357 & 2400 chrono and target results

forestswin · Nov 7, 2013

This is the last of three tests that I've done with 2400 and a 158 hard cast bullet. The other tests were posted in other threads here that I started this past year. I didn't intend to do that many tests, but I have been trying to learn how to use the chronograph for load development and zero in on a good charge weight. But as I found, 2400 is just great for the entire range of charges I tested. So there really wasn't a clear winner.

I did make a few changes for this test. Cases were once fired and all charge weights were not hand weighed but thrown with a Redding power measure.
This was a suggestion I was given to make the test a little closer to what I would be normally shooting.

Anyway, here are the results, my data sheet and target pictures of the best group of 5 out of the 20 rounds loaded for each charge weight. I hope it provides some useful information to others here on the forum and I am certainly open to any suggestions for improvements.

Nevada, rwsmith and novalty - finally here's the 14.5 grain results that I've been telling you I would have soon

they were a little sticky on extraction but other than - a darn good load. I'll probably only load it when I move out past 25 yards though - I just don't need that much punch for paper at 25.

rwsmith · Nov 7, 2013

forestswin said:
This is the last of three tests that I've done with 2400 and a 158 hard cast bullet. The other tests were posted in other threads here that I started this past year. I didn't intend to do that many tests, but I have been trying to learn how to use the chronograph for load development and zero in on a good charge weight. But as I found, 2400 is just great for the entire range of charges I tested. So there really wasn't a clear winner.

I did make a few changes for this test. Cases were once fired and all charge weights were not hand weighed but thrown with a Redding power measure.
This was a suggestion I was given to make the test a little closer to what I would be normally shooting.

Anyway, here are the results, my data sheet and target pictures of the best group of 5 out of the 20 rounds loaded for each charge weight. I hope it provides some useful information to others here on the forum and I am certainly open to any suggestions for improvements.

Nevada, rwsmith and novalty - finally here's the 14.5 grain results that I've been telling you I would have soon
they were a little sticky on extraction but other than - a darn good load. I'll probably only load it when I move out past 25 yards though - I just don't need that much punch for paper at 25.

Thanks for "going there" and posting results. I've been using similar loads.

Nevada Ed · Nov 8, 2013

Thanks for sharing your test and data, looks like you had a nice day to do it for this time of year.
That 14.5gr load is very close to poa and that 90% load at 12.8grs looks like a good second option for just plinking and I like that ES of only 64, also.

I had good luck with 11.4 grs and a 158 Lswc Oregon Trail with just a medium crimp in my 686 6" that averaged 1039 fps and was at poa.

A 158 xtp with 14.5grs and a medium crimp hit 1274 fps and also printed at poa at 25 yards.

Glad to see you finally go the time to get that testing done. Now you can maybe just enjoy a little shooting without having to drag all the equipment around with you.

Have fun.

tjpopkin · Nov 8, 2013

My 5" RM is the most accurate .357 I own, followed closely by my 5" Performance Center 8-shot….
I have handloaded for 50 years and I have one load that is more accurate than all the other 140+ loads I have tried along with every imaginable factory load.….
125gr. Montana Gold HP over 14.5gr. 2400 with Federal Magnum Sm. Pistol primers. I am able to replicate 5-shot 25 yd. groups of 0.8" from a secure sandbag rest.

Nevada Ed · Nov 8, 2013

My hay days of great groups are about over with as I grow older. I find that my eye sight is not what is was and now I notice a slight shake that does not help out.

Just when you think you have a good thing going, you get a flyer................Bummer man !!
At least I still have memories of the good old days when I even impressed myself.
So far with 11.4grs of 2400 my best group with a 158gr LRN is 5 @ 1.29 ... still working on the Lswc bullets.

A group 5 shot group at 25 yards from a shaky right hand that needs a sand bag, while testing out my new 2400 powder.

old&slow · Nov 8, 2013

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing..

And Nevada Ed, excellent group, wish I could shoot groups like that when my eyes were young.

Qc Pistolero · Nov 6, 2016

Nevada Ed said:
My hay days of great groups are about over with as I grow older. I find that my eye sight is not what is was and now I notice a slight shake that does not help out.

Just when you think you have a good thing going, you get a flyer................Bummer man !!
At least I still have memories of the good old days when I even impressed myself.
So far with 11.4grs of 2400 my best group with a 158gr LRN is 5 @ 1.29 ... still working on the Lswc bullets.

A group 5 shot group at 25 yards from a shaky right hand that needs a sand bag, while testing out my new 2400 powder.

Even with the flyer that group is very good.Somehow,my flyers seem to fly much wider than yours!
Qc

cowboy4evr · Nov 7, 2016

I recently saw a video on youtube of a guy interviewing a rep for Alliant at a show about the lack of availability of 2400 . The rep explained that as one of the older powders it takes more time to make and they have had a real hard time keeping up on Unique , the Dots etc . He wanted the interviewer to try MP300 . In lieu of 2400 , I have really liked Accurate Arms 4100 / Ramshot Enforcer ( the same powder ) and recently I really like Accurate Arms #9 .
I started reloading eons ago , like most of that time with bullseye, unique and 2400 . So 2400 will always been on my shelf , when I can find any .
Fella's , those are real nice groups .

357 & 2400 chrono and target results

forestswin

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rwsmith

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Nevada Ed

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tjpopkin

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Nevada Ed

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old&slow

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Qc Pistolero

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cowboy4evr

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