Loads for 2 1/2" Model 19

MTAustin · #1 08-14-2009, 12:49 PM

I've been experimenting with my new toy, and could use a little advice. I'm looking for loads for 158 grain Gold Dots and 168 grain 358429 cast Keith Bullets. So far, my limited experimentation has revolved around 2400, Unique, and Bullseye. Getting lots of unburned/partially burned 2400 in the short barrel. Tentatively using Bullseye for the JHPs, but open to other suggestions. Thoughts?

fredj338 · #2 08-14-2009, 07:02 PM

BE is just too fast for magnum loads in any bbl length IMO. I find Unique or WSF about right in a 2"-3" bbl., running near the top end w/ any bullet wt. You can get more vel. out of 2400 or H110, but muzzle blast goes way up. W630 is avtually a great choice. No longer made but maybe someone knows what replaced it? Maybe Longshot too, I like it in my 357sig & 40. Just haven't tried it yet in the 357mag.
BTW, my best SD load to date is the 135grGDSBHP o. 14.8gr of 2400. It makes 1175fps in my M66 2 1/2" & shoots tiny little 1 1/4" groups @ 15yds.

Skip Sackett · #3 08-14-2009, 10:09 PM

Well,
It will all depend on what kind of load you want to develop for that short barrel cannon!

I have found SR4756 to be invaluable in 38spl/357Mag loads. It is a medium burn powder with lots of data from modern to older sources.

I used a MILSURP powder called WC820 but it loads like AA#9. It has been a staple in my hot loads. I like it because it has minimal muzzle flash.

H110 is a good powder but like has been said already, get ready for a fireball if you use it!

Bullseye is great for reduced loads and is a staple around my place for light loads in either caliber.

I too think Longshot or Lil' Gun might be a good choice for real magnum loads.

It has been shown over and over again that slower powders produce greater velocity even in shorter barrels. Are there other detractors from using them? Yep, you gotta weigh the pros and cons and decide.

canoe on the yukon · #4 08-15-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTAustin

I've been experimenting with my new toy, and could use a little advice. I'm looking for loads for 158 grain Gold Dots and 168 grain 358429 cast Keith Bullets. So far, my limited experimentation has revolved around 2400, Unique, and Bullseye. Getting lots of unburned/partially burned 2400 in the short barrel. Tentatively using Bullseye for the JHPs, but open to other suggestions. Thoughts?

Depends on what you're trying to end up with.Just something to punch holes in paper?Are you sensitive to blast,flash,recoil?It all depends.

The general concept behind the 357 mag snubby is a compact package with big punch.Perhaps your purpose for it makes that somewhat beside the point.

ArchAngelCD · #5 08-15-2009, 08:03 PM

Longshot and HS-6 are the 2 powders I think would work best for short barrel .357 Magnum ammo. HS-6 will deliver less flash but it is a harder powder to ignite so you might want to use a Magnum primer like I do.

Skip Sackett · #6 08-15-2009, 08:18 PM

You use HS-6 just because you have stock in the company!

acl864 · #7 08-16-2009, 09:16 AM

My favorite load for my 2 1/2" M19 using Unique is 6.9 gr. with a 158 gr. Hornady XTP/JHP. Chronos 976 fps @ 15'. Very light recoil and muzzle flash. It's what I keep in my gun for home defense. Obviously you can get a lot more velocity if you feel you need it. But for home defense I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze.

BTW- I have a fair amount of chrono data out of my 2 1/2" M19 using various powders and bullets. PM me if you'd like a copy.

MTAustin · #8 08-17-2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the replies and the info. My use will be defense: hence want info for 158 grain Gold Dots. Want more horsepower than .38 special velocities, but don't want to pound the snot out of the gun. Recoil is not a problem with me; rather don't want to be hard on the gun.

I have other guns more suitable for self-defense carry, but there is something really sexy about that snub .357 on hip...

The 170 grain cast Keith bullets are to be used just for mid-power range plinking.

canoe on the yukon · #9 08-17-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTAustin

Thanks for the replies and the info. My use will be defense: hence want info for 158 grain Gold Dots. Want more horsepower than .38 special velocities, but don't want to pound the snot out of the gun. Recoil is not a problem with me; rather don't want to be hard on the gun.

I have other guns more suitable for self-defense carry, but there is something really sexy about that snub .357 on hip...

The 170 grain cast Keith bullets are to be used just for mid-power range plinking.

My suggestion would be to carry nearly full power and do a limited amount of shooting with that.Your K frame snubby will not fall apart from doing a modest amount of shooting with the full load.

For light practice,cast bullets and powders in the class of Unique will be good.

For carry and business,there are several powders that will do very well with the Speer 158 gold dot.The slower powders will give higher velocities even with the short barrels but some are bothered by the increase in blast and flash.

With the Speer 158 gr gold dot and the 357 mag case,I've had good results with.....

16.5 gr of W296 w/magnum primer
OR
15.0 gr of 2400 w/standard primer