all this, as well as my 9mm testing, was to give me options that work with components that are available.
I’ll probably cool it for a while now on 357 mag loads. I have a good loads for target, midrange, and true magnum power levels. Now I have some 38 brass so I guess I’ll start there next.