2400 (lower end loads) 357 Mag 158 gr cast

[Hi-Speed]

Has anyone experienced good accuracy and 1,200 FPS (6 inch barrel) using 158 gr and 2400 powder? I’ve seen many threads here with 13.5 grs 2400 and above with the 158 gr bullet but none below which would be needed to obtain my 1,200 FPS need.

I believe starting at 12.0 grs to 13.0 grs based on my Lyman data? Would it burn well at this range with a firm crimp?

Appreciate your lower end 2400 loads in your 357 Magnums.

Thank you all!

[pukester]

While it is known that 2400 loads down well, I always use 2400 with 158s, and the charge has always been 15.0 to 15.3, rarely higher.

[sghart3578]

My standard load is a 158 gr or 180 gr bullet over 12.5 gr 2400.

[dhom]

My chrono says 13.5/ 2400 is a 1200 fps load.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive dropped as low as 10 grains with a 158 and got good results.

Has anyone experienced good accuracy and 1,200 FPS (6 inch barrel) using 158 gr and 2400 powder? I’ve seen many threads here with 13.5 grs 2400 and above with the 158 gr bullet but none below which would be needed to obtain my 1,200 FPS need.

I believe starting at 12.0 grs to 13.0 grs based on my Lyman data? Would it burn well at this range with a firm crimp?

Appreciate your lower end 2400 loads in your 357 Magnums.

Thank you all!

[NSB]

You might want to consider getting yourself a loading manual. Looking at the Lyman 49th (can't find the 50th right now) is shows a range of powder from 10.6-14.0 with a 155g bullet and 11.4-15.5g with a 160g bullet. Both starting loads will do well under 1200fps. I wonder why your Lyman data is not showing this? You don't need a real tight crimp with 2400 powder to get a good burn. You simply need a crimp to keep the bullet from moving under recoil, and that's not all that much of a crimp.

[Hi-Speed]

I have many reloading manuals...old and current...but manuals are not replacements for experience and chronographs. Before loading up some, I was reaching out (I hate that term) for suggestions before loading and going to the range with my chronograph.

[NSB]

I have many reloading manuals...old and current...but manuals are not replacements for experience and chronographs. Before loading up some, I was reaching out (I hate that term) for suggestions before loading and going to the range with my chronograph.

Maybe consider getting a chronograph? It's a very useful tool. Some very accurate ones can be had fairly cheaply. I'm very leery about anyone's suggested loads that are outside the parameters of something like the Lyman manual. I've seen "suggested" loads given that are remarkably high pressure. Just be careful when getting someone's experience for common powders and bullet weights. This load is very common. Again, good luck.

[Hi-Speed]

NSB, yes, as my post stated, I have a chronograph. No 1,200 FPS and 158 gr load with 2400 is outside 357 Mag published data, at least the data which I have. I appreciate your concern and thank you for your kind guidance.

[robg]

Used 11.5 gr in my 686 years ago was pretty accurate and not to much muzzle lift .plain base boolits .GC boolits 13.5 gr gives 1550 fps in my trapper.

[Hi-Speed]

Thank you, I’ll start at 12, 12.5 and 13 grs. You’re allowed handguns in the UK? I spent a lot of time in the South (Hants) and up in Cambridge on business years ago. Great country and people (and thank you for the English language and great bitters!).

Sorry, I noticed Wales, spent week in Bristol, Fairey Hydraulics (now Claverham).

[robg]

Not now lost them in 1998 except for black powder or long barrel 12 inch.before then no problem ,miss them still but I live in a land of sheeple.

[lotech]

I no longer load magnum handgun cartridges, but used 12 grs. #2400 with a 160 grain H&G #51 SWC for years. Muzzle velocity from a 6" Python was around 1100 fps.

[Rex]

I've loaded and shot a few 12 grain of 2400 loads with the 356447 bullet which runs right at 158 grains. I thought they shot nice what little I did with them. I've got to wait for the snow to melt off and the temp to come up a bit before I'll set up my Chrony. I'm just guessing around 1100 from my 4" 686 but wouldn't bet on it.

[Hi-Speed]

Thank you all