357, Longshot, & 158 LSWC?

[sappyg]

Got all 3 and figure to make the most of em. My Speer manual does not list Longshot. Hodgdon's on line manual shows a Hornady XTP 158 grain bullet charged with 7.3 gr. of longshot. I, on the other hand, only have Lasercast LSWC on hand. Anyone ever try this load with LSWC?

I'm looking for a cheap magnum load but but I'm not interested in leading the barrel or forcing cone. Thoughts and experience greatly appreciated.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

My notes say out of my Python 7.3 grns of Longshot with a cci550 primer is pretty mild.

I don't know where I got the data right now, but I worked up to 8.3 grns and found that moderate in my Pre-28 357 Magnum. Shells dropped right out of the cylinder so pressures were moderate. Accuracy was good and I stopped at 8.3.

I have strong notes to "DO NOT REPEAT!".

Longshot made my guns physically uncomfortably hot and flame cut the frame with a 158 LSWC from Lasercast. The flame cut was noticeable after 100 rounds. I shot the rest of the rounds in my contender. I won't use the stuff in general any more. I might burn some off in my 10mm's but not in a revolver any more.

Good luck. Do some searches about hot and longshot especially from freedom arms.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not a fan of Longshot n the 38/357 with a cast bullets choosing HS-6 instead. Like above I found too many problems with it so I avoid it.

Do you have any other powders?

 

[Rule3]

I have a bunch of LS and was thinking of using it in 357 with the new coated bullets.So far I have only used it in 9mm and 40 SW and started trying it with 45 Colt.

What issues did you have with it compare to other magnum powders? Does it burn to hot for lead bullets or something??

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a bunch of LS and was thinking of using it in 357 with the new coated bullets.So far I have only used it in 9mm and 40 SW and started trying it with 45 Colt.

What issues did you have with it compare to other magnum powders? Does it burn to hot for lead bullets or something??

I feel it burns hotter than other powders like HS-6 and AA#7. Also, in the .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum I don't get good accuracy with lead bullets. It might be just me but I don't like the combination. Now, with a jacketed bullet it's a good powder for the .38 Special +P but not for lead. That's where HS-6 shines IMO.

I don't like Longshot in the 45 Colt either, again that's a job for HS-6.

I have never tried LS with coated bullets and that might work well. If you give it a try please let me know how well or poorly they shoot.

 

[sappyg]

That's good enough for me. I'll try to find another use for the LS.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[OilyPablo]

I use Longshot in .45ACP and 10mm with no issues. I will avoid it in my .357Mags now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use Longshot in .45ACP and 10mm with no issues. I will avoid it in my .357Mags now.

IMO no need to avoid using LS in the .357 Magnum with jacketed bullet, only with lead bullets.

I'm surprised you like LS in the 45 Auto. The 45 Auto is a low pressure cartridge and LS is a slow burning powder that works better on the upper end of the pressure range. I can see it shine in the 10mm, 40 S&W and 9mm but in the 45 Auto, I'm surprised.

 

[OilyPablo]

I have read it's not the best for .45ACP. But just over mid range in most books (6.5 - 6.6 gr from the Hogdon site) and 230 gr FMJ performed nicely. I have not tried light loads, because I have read those loads are not ideal.

 

[gamestalker]

Although Longshot really excels in +p 38 spcl, 9mm, and .40 cal, 10mm, and magnum 12 ga. applications, it doesn't do much justice for the .357 mag., not even at max. jacketed charges. There are other much better options for .357 than Longshot.

GS

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Minor correction to my post above. I only shot 50 rounds in the pre-28 to flame cut it, not the 100 rounds I posted above. I should have checked my records like I did this morning over doing it from memory.