.357 Magnum - 180 NOE ---

[Prince555]

I tested a few 180gr NOE WFN with a pretty good dose of 2400 in a
Smith & Wesson model 60 3 inch barrel with CCI 500 regular primers.
The accuracy was Great running from 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch at 15 yards.
I was shooting in groups of 3 shots and happened to think about something
I'd never checked for. After the 2nd shot I measured the third round and
found the bullet had moved forward .005 inch.
I was using a pretty heavy crimp with some regular dies. Would I be
better off using the Lee Factory Crimp Die ?
I managed to get the gun to shoot point of aim with the 158 Lee RNFP
with IMR 4227 and the 180 NOE with 2400 Without having to change the sights.

Thanks

[358wcf]

Prince- I've wondered about trying the 180gr boolits in my little model 60 for a while. Wonderful little 5 shooter, and very easy to shoot well as a 38Special. It is an easy "carry gun", compact, accurate, great sights and trigger. I like the 357Mag capabilities, but the gun is not a "magnum" in any sense. Capable, Yes, but we use larger guns for serious heavy shooting.
I have no doubt recoil is an issue with the 180s.
I will follow your lead and try some 358429 and some 180s as well. The heavy crimp is a necessity with high-recoil loads. Perhaps even some 195-200s to duplicate the old 200gr heavy load? The joys of experimentation!

358wcf [smilie=1:[smilie=1:[smilie=1:

[Prince555]

Yeah the model 60 is a Great carry gun when hiking or out in the mountains
cutting firewood. I don't shoot a steady diet of those loads and I have a 2 1/8 in
model also. I have a couple of Ruger .41 Magnums that are tough to beat but
they're bigger & heavier.
The thing I like about the 3 inch model 60 is that it gives some serious
penetration for such a packable gun and I was able to get some loads
worked up for the 2 different weight bullets that are shooting to point of aim
and you don't have to change the sights at all. Both bullet weights are
clipping the bottom of the black in a six o'clock hold with tight groups and you
can stagger a 158 & then a 180 through the cylinder.
Actually as cast they're weighing about 162 & 184 grain.
I haven't shot it a lot - not over 60-70 shots but it'll punch clear through
deer that tear up my garden, but they'll also fall easily with a .22 s.sonic out
to 50 yards and no noise.