Would like a second look at my workup .357 CPFP 158gr Pistol Powder load

[gonoles_1980]

Couldn't find an exact load for xtreme 158gr CPFP, but found several different loads in the Layman, Speer manuals and the Alliant websites to build a ladder load from.

I just ran out of AA#5, and want to use up the rest of my Pistol Powder. I'm going to use it up in my Bisley Vaquero 5" .357.

My load with the AA#5 was 8.3gr, 158gr xtreme CPFP, I liked the recoil and accuracy of this load.

What I am looking at for Powder Pistol is running a ladder load of 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0

Based on the sources I looked at (mentioned above), that looks like a reasonable ladder load.

Any thoughts? I'd like to get as close to the AA#5 load as possible.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

As far as I'm concerned your ladder load is right where I have found Power Pistol to be the most accurate and easiest to shoot. I can't help you with Accurate #5 loads because until recently I couldn't get Accurate powders around here so I have no experience with them but I have burned up probably 12- 15lbs of Power Pistol.
I really like it but I have found that BE-86 is better. It is basically Power Pistol with a flash retardant and a very little bit faster burn rate so you don't have to put up with the flash. With the load range your working with though the flash won't be bad at all though.
With Power Pistol pay attention around 7.8 grains for an accuracy node and I found another one happened for me at 8.2 gr with my Model 28. Beyond 8.2 the flash got irritating for me.
I took my work up up to 8.6 gr with thick plated 158gr bullets from xtreme and accuracy was good but the noise was horrendous and the flash lit up the indoor range.
Some people don't like the bark of Power Pistol but I always did.
I think your in the right range for Power Pistol for and easy to shoot load that is accurate without the annoying flash.
Let us know how you made out. Good luck

 

[joneb]

For my Ruger Security Six 357 mag. with a 2.75" barrel with 158 gr plated bullets and standard primers Accurate #5 is hard to beat. I have used this powder for over ten years as a Unique alternative and it has been a success in a variety cartridges.

 

[Toprudder]

As far as I'm concerned your ladder load is right where I have found Power Pistol to be the most accurate and easiest to shoot. I can't help you with Accurate #5 loads because until recently I couldn't get Accurate powders around here so I have no experience with them but I have burned up probably 12- 15lbs of Power Pistol.
I really like it but I have found that BE-86 is better. It is basically Power Pistol with a flash retardant and a very little bit faster burn rate so you don't have to put up with the flash. With the load range your working with though the flash won't be bad at all though.

In 357mag, I found BE86 to give more consistent velocity, and less powder-forward effect, than Power Pistol. Unless I want a full magnum load, I will use BE86. Also works well in 44mag with coated bullets.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I use BE86 in my copper plated 44mag 240gr. I'm not a fan of the magnum loads and it gets me up to where it's still fun for me, without the huge flash. I liked the AA#5 load I had in the 357, just want to use up the Power Pistol I have and find some more AA#5.

 

[Walkalong]

In 357mag, I found BE86 to give more consistent velocity, and less powder-forward effect

Me too.

But you should be able to duplicate the AA #5 load close enough to be able to use up the PP. I suspect it will take slightly more Power Pistol. Smart to start low though.

 

[Toprudder]

Power Pistol will work in 357, for sure. I don't know what other calibers you shoot, but I really like PP in 380, 9mm, and 40.

 

[vaalpens]

I like Power Pistol in 357mag, but I have not loaded any 158gr plated bullets yet. I did chrono some ACME 158gr SWC bullets in the range you are looking at using a Ruger SP101 3":

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 7.1gr, WSP
Average: 994
ES: 38
SD: 14.9
Force: 347
PF: 157
Velocities: 1007, 997, 969, 995, 1003

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 7.3gr, WSP
Average: 1017
ES: 23
SD: 8.7
Force: 363
PF: 160
Velocities: 1005, 1028, 1016, 1014, 1022

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 7.5gr, WSP
Average: 1038
ES: 37
SD: 13.9
Force: 378
PF: 164
Velocities: 1017, 1045, 1042, 1054, 1035

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 7.7gr, WSP
Average: 1068
ES: 48
SD: 18.8
Force: 400
PF: 168
Velocities: 1088, 1040, 1073, 1081, 1062

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 7.9gr, SBPRSP
Average: 1079
ES: 23
SD: 8.8
Force: 408
PF: 170
Velocities: 1083, 1064, 1081, 1080, 1087

357mag, SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.620"
ACME, 158gr, SWCNLG, PowerPistol, 8.1gr, SBPRSP
Average: 1098
ES: 9
SD: 3.8
Force: 423
PF: 173
Velocities: 1096, 1102, 1093, 1101, 1100

 

[joneb]

I like Power Pistol in 357mag, but I have not loaded any 158gr plated bullets yet. I did chrono some ACME 158gr SWC bullets in the range you are looking at using a Ruger SP101 3":

I'm curious which was the most accurate load? and what primer did you use for this work up?

 

[vaalpens]

I curious which was the most accurate load? and what primer did you use for this work up?

For the 71gr to 7.7gr loads I used Winchester Small Pistol, and the rest I use Sellier & Bellot Small Pistol. No magnum primers.

The accuracy wasn't very good, but the best out of the group for me was the 7.5gr load with a grouping of 1.75" @ 15 yards. My accuracy testing with my SP101 is not that reliable lately due to my eyes, and I don't have a scope for my SP101.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Valpeen's thank you very much for that workup. That is an awesome 2nd look at my ladder . I may move it up .1, to start at 7.7 and end at 8.1. It looks like the 8.1 load is close to what I was getting based on published velocities, assuming that plated and LNG coated bullets are close. As for accuracy, I wish I was that accurate at 45 ft. The only gun I have that can fit a scope is my Redhawk 44 mag. I am stuck with the sites and my eyes. I wear bifocal safety glasses, the top part is clear, the box 1.5x reading (I wear contacts when shooting).

 

[vaalpens]

Valpeen's thank you very much for that workup. That is an awesome 2nd look at my ladder . I may move it up .1, to start at 7.7 and end at 8.1. It looks like the 8.1 load is close to what I was getting based on published velocities, assuming that plated and LNG coated bullets are close. As for accuracy, I wish I was that accurate at 45 ft. The only gun I have that can fit a scope is my Redhawk 44 mag. I am stuck with the sites and my eyes. I wear bifocal safety glasses, the top part is clear, the box 1.5x reading (I wear contacts when shooting).

I think that was actually the last time I was able to evaluate any loads using open sights at 15 yards. lately I have just been testing my SP101 at 7 yards. I don't use bifocals, so my reading is probably around 2.75x, so the sights are in focus but the target is way out of focus.

The plated bullets' velocity should be lower, but the longer barrel will help again.

Lately I have been loading the 125gr coated bullet from ACME, and I get good accuracy in both 38spl and 357mag. The POI is a bit lower but I am ok with it.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

I load the Xtreme 158gn FP for .357 for plinking with BE-86:

OAL 1.58, 7.1gn BE-86, 1092 avg fps, shot from Colt Python 6". If I remember right it was very accurate. I have only this for plinking

I did load Hornady XTP 158gn JHP, 7.5gn BE-86, 1165 avg fps, Colt Python 6". Its been a while so I do not remember how it performed, but think it was good because I do not have any negative notes on it..

LeftyTSGC

 

[gonoles_1980]

Tested a ladder load out starting at 7.7 to 8.1. Didn't shoot the 8.1 load, my front sight came off. The gun is only 18 months old, I should be able to get it fixed for free. Hopefully they'll send me a new sight and I can glue it on myself. I made one mistake, I didn't take any rounds of my AA#5 load to compare to. The rounds were flashy, I'd probably stick with the 7.8 load, I seemed to like that the best. I'll take out the 8.1 load and compare it to my AA#5 load the next time I go to the range.