Lee 105 SWC+357 Mag case+Tightgroup+WSP+ GP100 6" Load data???

[Indybear]

Hi All,
Yesterday, I scored 2-1lb cans of TG and I would like to try it with 357 brass and the Lee 105 SWCs for range work. I normally use HP38/W231, which I still have a lot of, but I would like to save it and switch to something that I might actually be able to buy again.

Suggestions ?

38 brass is not really and option...

[tazman]

I am assuming since you said range work, that you are not looking for a full power load. The Hodgdon data site lists several loads that would work for your combination.
They have listings for a 125 grain cast boolit for cowboy use that would be quite safe and useful for the 105 grain boolit you suggest.
They list 4.0 grains at 1055 fps up to 5.4 grains at 1255 fps. You can always back the charge weight down slightly if those speeds are too fast.
That should probably cover your usage.

[bobthenailer]

I dont use boolets lighter than 125 gr in the 357 but 4.0 to 4.5 grs of TG is what i use from 125 to 180 gr boolets with excellent accuracy from all of my 357's

[Indybear]

With my alloy the 105s tip the scale close to 110 fully dressed. I have had great luck with them with 38 brass with 3.5 BE, and some luck at 4.5 in 357 with very soft alloy. The issue is I do not have that much BE left and I have very little 38 brass and 5000+ of 357.

My best 38/357 boolit has been the TL358 but I'm trying to save lead and cast a universal boolit for everything from 380 to 357...... I'm also trying to switch to some powder I can actually buy. I just scored some 700x for $16 too.

[Indybear]

Just just got back from the range and I have to say I'm very very impressed with TG. My first 6 @ 4.2 went into a dime sized hole @50', with iron sights, my old eyes and a heavy Ruger factory trigger on my new GP100. 700x was also darn good but not as good as TG.

[tazman]

Always good to hear a success story. Keep up the good work.

[Indybear]

700x in the 4-5 range works almost as well with 105s as TG. The key to both appears to be a firm medium crimp. BE & 231 didn't seem to care all the much. I've always gone light on the crimp with these due to the small crimp groove. Learn something new everyday.

Now if I can just get the reddot to offset my old eyes I'm in there....

[tazman]

Red dots, scopes, and lasers each have a place in shooting. If you have focusing problems or poor eyesight in general, they can help since you can than just focus on the target and have a clear sight picture.
For me, the scope/red dot made the handgun unwieldy and clumsy. I didn't shoot any better with it than with iron sights even though I could see better. If the extra weight and balance changes don't bother you, they can be a big help.
The laser was great in low light but disappears in daylight. It remains on my revolver for night use as it is very light and easily used.
Mostly, I just practice with my iron sights and do the best I can within my limits.

[Indybear]

My issue is focus on both near and far, especially in low light. I do test better than 20/20 with glasses...

I have a Ultradot 30mm on my SRH 9.5" and I can shoot it like a carbine rifle. I have nailed several hogs @ 20-60 yards with Lee 310s. With the irons I was only so so at any range unless the lighting very was good. It also does not hurt I have put 6,000+ downrange since the reddot which has really smoothed out the trigger and action. It is heavy as a stone but it just feels right. That is why I was shocked I did so well with the new GP100 with irons. I thought I had missed the target... I love my Rugers but they need a lot of rounds through them to break in....

The wife has only been shooting 5 years but she got scary good with her Mark III target with irons. I put a TRS25 on it, which cut her groups by 1/2 and when I installed the Volqaurtsen extractor plus action and trigger upgrade kit, it cut them in 1/2 again. We tried a laser on her P22 and SR9 and it made things worse. I know these can work...

I've got a rail for my GP100 6" but I'm still looking for a reddot. I'm afraid, like you, if I get the wrong one the gun will not balance and will feel top heavy.

[gray wolf]

Tite group is my go to powder for 158 grain bullets in the 6" GP 100 4.2 gets Err done just fine.

With the same bullet 11.8 of 2400 gets the anti up a tad.

[Indybear]

Been experimenting with TG in 38spl brass, WSP and TL148 WCs loaded long in my GP100. Results have been mixed thus far. Better than the standard 38SPL/BE/WC combination but not there yet. I know some 357s can shoot WCs well but still no joy for my Ruger GP100. The GP100 does do really well with any other 38SPL loads but not the WCs.

[tazman]

I have been loading wadcutters long in 38 cases for my 357 recently also.
What I have found is my revolver likes them loaded to near full power. I run them close to 900fps and they work fine. When loaded light, the groups open up.