130 gr FMJ data for .357 Mag

[Spiritwalker]

I am looking for load data for 130 gr Remington FMJ using any of the following powders: H 110, Titegroup, Red Dot and HP-38. I can't seem to find anything anywhere. Thanks.

 

[Ceapea]

Here is some info for 125gr bullets. 130gr will be close, but you will need to go a touch lighter on the high end. Of course, you should never start at the high end. The starting to mid level loads will work for you.

 

[scooter123]

I'll add a warning that the above data appears to be Rifle loads, because you just won't get 1900 fps. from H110 in any revolver. I can also tell you from personal experience that H110 is NOT a good choice for a 4 inch revolver, the muzzle flash and muzzle blast are beyond belief and I was only running a 19.0 grain load per Lyman. BTW, That's a hint that Hodgdon's data in this case is WAY WAY over the top, in fact I don't know if a 21.0 grain charge will even fit in the 357 Magnum case and leave enough room for the bullet. I can also tell you that you won't be able to match any of these velocities unless you use a Rifle, they just wont happen with a revolver.

Of the powders that you have on hand the one I would try is the HP-38 although IMO it's too fast for a 357 Magnum load. Because of this I would use the starting charge and work up slowly to the point where I observed the best accuracy. "Fast" powders tend to build the pressure very rapidly and because of this I get real timid about contemplating using a Maximum charge.

Finally, the powder that I have found to work well with the 125 grain XTP is Accurate #5. The burn rate seems to be well suited to this weight and muzzle flash and blast are about the same as a commercial 38 +P Speer Lawman loading. Of course as a Magnum loading it does generate more velocity (1250 fps) but it's not nearly as obnoxious as H110 is in terms of muzzle blast and also doesn't produce nearly as much gas cutting as H110.

 

[colt_saa]

Using the 140 XTP-HP as the projectile max loads are as follows
H110 - 19 Grains
Titegrouip - 7.3 Grains
HP38 - 8.2 Grains

Remember these are my MAX loads. Work up to them with caution. DO NOT start with these loads.



In regards to H110 and the Winchester 125 JHP projectile.

I have been loading and shooting it at 21.7 grains for 30+ years now. Plenty of room for the projectile.

Chronograped average velocities are:
S&W 3 1/2" 27 - 1315 FPS
Colt 8" Python - 1599 FPS
20" Rossi M92 - 2192 FPS

 

[Ceapea]

I'll add a warning that the above data appears to be Rifle loads, because you just won't get 1900 fps. from H110 in any revolver.

That data is right from the Hodgdon website, and it is for pistols.
Check the site for yourself.
I would think that Hodgdon would know. Not that a misprint is out of the question. But a quick phone call will answer that question.
And I agree, H110 is not my choice either. But I like 2400 and heavier bullets for all my magnum loads anyway.

 

[scooter123]

I've chronographed 140 and 158 grain loads out of a 20 inch Winchester 1892 and come up about 200 fps short for Hodgdon's "pistol" data for H110. To be blunt, I suspect that Hodgdon "cooks the books" in terms of produced velocity and it's probably because they think "velocity sells".

 

[TAROMAN]

My experience is that, when chronographing, I have rarely come close to theirs (or most others') published data.

 

[buck460XVR]

To be blunt, I suspect that Hodgdon "cooks the books" in terms of produced velocity and it's probably because they think "velocity sells".

^^^Of course. One reason I think Hornady's and Speer's loads are generally on the conservative side, because they think accuracy sells. Test barrels and firearms give different velocities as do different powder lots and ambient temps. I never expect the velocities I see in the manuals or on the ammo box, but I do expect accuracy. Kinda depends on what one loads for.