357 Mag 158gr Study

[RDub]

Hello
Some asks if I was going to do other testing.. Well I think I will re-test what I did with 38 Special factory loads vs. hand loads a while ago. Catch up here;

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/186472-38-spcl-factory-dup-phase-2-a.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/190757-38-special-factory-duplication-phase-3-a.html

This time, I will shoot the Magtech 158gr. LRN. This one should be more ‘typical’ of a LRN bullet and similar to what Remington is using. The Speer was somewhat controversial, and I was surprised by the lower velocities I was getting. So, we’ll see what happens.
If I can pull this off while the weather is still warm, that will be helpful also. Only us crazy Oregonians (or Northerners) shoot in 38° weather.. LOL.

The same powders that were tested last time will be tested this time. I believe the ones represented will cover the mainstream commonly used in this application. If there is an overwhelming request for something else in particular, I’ll try to include that.

I know that some would prefer this done in .38 Special chambers, but since shooting .38’s in .357 revolvers is such a common practice it should still be valid. The exercise is primarily a velocity comparison of the Remington UMC 158gr LRN factory ammo against common hand loads, and not so much about accuracy, albeit some of the results will be most acceptable in that regard.

 

[Culina]

Nice job!

I guess I will just stick with W296/H110 since they were all pretty close. I used Blue Dot about 20 years ago, a lot and noticed it caused too much top strap and forcing cone errosion so I stopped using it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Only surprise I had was that anyone still used Lil' Gun in their revolvers. I too never got the results of increased velocities with lower pressure as compared to H110/W296 that the reloading world once claimed. Never got the accuracy outta it either. When the horror stories of the premature and excessive erosion caused by it came out, I quit using it all together. 4 years ago all anyone ever talked about when reloading for magnum handguns was Lil' Gun. Now it rarely comes up in conversation.

I'm only using Lil'Gun for 170gr and 180gr bullets that are fired out of a Carbine. I get outstanding accuracy and very high velocities with those heavy bullets and Lil'Gun from a Carbine.

 

[ShrinkMD]

Thanks for doing this! I just worked up a batch of 158gr Hornady XTP with 300MP, but I haven't had a chance to measure them yet. I went low, from 14.5 to 18.5 in 1gr increments. The low charges will probably be pretty inconsistent, but I figured I may as well see. Hopefully the hot ones will shoot well.

 

[Murphy's Law]

I just got a 686 Talo (3 inch) and will be reloading soon. In my case great/excellent and I will use your data but starting a bit lower charges and work up which goes without saying. Again thank you for the hard work putting this together for the community sure appreciated.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Nice work. I would like to duplicate your efforts over time!

 

[joe sacco]

Many thanks. Great post, well done research. We are in your debt. Best, Joe

 

[Nevada Ed]

Thanks for another GREAT POST..........
you really put a lot of time and answers on the line with this one. I love pictures..............

MC;
My 357 with 38 brass and the 158gr Lswc likes 4.0grs of Red Dot while the 38 snub likes 2.7grs of Bullseye. Every weapon is different.........

Some like a type of powder or it may be a certain velocity with a certain bullet weight.

Just takes time and testing ammo.

 

[RDub]

Just added a graph of the project at the end.

 

[brucev]

Went back and re-read the post. Simply excellent. After Christmas I plan to hopefully start reloading again. This post will be most helpful.

Just a note ... you have a very nicely accurate six inch Taurus revolver! Sincerely. bruce.

 

[Psweigle]

Very well written and documented study. Good on you sir. Ive been wondering about 300mp, and this confirms my thoughts on it. I will be getting a pound of it to try.

 

[andyo5]

My favorite load with that bullet is 10.5g of Blue Dot. It the most accurate I have tried and yet still enjoyable to shoot. My next favorite is 15.7g of H110. I have gone as high as 14.5g of 2400, and it shot well but was very unpleasant to shoot.
11.0g of Blue Dot is also a great accuracy load, but pushing the limit in my mind.

 

[BearBio]

Too many variables! Reduce your variables to ONE and then compare. IE, same bullet, same powder, same cases and THEN modify your variable. Otherwise apples and oranges!

 

[EMP3]

A well constructed (bonded) 158 grain .357 Mag bullet oughta work well on big deer within reasonable range, father outta a lever action.