Help with a hot .357 mag load

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

marcodo

Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
167
Location
NY
I was using my lyman loading manual and wanted to make some hotter than avg .357 to shoot out a ruger gp and sp. I loaded 158 gr jhp with some at 16.5 grn and some at 17.0 of w296. Looking on line it appears to be over the limit (I think).
Can I shoot these or should I pull them?
 
I would suggest you pull them and work your way up to a hot load.If you don't have time for this process,get a bigger gun.
 
With 17 grains, you are about .3 grains over. I have done this before using H110 powder (basically the same a w296). I fired the 25 rounds through my Ruger GP 100 with no issue however; depending on how many you made and the possibility you may have exceeded 17 grains...you may want to pull them.
 
Thanks guys...I'll pull the 17 gr. Only made about 15 anyway.

How about the 16.5 ones?

Also I failed to use magnum primers...will this be any issue?

BTW...I used the Sierra manual (not Lymans). They listed 16.5 gr in the middle of the pack and 17.3 gr as the max. Was this a mistake?
 
How about the 16.5 ones?

Also I failed to use magnum primers...will this be any issue?

BTW...I used the Sierra manual (not Lymans). They listed 16.5 gr in the middle of the pack and 17.3 gr as the max. Was this a mistake?
Click to expand...

The 16.5 ones should be fine. Differences on the load information from book to book and the powder's manufacture sites is very common. If in doubt (what I normaly do) is follow the powder manufacture's guidlines if the diffrence is signifcant.

As for the primers, you should be O.K. The magnum primers burn a bit hotter to ensure proper ignition of the slower burning powders such as w296.

I am still a novice reloader and maybe some one with more experience on this site could chime in.
 
When starting a loading for a particular calibre, especially magnum, start at the low listing in the manual or decrease the maximum charge by 10%, start there and slowly increase the powder charge untill you reach maximum charge or start to see signs of over pressure. Not all firearms deal with high powder charges the same even if both firearms are the same model. To start at the upper limits of a given powder charge is asking for trouble...

Just because a manufacturer shows the high charge limit doesn't mean you start there...
 
And my Sierra manual (the newest edition) has W-296 listed from 17.9 to 19.6 for a 140 grain JHP. That seems to be a bit more then 3%.

And my Sierra manual (the newest edition) has H110 listed from 17.6 to 19.5 for a 140 grain JHP. That seems to be a bit more then 3%.

And don't count on H110 and W-296 being the same powder (must be the tagging agent that screws them up)...

Marcodo...Best bet. Read your manuals...
 
Thanks ...

I think I must have last years addition...

I did read the manuals thats why I started with the 16.5 for most and went up to the 17 gr for a few. It was when I started double checking (ok perhaps next time I'll double check BEFORE :) ) was when I started second guessing myself. For the 158 gr JHP 16.5 seemed in the middle of the pack and 17 was still below its max. It had a listed max of 17.3gn if I recall correctly.(At least I thought so, looks like I'll need to go home and recheck the numbers.)

I have found the Sierra manual seems to run higher loads than what I tend to find elsewhere...which worries me.

Sounds like the consensus is to pull the 17gn and ok to shoot (with careful checking) of the 16.5

I really appreciate the help
 
I load 158gr Jacketed bullets for the .357 Magnum and I use W296/H110 powders. I found a charge of 16.4gr gives me the best accuracy. That load is a little hot to shoot Hundreds for practice so I lowered the charge to 15.7gr for my practice rounds.

Hodgdon has an online load data site and they list the W296/H110 charge for a 158gr JHP bullet as 15.0gr to 16.7gr.
 
I have used the Speer #10 for years. The maximum load for the 158 grain jacket bullet is a bit over 17 grains.Try to find one and work up gradually.Byron
 
Lyman 47th shows 17.7 max. I'd not hesitate to fire 17's especially in Rugers. But, be sure to wear your ears as these might be a tad loud!
 
I load 160g GCSWC over 15.5g W296 for superb accuracy. I have always used a WSP primer, this based on a Skeeter Skelton article I read in the rags many years ago. Accurate and powerful!

H110 and W296 are EXACTLY the same powders in different containers. Call Hogdon and ask, I did.

Crimp is the key to performance with W296/H110. A good and uniform crimp provides efficient ignition and this powder is notorious in its need for a consistent and powerful crimp.
 
Snapping Twig is correct about H110 and W296 being the same powder. I spoke with Hodgdon and they confirmed that it was the same. Also HP38 is the same as W231.
 
Wonder why then, that every load manual I have shows just a bit of a difference in load data? Both starting and maximum...(Must be the tagget)...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top