My 357 loads compared to "normal"

[ghh3rd]

I loaded up some 158gr cast SWC boolits under 14.5gr of 2400 and they were stout and fun.

I also have W296 and some magnum primers on hand, and after researching I'm thinking of loading some with 14.5 of W296.

I'm curious how these two loads compare to "normal" off the shelf 158gr 357 Magnum loads.

Thanks

[Larry Gibson]

From my pressure and velocity testing I think you'll find your loads are higher performance than most 158 gr factory loads available today.

[OptimusPanda]

I used to load a lee 358-158rf atop 16 grains of win296. Still fun to shoot in something big like a gp100, nearly too much in the smaller sp101.

[shoot-n-lead]

I found a flat spot with 2400 at about 13.5grs...with charges over this amount,velocity increases nearly stopped...just a rise in pressure. So, for anything over that...I transition to 296, if I want more...and, I seldom want more.

[jonp]

I used to load a lee 358-158rf atop 16 grains of win296. Still fun to shoot in something big like a gp100, nearly too much in the smaller sp101.

For me it was too much in the sp101. I ran various loads in that pistol using W296/H110, 2400 and Unique. all were unpleasant at the top end. The gun could take it, I couldn't

[ghh3rd]

I shoot a .44 mag that I load full tilt (310gr boolit 21.5gr W296) The 357 is a handful too, but more pleasant to shoot 50 of than the .44 Mag.

[Moonie]

Load data from Hodgdon says 15gr is a starting load for W296/H110 with a 158gr projectile. Personally I wouldn't go below starting loads with this powder.

[shoot-n-lead]

Load data from Hodgdon says 15gr is a starting load for W296/H110 with a 158gr projectile. Personally I wouldn't go below starting loads with this powder.

Did someone say they were loading below starting loads?

[Moonie]

Did someone say they were loading below starting loads?

I also have W296 and some magnum primers on hand, and after researching I'm thinking of loading some with 14.5 of W296.


^^^^^ from the OP... So yes, he did.

[Walks]

I've never liked W296/H110 for cast bullet loads of any kind. I think MAGNUM primers help to cause leading with those powders. I tried them 30yrs+ ago & got leading with both gascheck & plainbase bullets driven faster that 1100fps. I've stuck with 2400 or either brand of 4227 for full power cast bullet loads.

LYMAN #358156GC over 14.5grs of 2400, 1410fps out of a RUGER BlackHawk 6 1/2", a great full power load.
LYMAN #358429 over 6.5rgs of UNIQUE 1075fps out of COLT New Frontier 7 1/2", a good heavy plinking load.
RCBS #358-150-KT over 3.5grs of BULLSEYE 810fps out of a S & W model 19 6" accurate for paper punching.

All with standard primers.

[robg]

Most accurate load in my win 94 with 158 GC boolits 13.5 gr 2400 = 1550 fps in my trapper

[rond]

14.5 gr. of H110 is the load listed for 158 gr. lead, it has worked well for me.

[blue32]

For 158 cast in a 6" barrel,

13.2 gr 2400 gave me 1205
16 gr H110 gave me 1189

I really enjoyed the following factory loads and tried to match then slightly exceed them.
PMC 357A: 1143
Perfecta 158 FMJ: 1181
Magtech 357B: 1134