357 load for IHMSA

[tim josey]

Going to try my luck at this competition. Need some input on a potent & accurate round. I will be shooting a Colt Python with a 6" barrel, it's the only gun I have that is suitable for this type of shooting. Just trying it for the fun of shooting long range.
Bullet size & shape along with a good powder would be helpful to start up a working load.

Thanks

Tim

 

[cfullgraf]

Many moons ago, like 30 years ago, when i shot IHMSA with a 357 magnum, I just loaded factory equivalent with 158 grain jacketed bullets and W296. Both in a 6" revolver and a 10" Contender. I adjusted the load to give me the best accuracy.

Generally, if I hit the rams, they went down.

There are heavier bullets designed for silhouettes available these days that may work better on the rams. It has been a while since I played the game.

Check your manuals and work up the load.

 

[LeonCarr]

I would start with a good reloading manual or three, 180 grain Hard Cast Truncated Cone (Load a dummy round with no powder or primer first to make sure it will fit the cylinder...Colt cylinders run on the short side) and H110 or Lil'Gun. Missouri Bullet makes a good 180 grain .358 diameter bullet.

Please follow all safe reloading practices and work up all loads.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[PO2Hammer]

IHMSA Big Bore or Field Pistol? (200 yard full size targets or 100 yard 1/2 scale targets?)

 

[tim josey]

not sure what field pistol is, but i will be shooting 200 meters ,open sights, standing.

 

[cfullgraf]

In my day it was open, standing, production and revolver. I am sure there are more categories these days.

 

[zxcvbob]

The Lee 158 grain "2R" bullet has an unusually good ballistic coefficient. It should be worth a try; or any 180 grain cast bullet.

 

[Salmoneye]

Penn makes both 158gr and 180gr TCBB in 'premium' grade that shoot exceedingly well for me...

They will also custom size from .357"-.360" on the 158gr, and .356"-.359" on the 180gr...

 

[GP100man]

If I was gonna shoot a bunch say in competetion I`d look at IMR 4227 , while not the top speed powder it`ll save on felt recoil on that last shot of the day!!

 

[Shoot66]

180 gr FP bullets with 8.0 gr of AA#5 is what I use for a 100 yrds range in a 6´´ Python. Still have to try a load with a slower Vihtavouri (like 3N37). I have no experience with longer ranges (not available locally).