LEE 358-158-SWC Pleasant Surprise

[RDub]

Hello

I had a pleasant surprise last weekend with the LEE 358-158-SWC.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f218/rafswede/LeeSWCw-gc.jpg

Here’s how it looks loaded. On the right;

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f218/rafswede/DSC00215.jpg

I did some shooting with it last year using AA#9 and 2400;

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f218/rafswede/2400-AA9_zps824e4a3e.jpg

The alloy is WW with 5% tin. Sized through a .358 H&I die to crimp the gas check on and then tumbled in Alox. They weigh out at 159-160grs. They are intended as plinkers.

So, a few weeks ago I got a whim to try a powder that I’ve been working with in 10mm.. N-105.
Vihtavuori, in their .357 Mag data, says 12.6grs of N-105 is max for a 158gr jacketed bullet. So I dropped down a grain to 11.5grs loaded five rounds and shot them in the 6” Taurus. I was using a Caldwell pistol rest. Cases fell out when ejecting.

Data taken with an Oehler Mod 33 chronograph
Data on target; FPS average, velocity spread, standard deviation and temp F°
All the target circles are 5½".

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f218/rafswede/115N-105_zpsb590a438.jpg
This is worth looking further..

I know this powder isn’t one that is sitting on a lot of benches, but should it become more available again, or you know someone who has some, it might be worth a try.

[rintinglen]

I keep seeing the occasional pound or two of Vitavouri powder, but spotty availability keeps me from taking the plunge. Be my luck that I'd work up "THE" load, than never see that powder again.

[swheeler]

I like that bullet in both Taurus 4" and RBH 4 5/8. Mine weight in at 167 grs checked and lubed from ww and I get sticky extraction by 13.5 gr 2400 @ 1301/ 13.0-1270. I have since switched to H 110 @ 15.2 grs and similar velocity-slightlly lower. I think Lee got that one RIGHT:)

[fcvan]

I have that boolit in the gas check hollow point version and it shoots really well. I haven't tried any loads with 2400 as I've been a Unique shooter since the 70s. When things calm down I plan on buying some and working on loads with that powder. Nice shooting, great pictures!

[Pilgrim]

VV powders are very good and very clean burning. Also expensive compared to our home grown flavors. Never-the-less the VV powders are what most of us used in benchrest shooting. I also use VV 135 in my .358 W as it gives me the best velocity and accuracy out of that rifle. YMMV Pilgrim

[RDub]

VV powders are very good and very clean burning. Also expensive compared to our home grown flavors. Never-the-less the VV powders are what most of us used in benchrest shooting. I also use VV 135 in my .358 W as it gives me the best velocity and accuracy out of that rifle. YMMV Pilgrim

Interesting.. I have a Savage 99-358 that I've been wanting to work with one of the Barnes 200gr offerings with some newer powders. I'll keep that in mind..

[youngda9]

I don't understand how people shoot groups at such large dots...seems so much less precise than a smaller dot.

[Pilgrim]

In Hunter Benchrest (6× scopes), the 10x @ 100 yds is 1/16 ", at 200 yds it's 1/8", and at 300 it's 3/16". They can be hard to see w/6x scopes and rifle rests to hold the rifle still. Guess that's what makes the game difficult.