Favorite .357 hunting load?

[Random Discharge]

Hornady 158 gr. XTP/FP over 16.6 gr. of W296 out of a 10" T/C Contender. I've never clocked it out of the Contender, but the load manual claims something like 1600 fps out of an 8" test barrel.

 

[Bob F.]

OK, guys, help me out here!
Picked up my slightly used BH .357 6 1/2", cleaned it and headed tot eh range w/ hunting load: 158gr XTPHP, new Starline .357 cases, 14gr 2400, Fed SPM. Not Happy!

Some old loads did fine, esp 148gr DEWC's in .38 cases w/ 3.1gr of 231, I think. and 158gr SWC .38's w/ 4.5gr 231 so it's not me or the gun.

Should I try charge wt. 13.8, 13.6, 14.2. Don't really wanna buy more powder right now. Have some 800X and 231 on hand. Used to load 296 for my 4" Trooper in the old days. Never got great groups though.

The 14gr load felt recoil was less than Fed factory 125HP's. Back to the range next week!

Stay safe.
Bob

 

[WESHOOT2]

BREATHE............BREATHE............

Switch to non-magnum primers with 2400.
Add a Redding Profile Crimp die.

Try different bullets (180g JHP from R-P, a very good deer bullet).