357 mag 2400 ?

[fourdollarbill]

I have never loaded a 357 mag Sierra 125gr JHC with over 17 gr of 2400. Out of all my books the max is 17.7. I just got a new Sierra book and it claims 19.0gr of 2400 is the max. Is this correct?

I'm not much for MAX loads so I always stopped short, 17gr for this bullet. Can you confirm the 19gr max? I thought 17 was a kicker out of GP100 6".

 

[fecmech]

I used to hunt woodchucks with that load, it was listed as max in my 70's era Sierra manual. Big fireball, big boom accurate as heck and really rough on woodchucks. You probably won't believe this but I hit a chuck at approx 125 yds with one of those. Even at that range expansion was very impressive and in close was almost explosive. The load clocked about 1550 fps out of my 6" Ruger BH.

 

[Steve C]

Note the primer selection. 2400 will produce higher pressure with magnum primers so while the heavier oad may be correct with standard primers you may see pressure signs using magnum primers even below the maximum of the lower listed charge. Years ago I experienced pierced and cratered primers with 2400 using CCI magnum primers when loading a Speer 158gr JHP's at 13.5 grs even though the manual at the time said 14.7grs was maximum and recommending mag primers. So the work up was important.

Personally I never just "pick" a load from any manual until I've cross checked several sources of data and then I start using the most conservative first and work up. Remember to reduce your loads by 10% less than the maximum listed at least or use the published recommended start level and work up to see what works in your pistols.

IMO unless loading for a rifle, the use of powders slower than Blue Dot or Herco is a waste with 125gr bullets or lighter in the .357 mag. No significant increase in velocity, use much more powder, and increase flam cutting and muzzle flash.

 

[fourdollarbill]

woodchucks with that load

The 17gr or the 19gr load?

 

[fourdollarbill]

IMO unless loading for a rifle, the use of powders slower than Blue Dot or Herco is a waste with 125gr bullets or lighter in the .357 mag. No significant increase in velocity, use much more powder, and increase flam cutting and muzzle flash.

I agree, I just have so much 2400 for my 158's I just like to use it. Typicaly I would shoot a 125 with Unique.

 

[Russt]

I have a Speer #13 & #14 that lists max at 17.5 of 2400 with a 125gr jhp. My Lyman 48th lists max at 17.7 with a 125gr xtp. I use 17.0 as my max, worked up in .2gr increments from 16gr. It's accurate in my sp101, gp100, sec six, & marlin lever action. I like 2400 because of its versatility.
If I remember correctly, a few years ago there was some talk about a formula change in the 2400 powder.
I have an old Speer #10 & #11 manual that lists 19.5gr as max.

 

[Daniel1120]

My loading books list 17.7 as the max also. I personally use 17.5 under a 125 gr bullet in my 4" gp100. Ive tried working up to 18 but that was just too much. Standard primers btw.

 

[fecmech]

The 17gr or the 19gr load?

The 19 gr load.

Ive tried working up to 18 but that was just too much. Standard primers btw.

I had no problems with 19 grs in my gun, cases fall right out and the velocity is almost identical to Federal Classic 125 factory loads in my gun. The factory loads clock just over 1500 fps out of my 6" Ruger and they are also pretty impressive for flash and boom..

If I remember correctly, a few years ago there was some talk about a formula change in the 2400 powder.
I have an old Speer #10 & #11 manual that lists 19.5gr as max.

That has been floating around the net quite a bit and I don't think it's accurate at all. I have some 2400 from the 70's and it chrono's no more different from the new stuff than standard lot to lot variations. One of the fellows over on the cast board acquired some 2400 in the 60's era can that had the original seal intact and ran some tests with it. He has the Ohler ballistcs pressure tester and was able to check pressures between old and new and his conclusion was there has been no change. Again no more difference than you see lot to lot.

 

[HOWARD J]

125gr JHP w/16.5 & 17.5 gr of 2400 ( mag primer)---no pressure signs BUT
17 gr of 2400--showing deformed primers ????????
Ruger GP-100