357 Reloads

[MDGasman]

Gentlemen,

A friend of mine is expanding his reloading capabilities (mostly for my benefit). I have a 586 no dash w/6" barrel. We're looking for feedback or opinions regarding Lil' Gun or HP-38 since he already has these powders. The bullet is a Hornady 158 gr. XTP. Any suggested loads? We have the charts but we're looking for practical or informed advice.

Thanks in advance,

Richard

 

[snw19_357]

I'm not familiar with Lil'Gun and I use HP38/W231 exclusively to push my lead target loads but think it's too fast burning to work well pushing jacketed .357 magnum bullets.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I like Lil'Gun for 357 Mag, but it seems to work a lot better with heavy for caliber bullets and longer barrels. It is especially good in carbines, giving higher velocities at lower pressures than the usual 357 Mag powders. There have been some recent reports of excessive throat erosion in revolvers when using it with lighter bullets, but I haven't observed that. I only use it for caliber standard weight loads.

I just chrono'd some Hornady 180gr FMJs with a max load of Lil'Gun out of a 2.5" 686 this past week, only because it was there. Velocity was 1018fps. Interesting, but not impressive.

 

[acl864]

I've used HP-38 with 158 gr. JHP's. To get enough velocity to insure reliable expansion you're getting towards the top end of the load data. It'll work but there are better choices out there. I haven't used Lil' Gun but it would seem to be a better fit for 158 gr jacketed bullets at magnum velocity.

 

[buck460XVR]

What are you trying to do? Plinkers or full house hunting loads? I used 16.6 to 17 grains of Lil' Gun under 158 XTPs with good results in my 6'' 686, but preferred the accuracy with H110/W296 for hunting loads and Unique for plinkers. Lil' Gun really shines with 180 grainers in .357. Some talk lately about Lil' Gun being hard on barrels, so I have shelved it till I hear more. I also like IMR4227 for mid-range loads.

 

[MDGasman]

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[MDGasman]

No real defined purpose other than to reduce the cost to shoot. I was really just wondering if different characteristics were noted with either powder. Now it turns out he has one more question... will his standard primers work or do we need magnum primers?

 

[snw19_357]

I can't say for the Lil'Gun but they will with HP38. You only really need the magnum primers for slow powders like H110/W296.

 

[MDGasman]

Thanks for the quick follow-up.

I know I don't post a lot, but I do try to soak up as much info. as I can from this forum.

 

[bagolden]

If you are just reloading these to shoot less expensively load them up between starting and max. Probably closer to the max end. They won't be as fast as full house .357's but they should go bang and be reasonably accurate. If you want to further reduce your costs invest in some Unique and commercial cast bullets. If the bullet co. uses a decent lube commercial cast bullets work well at .38 +P+ to full .357 velocity without too much leading. Dardas cast bullets has very reasonable pricing.

B

 

[Treeman]

If you just want to shoot at lower cost then definitely start with the HP38 and handbook loads.

 

[jrplourde]

2400

No one has mentioned 2400. It's one of the first to go to for 357. Flexible, target or max and needs only regular primers.

Lilgun is for max stuff and needs a magnum primer. HP38 is also fine at the lower end.
bob

 

[buck460XVR]

. Now it turns out he has one more question... will his standard primers work or do we need magnum primers?

........the answer lies in your friends reloading manuals. The loads they show are safely developed with the components they list. Every manual I have read shows magnum primers for H110/W296....and they differ with 2400 and Lil' Gun. Again.....have your friend load you cartridges with published info and not rumored recipes you find on the internet.

 

[Forester]

I have used HP38 with those exact bullets with good results. As mentioned, look toward the top of the data. The XTP has proven to be a very accurate bullet in every load I have tried it in.

 

[MDGasman]

Thanks guys.

 

[Julestun]

Try this site.



http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[Troystat]

When it comes to 357's a shovel full of 296 makes the world go round
Actually I have been using a charge of about .5 grains of 296 under the max load listed in the Spear #8 manual for my model 27 and they seem to shoot well if not loud.

Troy

 

[Skip Sackett]

Say WHAT?

When it comes to 357's a shovel full of 296 makes the world go round
Actually I have been using a charge of about .5 grains of 296 under the max load listed in the Spear #8 manual for my model 27 and they seem to shoot well if not loud.

Troy

I have two Speer #8 manuals and neither of them have any loads for 357mag and W296.They do have some for H110 but it would be better to state that than the assumed information that both powders are the same.

No, there are no loads in the Speer #8 for W296 powder and the 357Mag. The Speer #10 is the first Speer manual with data especially mentioned for W296.

People, we have reloaders at all stages of development here on the forum. Don't assume they know what you do. Get over simplistic in your explanations and assume they know nothing, just like me.

 

[Steve C]

Gentlemen,

We're looking for feedback or opinions regarding Lil' Gun or HP-38 since he already has these powders. The bullet is a Hornady 158 gr. XTP.

Richard

For pistol powders you have 2 that span the spectrum. HP38 is a fast powder good for lighter target loads and velocities, Lil' Gun is about as slow as pistol powder gets and would be great for full high velocity loads. Get published data from Hornady or use the Hodgdon's on line data and start with the start loads.

 

[butchkent]

Don't use HP38. But my favorite is 13.5 gr of 2400 w/CCI 550 primer behind a Sierra 150 or 158 gr hollow cavity. This is very consistent in my M19-3, 6 inch. Shoots 1.5" groups at 25 yards from a rest. As for a service load, I have shot many deer with it, and it will drop a large whitetail with a single shot. I've taken a truck load with it. On lung shot it will go completely through and make a hole the size of a quarter on back side.

I think that's plenty accurate and effective for most practical applications of a .357 Magnum.