Peter and Striker, thanks for your replies.I also have developed a couple of 357 Sig loads during the last year and it has fast become one of my favorite calibers.A couple of my loads are as follows, and like you, suggest that everyone work up their own loads and be aware that I accept no responsibility for the actions of others who may use my information for their own reloading.
12.5 grs of AA9 and a Hornady 124 gr XTP, CCI 500 pr, Starline br @ 1356 fps.
The max fps according to "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .357 Sig" is
(MAX) 13.0 grs @ 1387 fps. Yup, approaching the max, I am, but this load was carefully worked up over several chrono sessions. The Starline brass seems to push up the fps measurements over some other manufactured brass. (?) Perhaps it is a little thicker.
7.0 grs of Blue Dot and a Hornady 147 gr XTP, CCI 500 pr, Starline br @ 1118 fps. Again the max fps using the same manual as above lists 8.2 grs of Blue Dot @ 1150 fps. This load was also carefully worked up over the chronograph. Useing the same components, 6.8 grs of Blue Dot carried the bullet along at 1081 fps. A respectable velocity.
I have come to believe that AA9 is the best powder for this caliber as, as you stated, it helps prohibit "push back". I will continue to also use Blue Dot but will be very careful controlling "push back". I also do not expand the neck of the brass because , as you know, there is very little to hold the bullet in place.
These loads, and both are very accurate, are not my "plinking" loads but rather my SD loadings. A Glock22 with a Wolf barrel was used to develop the loads. The differance between my loads and those listed in the manual could, and probably is, in the different primers and brass used. Who can tell. Again, everyone reading this post must accept all responsibility for their actions in choosing to reload accordingly.
Happy shooting guys and hope your new year brings great things. Jim
dang! Sorry about getting so darn long winded. [/I]
