357 mag load check 158 GR. HDY XTP with 2400

[brainwake]

Was considering a 14-15gr of 2400 with 158 GR. HDY XTP.

This is my first heavy load. Probably just go down range, but wanted to load something impressive.

Opinions?

Thx

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Alliant site lists a Max charge of 2400 @ 14.8gr under a 158gr Speer GD bullet.

I have used 2400 over the years and I have loaded a charge of 14.5gr 2400 under a few different 158gr jacketed bullets and that makes a good load. I would start with a 14.0gr load and work up until you find something that's accurate and delivers the velocity you are looking for.

 

[rg1]

Hornady 8th Edition says 14.3 grains of 2400 is maximum using Win SP Mag primers and Hornady cases. Overall length tested at 1.590" with a firm roll crimp. They may be conservative but be careful going above their max.

 

[brainwake]

I will stay away from 15 then. I am thinking I should just load up 14.5.

That seems like a safe load. They are just for fun shooting. I might try to dial in some other day.

 

[35 Whelen]

It's funny...the late Skeeter Skelton's go-to load for his .357 with a 158 gr. bullet was 15.0 grs. of 2400. Then suddenly one day his load was too hot.
I've used said 15.0 gr. load in a S&W 13 and my current Ruger Security Six with zero problems, but I'd definitely work up to it.

35W

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Well the reason old recipes and new recipes using 2400 differ is because that particular powder used to be slightly different. (Can someone else confirm that, or correct it?) It used to be, what, a bit slower-burning?

 

[GP100man]

My go to load with 2400 is 13.5 grs. alot more accurate & only 100fps slower than the max 14.8gr.

Actually 14.5 gets a little stiky in my 6" GPs.

 

[kelbro]

Well the reason old recipes and new recipes using 2400 differ is because that particular powder used to be slightly different.

That, along with more precise pressure measuring equipment. Some also say that product liability suits may have something to do with lowered max charges.

 

[Eazmo]

My go to load with 2400 is 13.5 grs. alot more accurate & only 100fps slower than the max 14.8gr.

1+ on 13.5grs
This is also my go load. i would start there and i bet you'll be happy

 

[brainwake]

I am shooting with a 4" GP100....does that change anything?

 

[ljnowell]

For some crazy reason I have found that any hardcast or jacketed 158gr bullet shoots great over 14.5gr of 2400. My go to load with the Missouri Bullet 357 action and 158gr JHPs.

 

[GP100man]

4" vs. 6" is minimal ,I measured the differenc between mine & found the 4" only an average of 25fps slower than the 6" really depends on the powder used , ironically 2400 ain`t 1 of em !

For this reason (& this is my findings in my firearms ,tested on 2 4" & 3 6" 1 was`nt mine)
2400 has moved from the slow burner powder slot to a medium slow burn category for me.

The true slow burners are the ball powders that require ya to hold the throttle open on em !

 

[DC Plumber]

My standard load in my 586 is 14.5g of 2400 under a 158g xtp, gold dot, Montana Gold or Nosler sporting bullets, which ever I have in stock at the time.

Very accurate and never a sticky extraction.

 

[Fishslayer]

13.6gr of 2400 is my go-to charge for the 158gr XTP. Good roll crimp.

 

[Waywatcher]

In my GP100 4", I worked up in 0.2 grain increments to 14.8 grains under a 158 XTP, using a CCI 500.

Cases still fell right out without even needing the ejector, even at 14.8.

Hornady's data uses a magnum primer, which is generally not recommended with 2400 powder; and probably partially accounts for their lower max. Lyman's 49th list 14.9 as max for 158 XTP.

 

[geo57]

I too use 13.5 grs of 2400 under 158 gr. jhp in .357 mag. STD primer. While I have never clocked it I am guessing that it runs about 1150 FPS from my 4 " GP100.

GP100man, Eazmo, Fishslayer have you clocked your loads ?

 

[Eazmo]

GP100man, Eazmo, Fishslayer have you clocked your loads ?

no i have not!
I'm really hoping Santa will bring me a chrono for x-mas.
I have been very good all year. Really i have, Honest

 

[25cschaefer]

I have loaded some 13.8 gr with 158 xtp and shot them out of a 2" revolver, not much fun but you will get nasty looks at the range, lots of boom flash.

 

[gamestalker]

2400 certainly produces an impressive load. But if your interested in a little more without having to split hairs with starting and maximum data, give 296 or H110 a try. I load with it almost entirely exclusively and haven't found another powder that will produce a more impressive load. I do 17.0 grains under the 158 XTP and it extracts nicely and even shoots accurately. Just be prepared to hold on tight, and use a good firm crimp to prevent bullet jump. And also use a magnum primer, something that 2400 doesn't require.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry I didn't clock 158gr 2400 loads from a revolver, only in a carbine. I did load 14.0gr, 14.2gr and 14.5gr 2400 with a 158gr XTP bullet and of those 3 the 14.5gr load was most accurate.

 

[GP100man]

Yep ,just can`t remember but will go to the books & edit later.