Help Me Interpret This .357 Reloading Data

[GunAdmirer]

I am trying my hand at handloading 180 gr .357 HP-XTPs for a hog hunt this weekend. I can't seem to find much loading data for 180 gr. jacketed bullets. The max H-110 180 gr. loads from major sources are:

14.5 gr - Lyman Manual (JTC SIL XTP) 1101 fps 1.585 COL
13.1 gr - Hornady Manual (HP-XTP/JTC SIL XTP) 1050 fps 1.590 COL
13.5 - Hodgdon Manual (Nosler Partition) 1396 fps 1.575 COL

This is quite a variance! I want to get a near max load out of my 6" GP100 (1200-1250 fps) but don't know where to start.

Confused. Please help.

 

[Bullet]

I would use the Hornady data since your using Hornady bullets. The other data is for different bullets and has different OAL's. Plus was probably not shot in the same guns. If you want more speed use 2400.

 

[caz223]

It should be fairly obvious, START with the hornady numbers.
1.590 COL is bullet specific. Use that COL if your gun can.
Always use the bullet manufacturer's data, if available.
Also, if you can find agreement, use the powder manufacturer's numbers for the powder that you're using.
In other words, start out at less than the 13.1, NEVER start out at max loads.
If you really don't think it's enough power, and think the gun can handle it, use hodgdon's powder numbers (AFTER working through hornady's numbers.), just continue using the COL from hornady's book.
Don't worry about the lyman numbers, unless you got life and medical insurance and/or a large framed gun like an older blackhawk.

 

[g56]

The only safe way to get a "near max load" is to start low and work up to it, every firearm is different, your firearm might be more...or less tolerant than the ones tested for the manuals.

If you absolutely don't have time to test loads, take the middle ground, the manual that is in the middle between the high and low sides, then figure the middle of the charge range, that is a "middle road" approach.

 

[zeke]

Midway's .357 loadmap has numerous powders listed for 180 gn xtp. Need to pay attention to their brass trim length (1.270), primer used (Win spm), brass (Win) and COLs. They list loads and pressures for AA7, AA9, 2400,Blue Dot, H110, H4227, Lil-Gun, IMR 4227, VV-N110 and 296.

 

[Master Blaster]

The difference in velocity between these loads is pretty large due to a difference inthe barrel length of the firearms used to test, I'm guessing the velocity difference between the loads would be be less in your 6" barrel. The Hodgdon numbers are generated using a 10" barrel, probably the longest barrel used in all of the data also probably a Thompson Contender barrel (no BC gap) With a slow burning powder like H-110 the barrel length will make a very noticable difference. assuming 50 FPS per inch, and the others used a 6" barrel, the extra 4 inches of the Hodgdon test barrel would add 200 FPS just like in the data
Lyman Data is a 6" barrel, speer a 4" or a 6" barrel?????

In other words the velocity in your 6" barrel will be different and depending on whose data you use could be faster or slower.

I would start with the lowest load and or that of the same bullet as you are using which is hornady, I would reduce 10% and work up.

JMHO YMMV

 

[landon74]

My experience with H110 out of a 4" barrel is that everything that approaches maximum load seems to just make a larger fireball not any super increase in velocity...

 

[caz223]

That has been what I have seen as well, esp out of my ported snubby .44 mag trail boss!!! No recoil whatsoever, but the flames were incredible!!

 

[Mark whiz]

I too would go with the Hornady recommendation of 13.5gr as a MAX load. I loaded some 170gr Gold Dots with 14.5gr and they flattened the primers, so the move to 180gr XTPs would typically call for about 1gr less powder.

Try 13gr and if there are no signs of pressure, increase slowly toward 13.5gr.

BTW, for the record...........that 14.5gr/170gr Gold Dot (1.590" OAL) load Chrony'd at 1137fps out of my 4" Security Six.

 

[20cows]

Midway loadmap?

Where does one go to get a look at this? I just did a search at the Midway website and came up empty.

 

[brickeyee]

You have to buy it. (If they still sell them).
This loks like the replacment
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=442318

 

[20cows]

Thanks.

 

[GunAdmirer]

I did it! I loaded some 180 grain HP-XTP bullets with 13.1 grains of H-110 (cci magnum primer) per the Hornady manual. This is Hornady's max load but below the other sources. I shot them this morning out of my 6" GP100. Sharp recoil and blast as expected, but no noticable flames or any signs of excessive pressure on the case or primer. There was a bit of unburnt powder. Sorry, no chronograph data available.

I will try one (hopefully one) on a feral hog tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. Eventually I will try to work up to Hodgdon's 13.5 grain load.

 

[GunAdmirer]

I shot a small hog (75 lbs) this morning from a tree stand. She walked right under my stand. I shot her just to the side of the backbone and through her lung and chest. I found the bullet lying on the ground below where I shot her. The 180 gr. HP-XTP expanded nicely even in such a small pig (12 inches of body cavity). I am pleased with the results, obviously, but am concerned that the velocity would not have been enough had she been a larger hog. I am going to have to work up some hotter loads. I did not have enough time before the hunt to thoroughly test the load. I will post a picture of the hog and bullet when I get a chance. Mmmm wild hog pork chops.

 

[Mark whiz]

Pork hunting with a .357 is always a bit of a crap shoot. Gettting your load much hotter probably won't matter much.

I took a 100lb sow a few years ago, the bullet blew thru both shoulders & lungs (destroying the meat in both shoulders) and she wouldn't go down...........ended up having to slit her throat and put a .22 in her ear to shut her down. And the exact same gun & bullet load was used on the same hunt to take down a boar a tad larger in size and he went right to the ground, lights out.

 

[GunAdmirer]

I got my feral hog meat from the processor this afternoon. The smoked snack sticks are awesome! Small to medium sized feral hogs make for some good eatin'! We love the chops and steaks.

It is fulfilling to eat meat from a hog I killed using:
A handgun - a pawn shop rescued 6" GP100. Cleaned up really nice!
A bullet I loaded myself. It was my first run of handloads.

I may go to the 158 grain HP XTP bullet next time. It can be loaded to higher velocities and there is more data available.

Thanks for the advice and information. I'll eat a snack stick for ya!