A little about me:
I've been reloading for a little over four years for the .308, 223/556, 6.8 SPC II, .277 Wolverine, 20 & 12 gauge along with pistol calibers in 22 TCM, 9mm, 40, and 10mm.
My wife and son bought me a Ruger GP100, Model 1707-6" for my birthday.
I'll start casting my first boolits this weekend.
My goal at this point before moving on to CB loads:
I'm trying to match the 1467 fps velocities (out my barrel) of 158 grain Buffalo Bore ammo using the Hornady 158 grain XTP.
What I've read:
.357 magnum loads need a heavy roll crimp which I do as a separate operation.
All cases should be trimmed to the same length for crimp consistency.
Note:
All brass is new starline brass that was trimmed to the same length.
I started with a Lee carbide factory roll crimp die and switched to a Redding profile die. I cannot tell the difference in crimp between either dies. I even compared my crimps to factory loads.
I had to back off my crimp (maybe .002-.005, if that) because I was flattening out the roll crimp against the bullet.
I use check weights (1-400 grains) to calibrate my scales and I use a balance beam for load development.
Issue or I believe to be an issue:
Not reaching the velocities that (I think) I should (I know that the load data is probably for a longer barrel).
Finding unburnt powder on the bench after firing with Blue Dot and 300-MP
Yes, I know not to use Blue Dot with 125 grain bullets, etc
Data from this mornings range trip:
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 158 gr XTP HP
Case: Starline 1.285"
Primer: WSPM
Powder: 300-MP 16.5 grains
O.A.L: 1.575"
Velocities:
High: 1267
Lo: 1166
10 shot Average 1195 fps
ES: 101
SD: 33
.................................................. ..........
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 158 gr XTP HP
Case: Starline 1.285"
Primer: WSPM
Powder: 300-MP 17 grains
O.A.L: 1.575"
Velocities:
High: 1272
Lo: 1194
10 shot Average 1235 fps
ES: 78
SD: 27
.................................................. .......................
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 158 gr XTP HP
Case: Starline 1.285"
Primer: WSPM
Powder: 300-MP 17.5 grains
O.A.L: 1.575"
Velocities:
High: 1308
Lo: 1218
10 shot Average 1261 fps
ES: 90
SD: 33
.................................................. .......................
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 158 gr XTP HP
Case: Starline 1.285"
Primer: WSPM
Powder: 300-MP 18 grains
O.A.L: 1.575"
Velocities:
High: 1380
Lo: 1214
10 shot Average 1315 fps
ES: 166
SD: 50
.................................................. ................
Any thoughts or comments ?