MBC 158gr SWC coated - 357mag - CFE Pistol

[vaalpens]

I have just started working up some 357mag loads (picked up some 357mag brass a few weeks ago) and decided to try CFE Pistol since load data was available from Hodgdon. This was never meant to be a full power magnum load, maybe mid-velocity, but rather loads where the accuracy will dictate where I end up.

I used the Hodgdon load data and started above the 5.3gr min load with .2 gr increments and ended just below the 6.6gr max load.

The loads were tested using a Ruger SP101 with a 3" barrel, with standard sights. The test included chrono and shooting at 10yards using my gun bag as a rest.

I did not know what to expect from using CFE Pistol, but at the end I was surprised with the results, and maybe an indication of some accuracy that can be fine tuned. Fine tuning probably adjusting the charge, COL and crimp, and hopefully some better shooting by me.

The groupings were rather consistent starting at 1.12" and ending with a 1.28". Even the ES numbers were consistent, with a low of 29 and a high of 39. With 38spl and 357mag I normally see bigger swings with the ES.

Following is the chrono data and groupings from the test today:

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 5.5gr, WSP
Average: 858
ES: 34
SD: 13.8
Force: 258
PF: 135
Velocities: 850, 846, 880, 865, 853
Grouping: 1.12"

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 5.7gr, WSP
Average: 872
ES: 31
SD: 11.9
Force: 267
PF: 137
Velocities: 854, 874, 885, 880, 870
Grouping: 1.64" - 4 shot grouping of .51" and one flyer. This grouping gave me a nice 4 shot clover leaf, and one flyer. The next load was a 1.35" grouping, so I will probably try and fine tune a load between 5.5gr and 5.9gr.

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 5.9gr, WSP
Average: 906
ES: 29
SD: 11.9
Force: 288
PF: 143
Velocities: 889, 902, 917, 905, 918
Grouping: 1.35"

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 6.1gr, WSP
Average: 918
ES: 39
SD: 15.6
Force: 296
PF: 145
Velocities: 917, 906, 918, 945, 908
Grouping: 3.19" - 4 shot grouping of 1.114" and one bad flyer

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 6.3gr, WSP
Average: 948
ES: 36
SD: 14.4
Force: 315
PF: 149
Velocities: 925, 957, 955, 946, 961
Grouping: 1.39"

357mag
COL: 1.620"
MBC, 158gr, B18HTSWC, CFEpistol, 6.5gr, WSP
Average: 969
ES: 29
SD: 12.3
Force: 329
PF: 153
Velocities: 956, 985, 959, 978, 968
Grouping: 1.28"

 

[vaalpens]

I just browsed through the new Handloader magazine and saw they have a new "Pet Loads" column where they cover the 357 magnum. Under the mid-velocity loads they tested the 158 Rim Rock SWC-HP with CFE Pistol with the same min and max loads as I did. COL was different though. They listed 6.5gr as the most accurate.

Taking the Handloader magazine test into consideration, maybe it makes sense to retest the 6.5gr load since it resulted in a decent 1.28" grouping.

Following is the target from my 6.5gr load:

 

[jell-dog]

vaalpens,
Great shooting!
Thank you for the clear and informative range report, it is valuable information we can all use!!
JD

 

[vaalpens]

JD, thanks for the kind words.

I try and find a niche for all my powders, so it would be nice if CFE Pistol works out great for a mid-level 357mag load. These have been fun to shoot without putting too much stress on the old hand/wrist. I still have to check for any leading, but the coated bullets should help prevent any excessive leading.