.357 mag, 200gr. Lil' gun data needed

[baranjhn]

Hello,

Even though I've been reloading for years, I've never worked up a load before. I've always used printed data.

Anyway, I'm looking for a Hodgdon Lil' Gun load for a 200gr. cast bullet in my .357 rifle.

Hodgdon's web site lists this: LIL'GUN 15.0, 1422 fps, 34,500 CUP- for a 180 jacketed bullet.

Could I use this data, reduced by 10%, to start with, or should it be reduced farther to start?

Thanks

John

 

[akashooter]

is 15, the max loads?

 

[griz]

Lil Gun takes up a lot of room. Even though the pressure is not up to the cartridge limits, it's compressed with a 158 grain bullet. So maybe with a 200 grain bullet you might come closer to a pressure ceiling. Try asking Hogdon about it. I have found them to be very helpful.

 

[Byron]

Alliant Powde has data for the 357 Mag pistol and the 200 grain lead bullet.The link is attached. Byron

http://alliantpowder.com/reloaders/...gtypeid=1&weight=200&shellid=1015&bulletid=32

 

[Steve C]

I've never worked up a load before. I've always used printed data.

So what are you saying? You just picked the maximum load published and put it together that way? This is a bad idea, all loads need to be "worked up" from a start load or 10% reduction from maximum if a start load isn't listed.

Any way, you'd be better off reducing the jacketed bullet load by at least 20% or "starting" at 12grs of Lil' Gun if substituting a lead bullet. Usuaully lead data's MAX load is at least 10% below the jacketed load.

Hodgdon is very good about providng load data for bullet/powder combinations not listed in their on line data if you just use their e-mail link and ask. May take a week to get the information but they sent me data for 215gr LSWC .41 magnum load using Tightgroup. They will give you a start load so don't just slap a load together using the maximum as this seldom gives you optimum accuracy and may show pressure signs with the particular lot of powder, primer, and other component mix.

There's a good chance of severe leading if you approach any where near 1,400 fps with a lead bullet without carfully matching the bullet size to the bore and using a proper alloy.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I'm shooting 180 grain cast gas checked bullets in my Marlin Carbine with Lil'Gun and it works great. I'm at 15.0 grains, which is a load I got from Handloader Magazine and Loaddata.com. You might start at about 13.5 grains with the 200 grain bullet and work up, but I don't think I would go much past 14 grains with the heavier bullet. I'm pushing the 180's at over 1,775 fps and there is absolutely no leading with this load. It's a thumper, for that caliber and I'm really happy with it. I'm going to do some more tweaking when I get a chance, but Lil'Gun is an excellent heavy bullet powder in pistol cartridges, especially in the carbines.

Hope this helps.

Fred