158 gr and the sp101

[txpete]

brewed up a batch of my 158 gr silhouette bullets today.might want to try them out in the 3" sp101.
for powders with the short barrel which would you use??.these are very accurate in the 6" security six with AA #9.just thinking it might better with a faster powder.
pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/txpete/2007_04181580002.jpg

[454PB]

I don't have an SP101, but I do have a S&W 19 with 2 1/2" barrel. It really likes 9 gr. of HS-6 behind a 160 gr. cast.

[versifier]

8.2gr of Unique (target, small game) and 14.0gr of 2400 (small game & close range deer) have always gotten along well with my .357 revolvers and various 158gr boolits. The Unique load is listed as a Max load, so work up to it.

[shooting on a shoestring]

After working up loads in my 2.25" SP101 with 158 gr Gold Dots, I found Lil'Gun, W296, 2400, and Blue Dot all ran across my chronograph between 1100 and 1140 fps at max. Unique got me to 1050 fps. Thats all pretty close velocity wise with quite a spread in burning rate (Unique to W296). Blue Dot had the 1140 and was my carry load for quite a while.

I don't think barrel length matters. The slow powders still give the higher velocities than quicker powders. But, the difference in velocities is not a great as with 6 in barrels.

I use mostly Herco in my SP101 b/c I bought 8 pounds of it for $78. I also have run several pounds of Bullseye through it. My most used loading is 7.5 gr Herco with 148 wadcutters (358091) for a little over 1000 fps.

[454PB]

I found the same, slower powders will give higher velocities, but also give terrific muzzle blast. That's why I like the HS-6, a good balance between velocity and muzzle blast.

[redbear705]

4grs of Titegroup will get the job done!

JR

[Joel Chavez]

Are you using them in a 357mag or 38spl? I use the 158gr swc-hp with 3.8grs of Bullseye. They do pretty good out of a M64 with a 3" tube. I think they ran a little over 800 fps or so. Alliant website says 3.8gr of BE is max, but some where I read the 4.4 was max. It's hard to tell until you work up to the load max for yourself using extreme caution. Later:castmine:

[doc25]

I think the sp-101's claim you should not shoot more than 125gr out of them. I believe this is a pressure issue and you should govern yourself accordingly. Start with light loads and work your way up.

[longhorn]

As I recall, only the very first SP101's were limited to 125gr bullets--not a pressure issue, it was a cylinder length issue. Maybe a shooting comfort issue, too......

[Lon]

Yes, it was a cylinder length restriction. I bought two after Ruger made them longer to accept longer bullets.

[txpete]

yes it is a 357 mag.
so far I have loaded up a box at 5.2 grs w231 and a box with 6.0 grs of unique.planning on the 2400 next
pete