.357 SIG: Chrono Results

[WrongHanded]

I did some testing today and thought some of you might like the results.

The load is a RMR 124gr FMJ-FP (Matchwinner), with 8.7gr of Alliant Power Pistol. I used a CCI 500 primer and new Starline .357 SIG cases. With an OAL of 1.140".

Test guns were a Sig P224 with 3.5" barrel, and a G23 with a 4.0" KKM conversion barrel.



I'll talk about accuracy first. When working up this load, I used the G23 off bags at 25yds and shot a 10 shot group for each charge weight. The tightest group was with 8.7gr, which is what we'll call max. Unfortunately, the sights I have on this gun result in a higher POI than I would like. They are Trijicon HDs. They hit about 5" high at this range, give or take. So I had to use a 6 o'Clock hold, and they're not exactly precision sights to boot, with the big orange dot and the U notch on back.



So I was aiming at where the muzzle is pointing. This gave me some undesirable horizontal stringing throughout my testing. The group is 2-3/16" wide, and is 2-5/8" overall including the flier. I'll do more accuracy testing with my G22 and Dawson sights, once I get the conversion barrel. But honestly, I think the load is fairly accurate. I was just having some issues.

So on to the chronograph testing:

It was 48 degrees, somewhat gusty, but I had good shade for the unit. I was shooting 10-12 feet away from it. I should mention that I got a few errors on the unit, which is why the P224 data is 8 instead of 10 shots.

Sig P224 - 8 shots recorded

1332, 1342, 1328, 1336, 1352, 1360, 1346, 1342.

Hi - 1360
Low - 1328
Ave - 1342
E.S. - 32
S.D. - 10

G23 - 10 shots recorded

1419, 1422, 1438, 1426, 1436, 1393, 1424, 1418, 1429, 1439.

Hi - 1439
Low - 1393
Ave - 1424
E.S. - 46
S.D. - 13

Now that low number of 1393 made me wonder if it got a lighter charge, because I didn't measure each and every one in the batch. It looked out of place, so I deleted it and got these figures:

Ave - 1427
E S. - 21
S.D. - 8

Take that for what you will.

I'm surprised that a half inch in barrel length changed the velocity so much. 80-85fps seems like quite a lot. But I'm pleased with the results, so I'm putting the load in here:



Though I suppose depending on who you are, that might be more like 'The Book of Mediocre Loads'.

Hopefully this is useful to some of you.

 

[kcofohio]

Nothing like a productive day at the range, even when you don't feel it was perfect.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I'll never understand how people can be satisfied with Power Pistol. That stuff is so loud, and puts off such a big fireball, I start flinching after only a few shots. I like it in my pistol caliber lever guns, but pistols, no way.

Does PP have these same qualities in 357Sig?

Those are damn fine groups from a combat handgun I'd say.

 

[WrongHanded]

I'll never understand how people can be satisfied with Power Pistol. That stuff is so loud, and puts off such a big fireball, I start flinching after only a few shots. I like it in my pistol caliber lever guns, but pistols, no way.

Does PP have these same qualities in 357Sig?

Those are damn fine groups from a combat handgun I'd say.

Well, I guess I don't have much to compare PP to. This is the only load I have worked up in .357 Sig so far. And other than some .45 acp loads with W231 and Unique, all my pistol reloading has been .357, .41, and .44 Magnum. Which are mostly loud and flashy.

 

[JimKirk]

There are many good powders that work well in the 357 SIG.... My 357SIG is a Glock 31 4.5" ..also have a Brownell 9 mm conversion barrel
Long Shot is my favorite ...right now
800X is probably one the best ...if you don't mind having to weigh each charge ...it meters like corn flakes
AA#9 ..... Good all around ...
HS-6.... good mid range
Power Pistol ...which you already have...
Blue Dot .....
Enforcer/4100 .... working with ...opinion later ....but really good velocity with 147 grain XTP
Silhouette .....mid-range