2400 with 158gr boolits

[ghh3rd]

I had fun putting 100 rounds through the new S&W 686. I used 158gr Lee SWC boolits over 14.5gr of 2400. I decided on that after looking at my reloading books, 'word of mouth' through the forums, etc. Am I right in thinking that this load is about middle of the road?

I know there are various factors that make each individual's loads different from another's such as seating depth, primer used, etc., but wonder what you use for a full magnum load using 158 gr boolits with 2400? On the flip side, what about your favorite "non wimpy" 2400 loads for relaxing target shooting?

I'm going to experiment with W296 as well, and thinking of starting with 14.5gr, but was told by someone that was "pedestrian" .

Randy

[Tracy]

14.5 grains of 2400 under a 158 SWC is pretty warm. I've always considered 15.0 to be maximum.

[Bazoo]

Old books say 16 grains is max of 2400/158 grain lead. I've loaded 15 grains with a 358156 seated in the front crimp groove, and it was real stout. It didnt show any signs of over pressure in my guns.

13 or 13.5 grains is a pretty nice middle load that has some authority.

[winelover]

That is the very load I use with the 158 RCBS SWC GC in my Python. Not a wimpy load, IMO. Thousands haven't loosened it up, yet.

Winelover

[Ed_Shot]

+1 for 13.5 gr. of 2400 under a 158 gr. boolit.

[Dan Cash]

Pretty warm. Better results and longer revolver life with 13 grains.

[Char-Gar]

14.5 to 15.0 is top end loads. Like others 13.5 grains of 2400 is what I load most.

[ghh3rd]

Had my fun trying 14.5 - I will try 13.5 of 2400 next... thanks!

[luvtn]

Ditto the 13.5 gr 2400 under 158 gr LSWC. Accurate, and snappy from my SP-101 with a 3 inch barrel.
luvtn

[Tom W.]

As much fun as word of mouth here on the forum, please still refer to the load manuals and powder manufacturer's websites before making your decisions. Kabooms don't look fun.

[Larry Gibson]

Both Hercules and Alliant 2400 in 357 magnum, WW cases, WSP primers. 358156 at 158 gr fully dressed seated to and crimped in front crimp groove. PSI as measured via Oehler M43 using a Contender test barrel;

13.5 gr: 28 - 30k psi

14.5 gr; 33 - 35K psi

SAAMI MAP for the 357 Magnum; 35K psi.

[Char-Gar]

As much fun as word of mouth here on the forum, please still refer to the load manuals and powder manufacturer's websites before making your decisions. Kabooms don't look fun.

The counsel here is well within loading manuals data. There are no Kabooms when load pressure is BELOW loading manual max data. 13.5/2400 is no where near top end pressures.

[Jkrem]

With the 13.5/2400 load, do you guys recommend just a standard LP primer, or a magnum primer? I have 4 pounds of 2400 sitting around and lots of 358156s, and looking for something not to stiff to feed my Blackhawk. Been shooting only 38sp in it.

[sniper]

With the 13.5/2400 load, do you guys recommend just a standard LP primer, or a magnum primer? I have 4 pounds of 2400 sitting around and lots of 358156s, and looking for something not to stiff to feed my Blackhawk. Been shooting only 38sp in it.

In my Speer #13, they say they have worked up 357 loads with the new 2400, and do not recommend magnum primers .

[Bazoo]

I always use mag primers with 2400. Im stubborn though.

[Jkrem]

Ok, I just found Lyman load data for tha 358156 ranging from 10-14gr of 2400 and CCI 550 primers. I think I will start at 10 and work up to 13.5. With 4 pounds of powder this should last me about 10 years. Thanks.

[Jkrem]

Sorry, 10.6 to 14 gr 2400 with the 358156. Lyman 3rd ed

[Larry Gibson]

Sorry, 10.6 to 14 gr 2400 with the 358156. Lyman 3rd ed

That keep it equivalent to most current 357 magnum factory loads. Still somewhat below the SAAMI MAP. I use CCI 550 or WSP primers.

[357Mag]

ghh3rd -

Howdy Randy !

IMHO - Nothin' pedestriam about 14.5gr WW296 and SP Mag primer under Lyman 158 - 172gr SWCs.

Been my go-to load for 40+yr.

Pic attached.


With regards,
357Mag

[curioushooter]

Larry...you are the cast boolit angel or something. Whenever I have a question just search it and you have the answer. I have been doing some testing with a 358-158 hollowpoint boolit with gas check. Lyman CB handbook maxed out 358156 seated 1.590 with 14 grains of 2400 at 40k+ CUP. I want to keep things gentler than that. Punched some stuff into excel scatter plot and did the conversion formula for PSI to CUP and came up with 13.5 grains for a max at 35k psi. This is with mag primers. I figured that things would be rollin' along at about the same pressure with a Fed100. And my slightly deeper seated HP at 1.575. The 13.5 load coming in a only 30k makes me feel even better. And lo and behold in the last pages of the 1961 ed. of Sixguns, the prophet Keith sayest: I recommend 13.5 grains of 2400 with 160 grain bullet for the lighter framed model S&W 19.