I ran into some Hornady 125 g FTXs. I did some searches and found a number of threads at different places on their 125 g XTPs, but not really the FTXs...seems like Hornady uses these in a duty round they sell but don't really sell the bullets themselves in this weight. Have loaded a lot of 38 SPC but not really any 357. After looking at my Speer and Lee manuals and reading the threads on the XTP and other threads on 125 g JHPs in general what I'm coming away with is 17 g of 2400 with a standard primer. Any thoughts or suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Thansk!
357 Load for Hornady 125 g FTX
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
IMO start with 14.0gr 2400 and work up to that 17.0gr load If Necessary.
Look for accuracy and if you find it before that max charge use it. (again, IMO of course) You will probably find 2 accurate nodes, a lower pressure and high pressure. Choose the best accuracy because giving up a little velocity is a good tradeoff for an accurate load. The tip on the FTX bullet will aid in expansion without going to the max pressure/velocity.
Look for accuracy and if you find it before that max charge use it. (again, IMO of course) You will probably find 2 accurate nodes, a lower pressure and high pressure. Choose the best accuracy because giving up a little velocity is a good tradeoff for an accurate load. The tip on the FTX bullet will aid in expansion without going to the max pressure/velocity.
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I thought these were a good deal from my favorite reloading company. I bought 1k of the 125 grain FTX projectiles as I think they will do well at 38 +p to light 357 velocities. I initially only bought 500 but when they came in and there were no crazy weight variances or diameter issues, I bought another 500.
I’d say I’m set now for a while, these may turn into a hunting round out of a lever gun or one of my long barrel 357 mags. I plan on trying some different powders to see what I like the best. Please report back your loads/data!
SVT28
I’d say I’m set now for a while, these may turn into a hunting round out of a lever gun or one of my long barrel 357 mags. I plan on trying some different powders to see what I like the best. Please report back your loads/data!
SVT28
Got it, thanks....would it be OK to start at 14.0 and then increase in .2 increments, or should I do .1 increments?
Yup, got mine from the same place.....and my thoughts are the same as yours.
I found this thread from back in Jan about loading the 125 g XTP which led me to sorta settle on 2400:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reload...357-magnum-125gr-xtp.html?highlight=125gr+FTX
I also ran across a a thread somewhere where they were comparing the XTP and FTX in 9mm and the expansion of the FTX is supposed to expand more and more reliably but not penetrate as far as the XTP.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I would not increase powder charges in such small increments. That will take you forever and cost a lot in components.
I would go with .3 or maybe even .4 and when you fine an accurate zone then narrow it down the .2 then .1 grains.
Good luck, be safe and don't forget the range report.
gwpercle
Member
The Hornady Reloading Manual 8th edition
shows the 125 gr. HP-XTP and FP-XTP and with 2400 powder :
Starting Load - 13.9 grs. 2400 @ 1250 fps
Maximum Load - 16.9 grs. 2400 @ 1400 fps
You may want to drop that 17.0 gr. load back say to 14.5 grs ...
and work up slowly to 16.9 grs ( I'm not going to tell you to exceed Book Max ) but be careful ... there is a fine line between just enough and too much !
Always verify loads with Published Data (Loading Manual) data on the internet doesn't have to be tested , verified or even correct ... anyone can post anything on the web ...
Load Safe,
Gary
shows the 125 gr. HP-XTP and FP-XTP and with 2400 powder :
Starting Load - 13.9 grs. 2400 @ 1250 fps
Maximum Load - 16.9 grs. 2400 @ 1400 fps
You may want to drop that 17.0 gr. load back say to 14.5 grs ...
and work up slowly to 16.9 grs ( I'm not going to tell you to exceed Book Max ) but be careful ... there is a fine line between just enough and too much !
Always verify loads with Published Data (Loading Manual) data on the internet doesn't have to be tested , verified or even correct ... anyone can post anything on the web ...
Load Safe,
Gary
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Recoil is affected by charge weight… nothing wrong with 2400, but you could also look at Power Pistol to reach similar velocities with a lower charge weight. Just something I was looking into, can’t really say if there’s a practical difference or not.
Always start reloading for a new cartridge or major component change with your manuals' starting loads. No one is gonna laugh at you or call you sissy! I have been reloading for a bit (40years) and still start a new load at published manuals' starting load suggestions and work up as necessary. Personally I don't pay much attention to any load data I see on any forum.
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