Anyone use Trail Boss in .357 loads?

[fuzzymcnab]

I got some very odd results at the range today. This is the first time I have used Trail Boss for .357 magnum. My two loads consisted of either 4.0 or 4.1 grains with magnum primers. Out of my 5" model 27 the average velocity was 717 fps. This is easily 100 fps less than spec. My chrono seemed to be working correctly as the factory JHP's I fired were just as expected. Of course we would have to assume (with no rounds left to check) that my powder measurements were correct, and I am farily confident since I load only on a single stage, calibrate my scale when I start, and re-check charge every 10th round. Any thoughts?
fuzzy

 

[STCM(SW)]

Yea, TB is good for 38 S&W, not in a .357 magnum case.
That is a powder for low pressure old rounds that is for rounds that were made for black powder.

 

[coltle6920]

Sorry, Thought the thread said "trail mix". Thought you guys dreamed up a new load for home defense.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Trail Boss is a good powder in a 357 case for a X-Lite slow target load at under 800fps with a lead 158gr bullet with a 6" barrel or shorter.

I can get 1.35" groups at 25 yards with my 686 6"...........
I use a standard f100 primer with this type of powder.

 

[SgtLumpy]

Sorry, Thought the thread said "trail mix". Thought you guys dreamed up a new load for home defense.

I'm pretty sure there's a guy on YouTube that's loaded up a 12 ga shell with trail mix.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[BLUEDOT37]

357 & Trail Boss

You didn't say what bullet you used in this load? If the load data was for a lead bullet & you used a jacketed bullet, that may be why the difference in velocity?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As you see it's very hard to match the velocities listed in the manuals.

One question, why would you use a Magnum primer when loading with Trail Boss?

 

[Nevada Ed]

There is some jacket bullet data but it is for reduced rifle loads from the little 22-250 up to the big 375 H&H.

The data listed for the 38 special up to the 45 Colt list only LEAD bullets.

Good day..........

 

[riverrat38]

I have used TB for plated bullets, but with poor accuracy.
I don't think there is enough pressure to get a good tight seal.
I suspect it would do much better with soft lead.
I like that the case can be filled to the bullet base. But, no more.

Best,
Rick

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Thanks for all the great input. Let me respond in order:

STCM,
I decided to try TB in .357 because of the good results I have had with it in .45 colt, and some past issues with small powder charges in .38 special.

ColtLE,
If you buy trail mix like we do in 20 pound bags it makes a fine defensive tool.

Nevada,
Your example is exactly the result I was going for in my 5" model 27.

Lumpy,
OK, I'm sorry, I got nothin for that.

Bluedot,
the bullet is 158 SWC lead copper plated. I tend to use the loads for straight lead when I use these bullets with good results in the past.

Angel,
Honestly, cant recall why I used the magnum primers, but I must have gotten it from a reliable source as I only use official loading data for my handloads.

Riverat,
Your suspicion is like mine. The base is not obturating (sp) like it should.

Bottom line, in the future, I will save the TB for .45 colt and .44 mag stuff, and choose other powders at some higher documented pressures. Maybe HP38. I have a bunch of that.

you guys are the best,
fuzzy

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Hmm, I never thought of Trailboss being a problem in the 357 Magnum?

This is 50 shots, 15 yrds offhand with a 90% fill load of Trailboss and a 158 MBC SWC with cci550 primers. I am trying to get rid of my magnum primers so I and using them up.

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Peter,
wow, thanks for that very clear picture of trail boss results. Can you tell me what the actual charge weight is of your 90% fill?

Thanks,
Fuzzy

 

[BLUEDOT37]

This is 50 shots, 15 yrds offhand with a 90% fill load of Trailboss and a 158 MBC SWC with cci550 primers.

That's odd...I only counted 49?

Nice shooting!

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Yeah, I probably threw one over the top of the target again. I hate when I do that....




The load I use which is over book max but developed based upon the instructions Hodgdons offers is 4.8 grns of Trailboss with a cii550 primer and a 158 MBC LSWC to 1.600. Case is trimmed to 1.278, crimp is .3774.

Note this is above a book max load for 357 Magnum. Use at your own risk.

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Thanks peter. I will probably download that a bit, but look forward to next range trip.
fuzzy