357 Magnum Rifle data?

[joneb]

I have some 180gr coated WNFP from Missouri Bullets I would like to load in a 20" lever action. I checked Hodgdon's website and they don't show a load with Lil-gun for rifle but they do for pistol confused: Can I work up a load with Lil-Gun using pistol data?

 

[rcmodel]

Sure.

SAAMI .357 Mag data is 357 mag data.

Doesn't matter what you shoot then in, until you get to mouse fart loads using jacketed bullets in a rifle.

They might not get out of the barrel.

rc

 

[ericuda]

Before you load many, make sure they will feed reliably. My marlin likes oal of 1.59 or less.

 

[joneb]

Thanks rc,
I found it strange Hodgdon didn't list data with Lil-gun for 357 Mag rifle, just wondered if there was a reason.

 

[joneb]

Before you load many, make sure they will feed reliably. My marlin likes oal of 1.59 or less.

This bullet works well in my lever action when seated to the crimp groove and roll crimped.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I love Lil'Gun with 180-185 gr. cast bullets in my Marlins. I get an average of 1,710 fps with it, and great accuracy.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[rcmodel]

I don't think Hodgdon has updated their pistol caliber Rifle load data recently to keep up with the newer powders.

But like I said, tested pressure data is tested data for pistol or rifle.

For instance, you can't go to the store and buy .357 RIFLE ONLY ammo.

.357 ammo is .357 ammo.



Rc

 

[TimSr]

In the past, usually the only difference in data with sources that list both rifle and pistol data for pistol cartridges is the velocity. I'd expect to see Hornady come out with some new rifle data for some of the newer bullets made specifically for lever guns, and not particularly suited for revolver use, or maybe they already have it.

 

[WelshShooter]

You should be fine. I've shot .357 158gr lead bullets using 3.5gr of Red Dot, 4.5gr of Bullseye and 5.0gr of Ramshot True Blue. In almost 4,000 rounds fired I've never had a single squib where the bullet is lodged in the barrel. Also, my Marlin likes to feed them at 1.59" as others have suggested, any longer and it jams the action.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

On the Hodgdon Load Data Site the only difference between the data in the handgun section and rifle section for the same cartridge is the reported velocities. They are providing a service telling you what they achieved under lab conditions. You can safely use the Lil'Gun data for ammo used in your rifle. I did some tests with my Marlin and several different bullets including a 180gr cast bullet. The results were good IMO.

Using a 180gr Hornady XTP bullet:
15.0gr Lil'Gun - CCI-550 primer - AV=1584 fps
13.6gr W296 - CCI-550 primer - AV=1495 fps

Using a Cast Performance 180gr WFNGC bullet: (Hard Cast)
14.8gr Lil'Gun - CCI-550 primer - AV=1657 fps
13.7gr H110 - CCI-550 primer - AV=1547 fps

I also tried a 170gr Sierra JHC bullet and liked the results.
17.0gr Lil'Gun - CCI-550 primer - AV=1793 fps (that's amazing velocity!)
15.5gr H110 - CCI-550 primer - AV=1699 fps

Just to add some info for a 125gr Hornady XTP/HP bullet even though I didn't use Lil'Gun, the velocities were scary!
17.7gr 2400 - Win WSP primer - AV=2055 fps
22.0gr H110 - CCI-550 primer - AV=2239 fps

If you can please post your results too so we can compare notes. I hope this helps you.

 

[TommyD45]

I did some tests with my Marlin and several different bullets including a 180gr cast bullet. The results were good IMO.
...
Using a Cast Performance 180gr WFNGC bullet: (Hard Cast)
14.8gr Lil'Gun - CCI-550 primer - AV=1657 fps
13.7gr H110 - CCI-550 primer - AV=1547 fps
...
If you can please post your results too so we can compare notes. I hope this helps you.

My experience with H110 is similar to your own. I shoot a Winchester (Miroku) 1892.

The Cast Performance bullet you use is an "LBT Style" bullet. I actually have an LBT mold and cast my own 180 WFNGC bullets. Lubed with LBT soft blue lube and CCI 550 primer.

13.0 gr H110 Average 1508 fps
14.0 gr H110 Average 1604 fps

The max load of H110 for a 180 grain 357 mag in the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Ed is 14.0 grains.

I have done some tests above this level in the "Marshall Stanton" territory, but I won't publish them here. I consider them in "experimental" and "use at your own risk" category.

Tom