I have seen data for N frames that have cranked up the fps to 1425 to 1500 fps with the 158gr lead bullet from Speer, Hodgdon and Alliant manuals.

I have used Unique in my 6" 686 L frame for a load just over 1300 fps and want to test out some 2400 I just received. Has any one with a L frame or heavier reached 1400 or even 1500 fps in a six inch that had any accuracy worth loading again?

I was hoping for a close Black bear load or 50 yard deer load.
I don't have any 110/296 at this time or 180 gr bullets.

You can get pretty close to or exceed 1400fps with 2400.

Using a Brian Pearce load from Handloader #240 of 15.0gr 2400 and a hardcast 158 LSWC, I got ~1380 from a 6" Security Six. I think you would drop a little with a 4" barrel. Shouldn't be a problem duplicating that in a L-Frame.

If you want to hit top end, the powders you don't have are the ones you need.

Alternately, Lil'Gun can give some pretty impressive velocities in the 357Mag, but there is some discussion about throat erosion prevalent on the internet. I don't know if it is a real issue or not. I have used it in a 4 5/8" Blackhawk and 1400fps with a 158gr Hornady XTP is possible. I think it would work very well for a GCcast bullet. I'm not too worried about using it in a Blackhawk since if there ever are any barrel issues, they are easy enough to replace. However, I might have second thoughts about using it in a good Model 27 or 586, just to be on the safe side.

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" I said, good DAY! "

You are going to need a slower powder to push those bullets any faster without pressures going through the roof. If you're going to load a 180gr bullet try to find some W296 or even some of the new Power Pro 300-MP which is supposed to deliver a lot of energy. Lil'Gun will push those heavy bullets better than W296 but I'm afraid of the reported erosion it might cause and I do know for a fact it develops a lot of heat.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Thanks guys;
My "Atomic Manual" has 15.5grs of 2400 with a certain 158gr bullet so I might load up to 15grs max just to see what comes out the end of the barrel.
100% fps loads normally never get top accuracy or groups but I never know about this L frame of mine, it sort of likes every thing.
Best 38 case 125 jacket was at POA with the MAXIMUM loading and was over 1300fps, a "Treasury Load" for sure!!

Hope to post some pictures for all to look at, if things work out. Right now I'm getting ready for my deer tag next month
and have yet to fire the rifles.
Later.

You're good to go up to 2300fps with cast bullets, sized properly and the right lube.

Obviously not something you'd realize from a revolver, but rifle shooters know about this.

Try W296/H110 for increased velocity.

Remember, accuracy is #1 on the runway. A low power hit is worth 100% more then a high power miss.

When using 2400 with a 158gr LSWC bullet I have found a charge of between 14.0gr and 14.5gr is most accurate. (depending upon which revolver I shoot) Even though the velocity from the 14.5gr load will drop a little from the 15gr load accuracy is important.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Older data listed loads for heavy charges of 2400 and usually specified
they were for heavy frame guns only. 15.0 grs of 2400 with a magnum
primer and a 158 gr cast SWC averages a little over 1400 fps out of
my 6" md 28-2. Accuracy is always important but for hunting a deer
size animal at 50yds or less I would give up a little bit of accuracy
for more velocity.

Nevada
I'm going up to 14.5 grains this weekend with the 686, 2400, and 158LSWC's over the chrono.
I'll post next week, please post your results.

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I'd like to agree with you BUT

Buffalo Bore has a 180 grain HARD cast LSWC bullet that hits 1400 fps from a 6" barrel and for Bear that's what I would choose over the 158. If you want to roll your own you might want to get some 180's. The 158's should be fine for Deer.

Nevada
just finished shooting my 10 round, 10 loads test with 2400 and the 686 - 6 inch
I got up to 1322 fps

here are some of the results - I'll post full report later

grains 12.0 12.4 12.8 13.0 13.2 13.4 13.6 13.8 14.0 14.2
AVG 1184 1214 1229 1230 1248 1252 1302 1299 1322 1292
STD DEV 13 22 18 20 19 17 14 15 11 12

my best group was for 12.0 gr. load - but pretty much all loads were in a 1 1/2" group at 25 yards on a rest

and the most amazing thing is that almost all 100 rounds fired would pretty much be in a 2" group

so for 2400 - I'm going with 12.8 grains +/- 1.4 grains - in other words - just use a 1/4 teaspoon and a pinch or two

talk about a tolerant powder!!

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I'd like to agree with you BUT

I've not ventured into the area you are going but I have no doubts 2400 is a great powder for magnum loads and much more versatile than 110/296. With some bullet weights 2400 gives higher velocity than either of those.