Sig 357 with CTF Frangibles

[JJ-]

Remington CTF Frangible Bullets 357 Sig/ 9mm (355 Diameter) 100 Grain Flat Nose Box

I picked these up about a year ago but am just now getting around to loading them due to the shortage of bullets right now. I figure these will be a nice low cost target round for my p229 Sig.

I've been searching various forums the past few days with not much luck. It seems like lots have bought these but there isn't alot of data out there for them. Most of the load recipes I've found is people loading these bullets in the 9mm. Hodgon website even has load data for that but not for using it in the Sig. Here is what I gather based on the sporadic post. Please clarify or correct me on this information.

• These are 30% lighter so load them according the the bullet/powder for a 30% heavier bullet
• They are longer than normal 100 gr so load them based on length not weight?
• They need a faster powder such as Tightgroup
• They need a lighter crimp than normal (I use Lee factory crimp die for my Sig's)
• Some post say the Lee FCD is the wrong crimp for these bullets??

I use Unique in 99% of my Sig 357 rounds so I would like to stick with that since Tightgroup will be difficult to obtain right now.

Anybody here load them and tell me if I'm going in the right direction??? Was thinking about using load data from Hornday 124 gr and working up so starting at 6.6 and going through 7.8 with COAL at 1.125 - 1.130

 

[JLDickmon]

I wouldn't.
Frangibles are used to decrease penetration, ie., through wall board. They are a close quarters defense bullet.

For just goobing around on the range on a Saturday afternoon..
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=51&category=5&secondary=8&keywords=
$32. for 500.. cheap entertainment..

 

[JJ-]

I already have the ammo (500 rounds). You saying get rid of them?

I understand what your saying about close quarter self defense however I also had an understanding was that frangibles were designed for target practice with steel so that the bullet fragments don't come back and hit you. Some searching showed me that quite a few people picked up these cheap bullets when they went on sale at midway last year but just can't find many post with load data

 

[Sapper771]

I already have the ammo (500 rounds). You saying get rid of them?

I understand what your saying about close quarter self defense however I also had an understanding was that frangibles were designed for target practice with steel so that the bullet fragments don't come back and hit you. Some searching showed me that quite a few people picked up these cheap bullets when they went on sale at midway last year but just can't find many post with load data

I picked up several thousand when they were on sale, but I have only used them in 9mm. They are the length of a 130gr bullet, but only 100gr. Treat them like they are 130gr bullets.

This may help you get started:

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 SIG&Weight=All&type=Handgun

I would keep the velocities down and not hot rod them. They are tougher than I expected, but 357sig can be a different animal than 9mm. Use very little crimp if any. Not sure if that will cause issues due to neck tension issues with 357sig. I had the best luck with Bullseye in 9mm.