something vague
Member
I have recently loaded up some test .357mag rounds using Win296 under a Hornady 140gr. HP/XTP. I loaded three of each, 16.4 grains; 17.0 grains; and 17.4 grains with an COAL of 1.590". CCI 550 primers.
I am shooting these through a Ruger SP101.
I have a few quesitons concerning these loads. I shot all three test today in 35deg weather.
1.) I have heard mixed feelings about using slow burning powders in a short barrelled gun. What are most ppl's experiences with slow powders in short barrells? Are the suitable?
2.) It seemed like these loads created a mess in the chamber and barrel of the gun. Most of the mess looked as though it was powder left over but much lighter in color than the original powder used. Is this normal with this kind of load?
3.) I used the Hornady Loading Manual and they seemed to be pretty light when compared to my Speer and Lyman manuals. I had no signs of excessive pressure with the 17.4 grain load but I beleive that the Speer manual begins their loads around this powder weight. Is there that much difference in bullet designs or is Hornady manual just covering their ass and short changing their loads a bit? (I have no chrono at the moment so I have no idea how fast these loads were.)
4.) Would increasing powder charges for this load clean things up a bit in the gun due to the higher pressures? And how much higher could I go to stay in the safe pressure ranges?
Sorry for the long drawn out post but I am pretty new to reloading and have never loaded for full house mag rounds before. I could not for the life of me find stuff about this on the net and was hoping someone here would have experience with these loads. Thanks.
I am shooting these through a Ruger SP101.
I have a few quesitons concerning these loads. I shot all three test today in 35deg weather.
1.) I have heard mixed feelings about using slow burning powders in a short barrelled gun. What are most ppl's experiences with slow powders in short barrells? Are the suitable?
2.) It seemed like these loads created a mess in the chamber and barrel of the gun. Most of the mess looked as though it was powder left over but much lighter in color than the original powder used. Is this normal with this kind of load?
3.) I used the Hornady Loading Manual and they seemed to be pretty light when compared to my Speer and Lyman manuals. I had no signs of excessive pressure with the 17.4 grain load but I beleive that the Speer manual begins their loads around this powder weight. Is there that much difference in bullet designs or is Hornady manual just covering their ass and short changing their loads a bit? (I have no chrono at the moment so I have no idea how fast these loads were.)
4.) Would increasing powder charges for this load clean things up a bit in the gun due to the higher pressures? And how much higher could I go to stay in the safe pressure ranges?
Sorry for the long drawn out post but I am pretty new to reloading and have never loaded for full house mag rounds before. I could not for the life of me find stuff about this on the net and was hoping someone here would have experience with these loads. Thanks.