dogmower
01-11-2019, 11:38 PM
I had my first chance to try out a new load today for my 357 mag lever guns (Winchester carbine and Rossi with 20 inch barrel). I just got a new mould (Arsenal 158 grain K/T 5 cavity), which makes NICE boolits. I've had fantastic luck with Arsenal moulds, BTW.
Just recently, I switched to the shake and bake method with harbor freight red for powder coating. They dropped at .360 with my alloy and weighed 150 grains, I sized them back down to .358 and loaded over 14.7 grains H110. Didn't chrony them, but they were MOVING. The guy next to me was shooting cowboy action loads (158's at 1200 fps) in a 20 inch 357 mag carbine, and asked me why my loads were so loud. There was a NOTICEABLE difference in impact energy on the steel targets as well.
Best news is the accuracy. Out of the Winchester, which has a 3-9 scope on it, at 200 yards, it shot a 5 shot group on steel where I could barely see each bullet impact site. In other words, almost all touching! I don't have a scope on the Rossi, but had no problems hitting the rams at 200 yards, and I'll bet the accuracy in that rifle is just as good. This seems like a good, fast load, with no overpressure signs. YMMV, though. Needless to say, I'm quite happy with this one.
Just recently, I switched to the shake and bake method with harbor freight red for powder coating. They dropped at .360 with my alloy and weighed 150 grains, I sized them back down to .358 and loaded over 14.7 grains H110. Didn't chrony them, but they were MOVING. The guy next to me was shooting cowboy action loads (158's at 1200 fps) in a 20 inch 357 mag carbine, and asked me why my loads were so loud. There was a NOTICEABLE difference in impact energy on the steel targets as well.
Best news is the accuracy. Out of the Winchester, which has a 3-9 scope on it, at 200 yards, it shot a 5 shot group on steel where I could barely see each bullet impact site. In other words, almost all touching! I don't have a scope on the Rossi, but had no problems hitting the rams at 200 yards, and I'll bet the accuracy in that rifle is just as good. This seems like a good, fast load, with no overpressure signs. YMMV, though. Needless to say, I'm quite happy with this one.