moderate loads for a 19-5 2.5"

.45mtngun · #1 12-08-2009, 01:04 AM

Gentlemen,
I recently bought 2.5" Model19-5 to be used as a CCW gun. I plan on using Remington mid-range 125 gr. Golden Sabers as a carry load as they shot very well out of a Model 66 3" I had once, (sold in a weak moment of stupidity, haven't we all?). What i'm looking for is a good accurate practice load for this gun using 158 gr. cast bullets with .357 mag cases. I can use either 158 Laser Cast bullets or 156 gr. Keith style RCBS bullets I cast from wheel weights lubed with LBT lube. I prefer to stick with either WW-231, Tight Group, or Universal Clays powder that I have quite a bit of. At practice ranges up to 15 yards or so the loads don't have to be equal to the Remington load but not way below it either. Accurate and fairly close to the Remington load for point of aim if possible. You all know what i'm looking for so give me what has worked for you. Thanks so much for your time and help!!
Jim C.

Skip Sackett · #2 12-08-2009, 05:50 AM

I usually use a different powder for the type of loads you are looking for. I use SR4756 under a 160+gr LSWC with White Label BAC lube for 1250fps from a 6" M586. The load is outside of current data so I won't post it on the open forum, sorry.

What kind of recipes do you have for the powders you listed?
Have you tried Hodgon's data website? They should have data for the powders you are looking for.

I don't shoot a 125gr bullet out of a 357Mag handgun much at all. Making the different weight bullets have the same POI is going to be difficult and trial and error at best. Dwell time, recoil and all.

Sounds like you have a project on your hands!

Fun stuff!

canoe on the yukon · #3 12-08-2009, 06:59 AM

I agree with Skip.If you insist on those powders (for this project),you will probably be doing more trial and error than I would find desirable.

If you want to approximate a particular factory load,it's pretty simple and easy.Just follow the manuals and if fine tuning is your desire,a chronograph will pave the way.

As far as bullet weight/impact variance is concerned,I haven't found it to be much of an issue at the close range you mention.Certainly adequate for defense shooting drills.

Unlike many on the forum,I have a rather high opinion of 125 gr JHPs in the 357 mag snubby however the caveat is that I only push them at top velocity.For mild close range plinking,I've always been pleased with 158 gr cast SWC.

Skip Sackett · #4 12-08-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canoe on the yukon

I agree with Skip.

Great minds, same frequency!

canoe on the yukon · #5 12-08-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith crazy

Great minds, same frequency!

Skip,

There is a potential problem,of course......It could also mean that we're both completely nuts.

Skip Sackett · #6 12-08-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canoe on the yukon

Skip,

There is a potential problem,of course......It could also mean that we're both completely nuts.

Like if you are crazy, do you really know it?

Good crowd to be in as far as I'm concerned!

canoe on the yukon · #7 12-08-2009, 10:30 AM

If I'm crazy,my odds of knowing it are about as good as a fish knowing that it's wet.

acl864 · #8 12-08-2009, 11:18 AM

................

.45mtngun · #9 12-08-2009, 12:11 PM

acl864,
Thanks for the idea with Universal. I'll work with that data when the weather gets a bit warmer here, 6 degrees here right now! A bit on the cool side for outdoor range practice today! The load sounds about right for the velocity I'm looking for with that weight of bullet. Thanks again for your help!
Jim C.