longshot gunpowder

[brett1]

does anyone have data on 357 magnum cast bullets 125-180 grain with longshot gunpowder

I have been testing it with 180 grain missouri bullet started at hodgons nos part at 6.1 got leading worked up to 7 grains very little leading but black barrel after 20 rounds boresnake it out also using wspm primers
have an h&r 357 rifle with a nikon scope used a 158 grain american eagle to center it in, with the cast bullet still is centered 50 yards get groups at bullseye the size of a quarter just using a table for a rest, at 70 yards still center and will go through 2 gallons of water, at 100 yards 15 mile wind off to the left by an inch but still grouped at a quarter, is this common to get that much powder in the barrel? the primers show the same pressure as the american eagles I shot so no sign of being over pressure.

 

[rcmodel]

I don't think I have ever seen any, and Hodgdon doesn't list any.

That is generally what I like to call a Clue that it isn't very well suited to that application.

But you could call Hodgdon and see what they have to say.

Or, you might have better luck posting this reloading question in the Reloading forum.

rc

 

[DurangoKid]

I use it for loading the .460 Rowland. I have never seen a .357 load.

 

[brett1]

I am using to much powder or is this common to have the barrel get black after 20 rounds

 

[gamestalker]

As Rc said, and I trust his opinions, I can't find any Longshot data that applies to those bullets.

Longshot is a slow burning powder, so when it gets reduced below a certain point, or below published starting data, it will burn very inconsistenly, and also produce dirty loads. It's one of those powders that perform very well, and very clean when used as published.

And one more suggestion related to using non jacketed bullets not intended for high pressure, high velocity often produce longer sustained pressures, which means excessive leading. I'm pretty sure you could find reliable data for non jacketed bullets with that powder. You'll also have to find the correct diameter bullets needed for that firearm, meaning you might need to slug your barrel. This is one of the primary reasons I don't load with anything but jacketed bullets, just too much involved in the process for my taste.

Regarding Longshot, I love that powder for various reasons, it is not spikey when used according to published data, and burns extremely clean.

GS

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like Longshot but I never did find it to be accurate with lead bullets in the 38/357. It works just fine in the 38/357 with jacketed bullets though.

When loading lead bullets in the .357 Magnum I use HS-6 instead of Longshot. I feel you will get a much better results especially since HS-6 developed a lot less pressure than Longshot at similar velocities. BUT, I would not recommend either with heavy bullets like the 180gr bullets you're talking about using.

With 180gr lead bullets I got outstanding results using Lil'Gun for ammo shot in my Carbine. It's clean burning and it produces accurate ammo with very high velocities. (even more than H110/W296)

 

[brett1]

thanks for the info I will research more and probably switch powder