357mag 158gn HornadyXTP recomended powders

[ptf18]

Fellows. I'm in need of powder recommendations. I'm loading Hornady 158gn XTP bullets for a S&W Model 65... 357 mag. I will be using 357 brass so I do not need 38spl data.

Would like to load to the high side of mid range velocities (1100fps?) but I'm not sure about powders that can get me there.

I had "planned" on using ww231 OR Solo 1000(because I have alot on hand) but from my internet "readings" those 2 powders are ... not ideal.

Thoughts?

 

[Sevens]

I don’t know about Solo 1000 but I will agree that while W231 is a fine powder, it is a bad choice for this task.

H110 is a great choice if you want absolute top end but they warn about reducing it, so skip H110/W296 also. Alliant 2400 would be more friendly here.

But in looking at the powders I use and love, I think a great suggestion for middle/high where you want to be would be Hodgdon Longshot.

 

[M29since14]

My opinion is that, all around, considering everything, you can’t beat #2400.

 

[SLT223]

I would take a hard look at CFE Pistol. It's a tiny bit slower than Unique and Universal, meters like water, and has copper fouling remover built in...CFE stand for copper fouling eraser.


Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

 

[rockquarry]

You might try the Hornady book; usually has plenty of data for their bullets.

 

[68Dave]

I like 2400 for that bullet. 13.5 grains got me 1093 FPS. That was out of a 4 in barrel model 19.
David

 

[slickracer]

My opinion is that, all around, considering everything, you can’t beat #2400.

I'll second that, 2400 is tough to beat and works well with standard primers.

 

[Jackcpat]

158 gr

I’d go with H-110 or 2400 with Small Pistol Magnum CCI primers

 

[38SPL HV]

2400 will work great for you.

 

[Abflyboy]

HS-6 would be a fantastic powder for your chosen load. Excellent mid range magnum performance, clean burning, accurate and plentiful around these parts.

Longshot would be another good powder for your needs but my personal choice would be HS-6

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

I like Blue Dot and LongShot for "just under" 357 magnum full house loads.

 

[Benchrest1]

For mid range loads I like Unique. For powerful high speed loads H110 is hard to beat.

 

[rg1]

Best powder for .357 Magnum and Hornady 158 gr. XTP's has been Accurate Arms AA#9. I've tried 2400, Win 296, H110, and Blue Dot. All good choices except Blue Dot which I wouldn't use. AA#9 burns cleaner for me with less powder flakes and unburnt powder over the bench. My guns are a little cleaner at the end of the day. AA#9 and Hornady's 158 XTP's are the most accurate load for me in my revolvers and Marlin rifle. I shoot the same load in pistol and rifle. Use Accurate Arms data available on-line.

 

[Nevada Ed]

In the .357 Magnum the best "Starting" fast powder is Unique and anything slower burning just gets better for medium or fast loads.

I got Green Dot up to a medium load but the pressures were up there.
The faster powders work with the light 110 and 125gr bullets but that is where they cut out.

No use beating your gun apart to get fps with fast powders when the slower powders do it so much better, with the heavier bullets.

Save that 231 powder for light lead target loads and you will enjoy shooting that weapon more.

 

[stansdds]

You will be just a bit below maximum, but Unique will get you to 357 Magnum Lite ( or would that be 357 Magnum -P ?) territory. Another good option would be 2400 and that would be well below maximum.

H110/W296 is a good powder, I've used plenty of it, but is suited only for maximum velocity loads. Reduced loads of H110/W296 lead to erratic burning of the powder, lots of unburned granules, and inconsistent velocities.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I second HS-6/W540. Very versatile, clean and accurate.

 

[norsemanhp]

I am in agreement with those recommending HS-6.

 

[alwslate]

From my loading experience with 158 gr cast SWCs at 1100 + fps out
of a 4" S&W mod 28-2, 6.4 grs of 231 or 7.4 grs of Longshot will get you
there with less expense and muzzle blast than 13 or so grs of 2400.
Realize that at 1100 fps you are wasting money on JHPs that will not
expand when you could be using cast SWCs.

 

[RobertJ.]

I've had great results using IMR4227 for top end loads in the .357 Magnum.

 

[Bastogne71]

I’ve had very good results with Sierra’s accuracy load for the 158 gr in a 357 of 11.4 grains of AA #7. They list it as a midrange load at 1,150 FPS from a 6” Colt. Very accurate in my 4” model 66 but I’ve not yet chronographed it in my revolver.

In other reloading manuals (Lyman, Nosler, & Speer) this is listed as a maximum load for a 158 gr in the 357 magnum with velocities in the 1,260 FPS range. So start low and be cautious.