I spent the evening loading some 158gr JHP (Nosler) and going by data on hand, I went with a familiar 14gr of 2400 and yes, SPP. Here's where things became interesting. I went to Nosler's site and their online posted data ranges from 11.3-12.3gr using 2400 which sure seems light to me. Alliant shows 14.8gr of 2400 using a Speer 158gr GDHP to which I just can't imagine that big of a difference. Anyway, have I missed something? because those bullets are going down the tube just as they have in the past.
2400 357 mag changes?
- Thread starter g17
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Data for a particular cartridge can vary considerably from one manual
to another and the 357 mag and 2400 powder is a good example.
Differences in bullet design and seating depth and primer used are
some factors involved. But...some manuals do tend to inspire more
faith in their data than others and frankly I don't even bother to look
at the handgun data in my Nosler manual.
to another and the 357 mag and 2400 powder is a good example.
Differences in bullet design and seating depth and primer used are
some factors involved. But...some manuals do tend to inspire more
faith in their data than others and frankly I don't even bother to look
at the handgun data in my Nosler manual.
Sadly, just one of the many quandaries you'll find in comparing load data from different sources, & somethings even the same source. 
See this thread, more towards the end of it.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/312607-whats-up-2400-a.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/312607-whats-up-2400-a.html
Last time I looked the Nosler thread had only one (1) 38 spl load and it was for the 158 JHP .............
so I did not even look up the 357 data.
They my be low to keep from leading the weapons but did
notice that the 9mm data was also on the lighter side.
I did like that they listed the "Volume" of the case with the powders to 100% or more.
so I did not even look up the 357 data.
They my be low to keep from leading the weapons but did
notice that the 9mm data was also on the lighter side.
I did like that they listed the "Volume" of the case with the powders to 100% or more.
Peter M. Eick
Member
Different bullets, different manufacturers, different data.
I shoot mostly lead and consider 14.5 grns with a 158 a decent plinker round. Things go up from there and I tend to run up to around 15.3 grns which is the lasercast max for fun shooting.
I shoot mostly lead and consider 14.5 grns with a 158 a decent plinker round. Things go up from there and I tend to run up to around 15.3 grns which is the lasercast max for fun shooting.
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If you want the power....
If you want the power work up your own load bit by bit staying within published limits. Look for signs of trouble as you go.
If you want the power work up your own load bit by bit staying within published limits. Look for signs of trouble as you go.
RIDE-RED 350r
Member
I have noticed, and find it frustrating that loading data can vary so much from source to source with the same cartridge, bullet and powder..... It leaves one wondering who is correct and who to believe.
Obviously, my first loads with a given cartridge aren't loaded to max published....I start at recommended starting charge and work up in stages, and usually my max is about .5gr under max published depending on the round and the swing from published starting to published max
Obviously, my first loads with a given cartridge aren't loaded to max published....I start at recommended starting charge and work up in stages, and usually my max is about .5gr under max published depending on the round and the swing from published starting to published max
Many years back the standard when starting out with a new load was to try 90% of the maximum load.......and work up from there, to develop your load for that weapon.
I have noticed with the current data in the newer loading manuals that in "My Revolvers" that 94% of the maximum load with 2400 in my 6" Magnum is very close to the target or starting fps for most loadings.
The 90% data gave me a fps in the 1030's with a lead 158gr.
The Speer #8 90% data comes to one more grain than this load that I used.
One reason that I was glad to have picked up a chrony a few years back. I can "Dial in" a load for all of my revolvers, shotguns and rifles even if the data is "Off" a little.
I have noticed with the current data in the newer loading manuals that in "My Revolvers" that 94% of the maximum load with 2400 in my 6" Magnum is very close to the target or starting fps for most loadings.
The 90% data gave me a fps in the 1030's with a lead 158gr.
The Speer #8 90% data comes to one more grain than this load that I used.
One reason that I was glad to have picked up a chrony a few years back. I can "Dial in" a load for all of my revolvers, shotguns and rifles even if the data is "Off" a little.
akjaeger
Member
I've been shooting the Nosler 158 JHP over 14.7 gr of 2400 for quite a few years. Works good for me.
buck460XVR
Member
Yep...and if you look at Nosler's Max for H110 and W296, which everyone knows is the exact same powder, you'll see they list a difference of 1.1 grains or just under 8%. They also show a start load of H110 @ .1 gr more than the max of W296. Go figure.
RIDE-RED 350r
Member
That's exactly the kind of inconsistency that frustrates me
Harrison
US Veteran
Very good advise and reasoning. Load data is not holy writ, it is at best a rough guide line. You should always start low and work your way up with your particular firearm and components. Of course some folks are too lazy or impatient to do that.
At mile high elevation I have found 12.5 grains of 2400 is about max. Loads will vary nationwide based on the actual elevation the load is used at due to ambient air pressure which will increase or decrease the pressure of the load from what manuals give.
My best load for a 158 grain jhp, is 12 grains of 2400, CCI 550 primer, and a Winchester virgin case. These are my home assembled duty loads which I use in two different 66 2.5" guns. One is a no dash and the other a dash 1. That is the most accurate 357 magnum load I've ever used.
My best load for a 158 grain jhp, is 12 grains of 2400, CCI 550 primer, and a Winchester virgin case. These are my home assembled duty loads which I use in two different 66 2.5" guns. One is a no dash and the other a dash 1. That is the most accurate 357 magnum load I've ever used.
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