Primer in .357

[beefyz]

Hi all…ready to make my first loads today, but just want to check this out again. I’ll be loading for a .357 lever gun w/24” tube. Since I use 2400 in the M1carbine, I choose to use 2400 with Horn-XTPs in 140&158gr. I’m referencing Hornady, Sierra, Speer, Hogdon,& Lyman manuals. Sierra, Hornady, & Lyman loads w/2400 are using small pistol mag primers. Speer asterisks the ball powders and recommends those to get a mag primer; 2400 got the small pistol primer. Hodgon didn’t show a load using 2400. My understanding is that mag primers are only used with the ball powders. So why does most of the above data use the small pistol mag primer? We’re told when starting with a new caliber to pay attention to the published loads; these seldom agree. Ironically, I’d rather use the small primer. If one changes primers in this case, what is the likely outcome ?
Additionally, in my long barrel, if I do get around to shooting some .38 or .357 pistol loads, is there a minimum load or fps I should stay above to avoid sticking a jacketed bullet in my 24”tube? And finally, since none of these loads will ever find there way into a pistol, how heavy should my crimp be. I’ll be crimping using the seating die in a separate step. One recommendation stated as one approaches mid-level loads, increase crimp; what’s “mid-level”?
Another said crimping was not important in lever guns except when using "near-max" loads.
Incidentally, my starting loads were going to be w/ 140 XTP- 13.8,14,14.2 & w/ the 158 XTP 13.3,13.5,13.7
Thanks to all.

 

[rcmodel]

Use standard primers with 2400.

I just read an explanation for the reloading manual discrepancy's in the new Handloader.

One ballistician for Accurate? said they tested 2400 with Mag primers, even though standard primers would give smaller SD numbers & better accuracy.

They felt somebody some time was going to go max load right off the bat and use MAG primers, so they erred on the side of caution in the book and tested pressure with them.

rc

 

[243winxb]

Go to the primer manufacturers website to find out the correct use. Bearing surface of the j bullet determines needed velicity. Try for 900 fps minimum. There is only 1 way to crimp IMO. When the case mouth contacts the bullet in the crimping groove, its crimped.

 

[ljnowell]

There is in fact a heavy and light crimp, and all kinds in between. The heavier the loading the more likely a bullet is to pull out of the case on recoil. I'm not thinking its as bad in lever rifle as a revolver, but I wouldnt know, not having owned one.

As far as primers go, I have used probably 24 or so pounds of alliant 2400 and have yet to use a magnum primer. They all go off reliably, even in weather as low as 10 degrees F.

 

[Furncliff]

IF... you don't get enough crimp on and you put those rounds in a tube magazine you could get bullets pushed deeper into the case. Testing the loads by loading the tube and then empty the tube is one way to check the crimp, but it doesn't factor the recoil AND the tube spring working together to push the bullet down. I went to loading one at a time for load testing. Afterwards I loaded and shot combinations until I got to a full magazine, then felt confident that the crimp was enough. I'm sure there's an easier way.

 

[buck460XVR]

Hodgon didn’t show a load using 2400. .

That's because Hodgdon doesn't distribute 2400, they only give loads for THEIR powders. You need to go to the Alliant site.

 

[ljnowell]

I have found 14.5gr of 2400 to be a good all around charge for 158gr bullets, either jacketed or lead.

 

[gamestalker]

You''ll be just fine with standard SP. Magnum primer's are only needed when included in the published data, such as with H110 or 296.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you go to the powder manufacturer's site, www.alliantpowder.com, you will see that they do not use a magnum primer with 2400 powder in any caliber.


NCsmitty

 

[ArchAngelCD]

One ballistician for Accurate? said they tested 2400 with Mag primers, even though standard primers would give smaller SD numbers & better accuracy.

They felt somebody some time was going to go max load right off the bat and use MAG primers, so they erred on the side of caution in the book and tested pressure with them.

rc

And that's what bothers me most about current load data. The lawyers get involved and everyone has to put up with inferior data to cover the few who will do something stupid. We spend good money on load manuals. The least we can expect is the best data they can develop, not CYA load data!

I feel bad for new reloaders who have to rely on current load data. They are being cheated by the publishers out of ammo that is the best that can be loaded and the true capability of the caliber they choose to shoot. Instead they get stuff that is so stupid-proof it stinks!!!

 

[kludge]

I use WSP primers with 2400 in the 357 and never a problem. I use a Lee FCD so I can dial in the amount of crimp I want.

 

[Steve C]

Magnum primers will drive up pressure whith 2400. I've got pierced and cratered magnum primers with loads well below maximum listed and no pressure signs using a heavier charge closer to maximum with standard primes.