I have difficulties developing a .38 SPL accuracy load for a .357 magnum Colt SAA 7 1/2".
My ingredients are new Starline brass, CCI Small Pistol #500 primers, HP-38 and 158 gr Hi-Tek coated LSWC.
I experimented over the whole range of powder amounts from 3.1 to 3.7 grains according to Hogdon website and got all over the place. Ugly.
The "best" results, in terms of grouping were achieved with 3.7 grains and nothing to be proud of anyway, especially if you consider I was using a sandbag rest.
My chrono reported those at 631 fps (SD 13, spread 42 over 10 rounds). That's 200 fps slower than what I expected but I understand there are many reasons why it may be so.
Point of impact is definitely 2" below and 2" left of point of aim. I can put up with a POI higher than POA, but not lower.
Would it be possible to get a higher POI, and (I'm afraid to ask…possibly less... leftward?) with another case/powder/bullet combination?
If not, would it be a crime to consider performing surgery on a 2nd Gen Colt SAA?
Thank you for your help,
My ingredients are new Starline brass, CCI Small Pistol #500 primers, HP-38 and 158 gr Hi-Tek coated LSWC.
I experimented over the whole range of powder amounts from 3.1 to 3.7 grains according to Hogdon website and got all over the place. Ugly.
The "best" results, in terms of grouping were achieved with 3.7 grains and nothing to be proud of anyway, especially if you consider I was using a sandbag rest.
My chrono reported those at 631 fps (SD 13, spread 42 over 10 rounds). That's 200 fps slower than what I expected but I understand there are many reasons why it may be so.
Point of impact is definitely 2" below and 2" left of point of aim. I can put up with a POI higher than POA, but not lower.
Would it be possible to get a higher POI, and (I'm afraid to ask…possibly less... leftward?) with another case/powder/bullet combination?
If not, would it be a crime to consider performing surgery on a 2nd Gen Colt SAA?
Thank you for your help,