357 mag 158gr XTP and H110

[Waterboy3313]

I just got my H110 in the mail today. Hopefully I will see another delivery this week with 500 158gr Hornady XTPs. This will be my first time using H110. I already have my load data so I'm not asking for that. But I am just curious as to what others are using as their favorite H110 158 gr XTP load. Im mainly just looking to see how my work up compares to what others are using.

I'm bummed out I have to work this weekend so a range trip will have to wait. But in the meantime I will be priming brass and getting it ready to load this work up as I have free time. I do have a few XTPs left over so I can at least prime and expand the case mouths and get a head start before my next delivery arrives.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

I usually use lower half data from Hodgdon. Only about 100 FPS difference between min and max loads there, so I just load on the low end. I get a little longer brass life that way.

 

[Random 8]

I'm running full max Hodgdon data, but in a single shot rifle that could probably handle 58000PSI. Superbly accurate and pleasant to shoot in this rifle that is heavier than it needs to be.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I guess I never really paid attention to the fps. It turns out hodgdon data shows a 173fps difference between minimum and maximum load data. I've been loading my 357 mag with titegroup which works well for what I use it for. My GP 100 has never seen a factory round or anything other than my titegroup loads. I figured it would be kind of fun and interesting to load more of a real Magnum load.

I generally load for accuracy as all I pretty much do is paper punching and plinking. I'm trying to decide how I want to break down my powder charge for this work up. I've seen on several occasions where titegroup can be very different within a 10th of a grain of powder. I assume and I'm sure I will probably figure it out pretty soon that the H110 will be more forgiving on a larger powder charge weight spread as far as accuracy goes.

For my first work up I will be using virgin starline brass. I will definitely measure cases and everything else to be the most consistent my equipment will allow.

 

[cfullgraf]

I’ve loaded lots of 158 gr jacketed 357 Magnum bullets over W296/H110 powder over the years, just not any Hornady 158 XTP’s. I do have some 158 XTP’s on hand though for when I need more 158 JHP 357 Mag ammunition.

I just use the book data and have had good success with accuracy and velocity.

Just do not go outside the book data loadings.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I run max loads with H110 and 357. They have always been the most accurate for me.

 

[reloaded_in_pa]

I load the 158 xtp's near max ( 15gr of W296 ). It's been a good combination for me over the years.

 

[mjsdwash]

prepare to be disappointed, or very much the opposite. I used to use H110 in .357, and the noise, recoil, fireball are great. Accuracy is good to.
I say disappointed only in the context of velocity. Having loaded many all the way to the top, and chrono'd them, I get about 1300fps with a 158grain. By contrast, using 1/3 as much Bullseye I get about 1200+. Accuracy is the same. But the H110 is a lot more fun to shoot. In a rifle, its a different story of course. the above numbers are from a 5" GP.

 

[Phantom 309]

You probably already know this, but I didn't see it mentioned so I thought I'd point out that H110 is one of those powders that really need a magnum primer. I picked up two pounds a while ago and haven't had a chance to try it yet as I have no magnum primers, have an spp/sppm trade lined up with buddy at work though.

 

[AJC1]

You probably already know this, but I didn't see it mentioned so I thought I'd point out that H110 is one of those powders that really need a magnum primer. I picked up two pounds a while ago and haven't had a chance to try it yet as I have no magnum primers, have an spp/sppm trade lined up with buddy at work though.

If I was in your position I would just use an srp.

 

[Waterboy3313]

It's amazing to me how much one person's opinion is so different from the next persons opinion. As dumb as it sounds I just want to actually shoot a full house Magnum load every once in a while. Punching paper or not it would be fun to actually feel a good a solid shot like what the revolver was actually meant for. Maybe having a full mag load would scratch my itch to go up to a 44 mag.

With that said as dumb as it sounds last weekend I ran few TG loaded 38 special rounds though my gun. Someone left a direct tv satellite dish on the hill at 150 yards. I hit it 6 out of 6 shots. Just looking for something different. I really don't care a lot about fire balls but accuracy is key to me.

 

[Phantom 309]

If I was in your position I would just use an srp.

Good point, I had considered doing so after some searching here on the topic, but I have more spp than anything else, so I'm just going to wait for this trade to go through. I just texted to remind him, so hopefully tomorrow.

@Waterboy3313 sorry for the quick derail, don't want to turn your thread into yet another primer discussion. I'll be following along here as this is a combo I've been wanting to try. Please post up results when you get to the range!

 

[Waterboy3313]

@Waterboy3313 sorry for the quick derail, don't want to turn your thread into yet another primer discussion. I'll be following along here as this is a combo I've been wanting to try. Please post up results when you get to the range!

As far as primers go I intend on using Magnum primers. After I settle on a load that works maybe as a test I will try some regular small pistol primers just to see what happens. Unfortunately due to my work schedule I will be on standby this weekend. Which means I will be stuck by the phone and driving a government vehicle home for the weekend which prohibits me from carrying any firearms in that truck.

If I am not busy working this weekend I will try to get this work up loaded. If I can get it loaded over the weekend and the weather holds up I can hit the range maybe sometime during the week after work. I will post my results ASAP. Today I marked my cases for powder charges. 15.0gr-16.7gr in .03 increments. I actually had enough of the 158gr XTPs to load this if I just get the time. My bullets are scheduled to be delivered Friday but we'll see. Everything else I have ordered lately has been days late and one thing I'm waiting for is over a week late and still hasn't been delivered.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

You probably already know this, but I didn't see it mentioned so I thought I'd point out that H110 is one of those powders that really need a magnum primer. I picked up two pounds a while ago and haven't had a chance to try it yet as I have no magnum primers, have an spp/sppm trade lined up with buddy at work though.

You also need some barrel length. A 2” barrel = big fireball and disappointment in velocity. Rifle barrel = lots of velocity and a big smile.

 

[Waterboy3313]

You also need some barrel length. A 2” barrel = big fireball and disappointment in velocity. Rifle barrel = lots of velocity and a big smile.

I don't have a rifle barrel but I will be shooting these from a 6 inch barrel. A couple of replies has be second guessing my choice of powder now. I did get my delivery of XTPs today. They were actually delivered early. Hopefully these things will be a hoot to shoot. Tonight is my last few days of freedumb from work. Rather than load a work up I opted to drink a few beers instead. If the weekend allows me the time I will definitely start loading these.

Out of all my pistols I definitely like my 357 the best. I don't know if it's the accuracy or the fact I don't have to chase my brass like I do in my semi autos. I'm not a huge fan of lever action rifles. Maybe one of these days a 357 rifle will be in the works. Until then my 6 inch barrel GP 100 is my go to for 357 mag. I just want to go shoot and have fun with accurate handloads.

A 357 Magnum rifle sounds fun to me. I am disappointed in myself a while back I had the opportunity to purchase a nice bolt action for a good deal and I passed on it. Now the same rifle is going for $1200+ .

 

[Ru4real]

Im mainly just looking to see how my work up compares to what others are using.

Do you load for larger, like 44 Mag or 45 Colt (Ruger) or other?

I like H110 OK in 357. But in this age of limited resources, I’ve chosen to use H110 in larger calibers and use 2400 in 357. Heavy loads for 357 is best with 2400, IMO. Best accuracy and lowest velocity spreads.

I’m not sure of the reasons. Powder column? But H110 does better in bigger cases, and 2400 does better in 357.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I load 9mm, 38 special, 357 mag, 45 acp and 223/5.56. I don't load for any large Magnum pistol calibers. I had a few pistol powders on my list of I want to try that. 2400 was one of them but h110 is what came up first in these times of try to find components.

I have been on the fence of building/buying a new gun or two. I have several that I want and several of those which I could easily pick up for a good deal. One of the rifles I would like to assemble is a 350 legend. I have found H110 load data for this. So I figured if I didn't like it in 357 Magnum I could always use it as an excuse to buy a 350 legend upper and a set of dies.
If I could find some 2400 I would buy it right now. As it was probably on my top of the list powders to try.

 

[Waterboy3313]

A little change of plans and nice weather in the forecast for this weekend. One of the guys I work with wanted to make some extra money and asked me if I would let him work this weekend. I had zero issues with it.

When I get home today I'm going to try to get my 357 brass that I already marked for different charge weight primed and ready to load. I will probably get them finished tomorrow afternoon and hit the range Sunday morning at sunrise.

 

[Waterboy3313]

Managed to make it about half way through loading my meticulous work up tonight before my pizza was delivered. After a couple of years of only loading titegroup it definitely feels a little weird seeing the case so full of powder.

A couple of quick observations about H110. It seems to meter well and look very similar to Ram Tac. So far loading this powder has been decently pleasant through the old Lee perfect measure. I'm still weighing every powder charge and measuring evey OAL. The XTPs seem very consistent as well as far seating goes. Tomorrow I will finish up with the remainder and crimping them.

 

[41 Mag]

Well I have 2 GP100's one has the full length lug on the barrel and the other without the barrel lug, looks like a mini Redhawk. Both are full length. The full lug one likes anything up to about 140gr, the other likes up to 180gr. Go figure.

Most of my earlier loads used 296 back when it looked distinctively different than 110. After about '95 it all looked the same. I mostly used the 158gr Remington bullets due to their bulk price being more agreeable with my finances. When they came out with the XTP I started using them as hunting loads due to Speer dropping their 146gr SWCHP, which till a few years ago was the most accurate out of both revolvers.

A full dose of 296/110 works fine with the heavier weight bullets. Just load for accuracy and have fun. I'd say that 95% of the primers I used have been Winchester. Don't mean they are best, I just liked them and didn't want to have others to have to keep up with.

Good luck

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Managed to make it about half way through loading my meticulous work up tonight before my pizza was delivered. After a couple of years of only loading titegroup it definitely feels a little weird seeing the case so full of powder.

A couple of quick observations about H110. It seems to meter well and look very similar to Ram Tac. So far loading this powder has been decently pleasant through the old Lee perfect measure. I'm still weighing every powder charge and measuring evey OAL. The XTPs seem very consistent as well as far seating goes. Tomorrow I will finish up with the remainder and crimping them.

I think you’ll like the H110 loads. The only bad thing I think you’ll notice is that your can of powder will empty a lot faster than your can of Titegroup.

 

[Waterboy3313]

I think you’ll like the H110 loads. The only bad thing I think you’ll notice is that your can of powder will empty a lot faster than your can of Titegroup.

I started reloading right around 3 years ago. I'm on my 6th pound of titegroup. "A little goes a long way" is probably one of the most honest phrases I have heard in advertising. I plan on getting into coyote hunting this year. I want to carry my 357 with me for when something sneaks up behind you and I just don't know that I want it loaded with titegroup for that.

 

[murf]

accuracy is key to me.

.003" to .004" of neck tension for accuracy. heavy crimp helps with accuracy.

i prefer blue dot for high end loads with that ,and the 180 gn, bullets.

luck,

murf

 

[Waterboy3313]

It's been a long day. Too much socializing with the neighbors, yard work etc. I did manage to get a new shooter to want to go to the range with me tomorrow. I consider that I win by itself. I did manage to get my work up done before all the distractions. Tomorrow I will be lighting off my work up. 5 rounds of H110 each from 15.0gr to 16.7gr in .03 increments. Hopefully it works out. I know the math doesn't work out so I jumped from .03 to .02 at the end. 16.5gr to 16.7gr at the end. I'm hoping such a large powder spread that a .01 difference doesn't really matter enough to make a difference.

 

[Jonesy814]

As far as primers go I intend on using Magnum primers. After I settle on a load that works maybe as a test I will try some regular small pistol primers just to see what happens. Unfortunately due to my work schedule I will be on standby this weekend. Which means I will be stuck by the phone and driving a government vehicle home for the weekend which prohibits me from carrying any firearms in that truck.

If I am not busy working this weekend I will try to get this work up loaded. If I can get it loaded over the weekend and the weather holds up I can hit the range maybe sometime during the week after work. I will post my results ASAP. Today I marked my cases for powder charges. 15.0gr-16.7gr in .03 increments. I actually had enough of the 158gr XTPs to load this if I just get the time. My bullets are scheduled to be delivered Friday but we'll see. Everything else I have ordered lately has been days late and one thing I'm waiting for is over a week late and still hasn't been delivered.

I settled in at 15.9gr of H110 for the 158gr XTP. With a good crimp it's enough to get a good, fairly clean burn and nice accuracy. More just seems to add more to the flash & bang.