I just decided to start using jacketed bullets for my rifle. I'm loading for a Ruger 77/357 using 2400. I just purchased 3 different weight bullets for a trial. I have Hornady XTP 125, 140 and 158's. The experiment is to find the most accurate 100 yd load using any of those 3 bullet weights and 2400. Shooting will be bench rest with a very good 4X scope. I'm not loading for hunting, just accuracy here. I plan on loading up in 2 grain increments until I find the most accurate in each bullet weight. Then the best load/bullet weight will be my standard.

Anyone want to guess or know from experience, a bullet winner with these perimeters?

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That's just somebody talkin.

2400 is a great powder but it is not always the best for light target loads.

Hope it works out for you but you might need to drop down to some Unique or HS-6.

Keep us posted on what bullet does best in that long barrel at 100 yards. Should be very interesting.

I've found the slower powders work the best for pistol rounds in a longer barrel rifle.

2400 should work good for what you want.

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John

I would try some H110, I am guessing the 140 or 158's will be the winner. Hornady bullets have been accurate for me, I haven't had much luck getting the XTP's to expand though so I use them mostly just for range work. I have never tried them out of a rifle, maybe the extra 300-400fps will get them to open up more reliably.

I am starting to load .357s for my new Henry Big Boy. The most accurate load to date is a Hornady XTP in 158 grains over 15.0 grains of 4227. If you saw the thread about compressed loads, I am stopping at 15.0 (14.5 - 16.0 according to Hogdgon) because accuracy is very good, and I am getting to the point where I may start compressing the load. Also, I discovered a factory load that should work for me, so I don't need to develop a hunting load now.

If I start spending more time at the longer outdoor range, and want accuracy at longer distances, I might experiment with a hotter load with this bullet/powder combo. I will go slow and careful, though.

I had terrible accuracy from 125 grain bullets.

158 grain XTP

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Still Running Against the Wind

you might also want to try the Hornady 180gr XTP. turns the 357 into a fine 100yd + deer gun.

I use 158 grain RNFP in my Rossi 92, over 6.3 grains of Unique for a nice light target load.

I'm betting the heaviest bullet will work best.

I would certainly work my loads up in 0.3-0.5 grains. Two grains will take you from a starting load to max in one or two loads. 0.2 grains maybe, but that's probably too little a jump and you may not see a significant difference in group size.

My Marlin shoots the heaviest bullets the best. And the lightest group the worst. Both 158s and 170s are acceptable, 170s are the best.

Glad you caught that. I meant 0.5 grain increments. Geez, that was a senior moment.

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That's just somebody talkin.

158's and 2400 are hands down best in mine

Hornady 158 SWC over 11.3-11.5 of IMR 4227 shoots light and fine at 50 yards. It does fall off at 100 yards.

Since you are loading for accuracy and not for terminal performance, I'm thinking you will not get the answer from us, but from the firearm itself. My Rossi lever .357 shoots 125s as accurately as 158s or 170s. If I was always only shooting paper with it, I'd shoot the 125s to save monies. Since I hunt deer with it and it's sighted for 158s, that's what I use. I found IMR4227 to be the most accurate powder outta my carbines, both in .357 and .44.