AA#9 and 125gr XTP/HP in 357 mag.

[joneb]

I mostly use 158-180gr bullets with AA#9. I found 25ct Hornady 125gr XTPs that I would like to load up for a Ruger Security Six.

I doubt I will take the time working up a load, but rather take a stab at loading the 25 with a medium warm charge using Fed GM200 primers and a COL of around 1.575. I can always pull them if the load seems to hot.

So I checked load data from three sources and found some big differences I understand the reasons for the variations, BUT Accurate's new data max. load is Hornady's starting load, I have 2005 Accurate data that is closer to the Hornady data but lists CCI 500 and a shorter COL

I check the Accurate's new data and my loads for 158 and 180gr XTPs are way over max I have shot these loads for years without incident, has Accurate changed #9 ?

So is anyone loading this combo ? your thoughts and experience will be appreciated.

 

[Walkalong]

I have 10 year plus old AA #9, so I go by the older PDF for mine. It seems to have changed, judging by the PDF's. (Don't all the AA powders)

 

[joneb]

It seems to have changed, judging by the PDF's. (Don't all the AA powders)

That was funny at first glance, but now the shadow of doubt weighs heavy on my assumptions

 

[Steve C]

Accurates earlier data used CCI 500 standard small pistol primers while their current data uses WSPM magnum primers. The Winchester magnum primers are probably the hottest small pistol primer made.

I once asked the guys at the Alliant booth during the NRA convention why they had dropped the loads in their free manuals. Their comments where that primers had changed and at that time they limited their loads to the worst case scenario knowing that customers didn't always use the primer listed in the data.

 

[joneb]

Can anyone tell me what "Quick Load" has to say about;
.357 magnum
125gr Hornady XTP/HP
Brass R-P trimmed at 1.279"
Fed GM 200
16.2gr of AA#9

barrel length 2.75"

 

[Walkalong]

I do not know about Quickload, but 16.0 Grs of my old (80's?) AA #9 and a Powerbond 125 Gr HP @ 1.572 O.A.L. with a heavy taper crimp gave me an Avg 1372 FPS from a 6" barrel at 78 degrees.

164 ES, some unburned powder, and sooted cases. I can only assume the pressure was pretty low.

 

[joneb]

Thanks Walkalong, I will consider that.

I had these bullets buried in the back of a cabinet, I was working on a +p 38spl load and went in a heavier direction.
I don't have enough of these left to work up a load for my .357 mag so I am trying to cut a corner or two I know shame on me

 

[gamestalker]

What ever floats your boat. My personal favorite, er, actually my nearly exclusive choice is the 125 XTP's on top of H110/296, CCI-550. Not very recoil friendly though.

 

[RDub]

Hiya
Just for kicks check this out..

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/191239-357-mag-125gr-factory-duplication-rd2.html

I did some work with a Sierra 125gr JSP. Might help get an idea..

 

[joneb]

Thanks RDub, that was interesting.

 

[DWFan]

Qoute from Steve C:
"I once asked the guys at the Alliant booth during the NRA convention why they had dropped the loads in their free manuals. Their comments where that primers had changed and at that time they limited their loads to the worst case scenario knowing that customers didn't always use the primer listed in the data."

SAAMI has castrated all the original magnum revolver cartridges down to a 35 kpsi maximum pressure. The powder manufacturers likewise had to lower their maximum powder charges or face possible lawsuits.
Alliant did reformulate some of their powders and sent out notices about it. Accurate Arms however has not changed AA #9. SAAMI has changed the rules of the game.