Duplicating BuffaloBore's 180 grain 357 Mag Load

[NiklasP]

Hello!

I have a limited use for a heavy 357 Mag load duplicating or closely approaching performance of BuffaloBore's load with 180 grain LBT, wide nose, hard lead alloy, gas check bullet at approx 1400 fps. Anyone out there use such loads? If so, what works for you?

This load would be used mostly in a Ruger Blackhawk with 6,5 inch barrel but at least sighted in and carried some in a S&W M60 with 5,0 inch barrel and Pachmyar Gripper or Decelerator grips.

I realize that BB is pushing performance envelope some and that it might not be possible to duplicate this load with available bullets and canister powders. Fallback would be limited use of BB ammo or settling for somewhat less performance in my handloads.

In Ruger Blackhawk this load would most likely be used for hunting deer, javalina, turkeys, etc. My home state, Colorado, requires a load like this for 357 Mag to be legal for big game (deer, elk, etc.). Small group sizes are essential with this Ruger and it might be scoped. In S&W M60 it would be a trail load for more extreme possibilities and generally at close range.

Thanks,
Niklas

 

[Treeman]

I meet CO requirements from a 4 inch Ruger Security Six with 16.2 grains of Lil'Gun and a 173 grain Keith SWC(Lyman 358429). To get there it is absolutely essential that the cases be TIGHT on the bullet and have a firm, heavy crimp.High bullet pull ads over 100fps and tightens up the extreme spreads for consistent high velocity.

 

[Erich]

Closest I've come is with a max charge of either Lil' Gun or (believe it or not, it gives better velocities with the 180s out of the short barrels) Blue Dot. I get just shy of 1300 fps with either out of a 4" GP, with BD giving the smaller spreads and slightly higher velocities.

I don't mess with gas checks at these velocities, and have used both Penn and Tennessee Valley bullets with no problems.

 

[Wayne Dobbs]

Try working from 15.0 - 16.0 of WW296/H110. Thats the range that Beartooth Bullets recommends with their 180 WNFP in .357 Magnum. Should knock the snot and meaness out of most anything it hits right.

 

[NiklasP]

Thanks folks!!

Now, if someone using 2400 for such loads will post, I will have data for three powders I have on hand for many years -- Blue Dot, H110 and 2400. So far, I have had no reason to buy Lil-Gun.

Wyane -- that is my experience too with heavy for caliber bullets at about 1000 fps or more at impact. After a lifetime of one-shot kills on "big game" I am a dedicated fan of good bullets placed right.

Erich -- I am still gaining experience with gas checks, especially at lower velocities, like 1300 fps or so. I have been working with soft alloy 158 grain SWCHP gas checked bullets from Rim Rock Bullets and getting no leading at velocities in 1200-1400 fps range with Blue Dot in 357 cases and same two revolvers -- good groups at 40-50 yards too. However, for decades I have used soft alloy, even pure lead, bullets in rifles at similar velocities and gotten little or no leading, again, with Blue Dot mostly. Normally, I use gas checked hard lead alloy bullets in rifles at velocities up to 1900 fps and get no leading -- powders are normal medium-burn-rate rifle powders.

Thanks again folks!
Niklas

 

[Paul105]

Here's some chrono data for 14.7gr Lil'Gun under the Beartooth Bullets 185gr LFNGC -- Need to keep the OAL at or under 1.595 to function in Marlin.

Marlin 18" ,185 gr LFNGC, 14.7gr Lil'Gun, 1713 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" ,185 gr LFNGC, 14.7gr Lil'Gun, 1388 fps
S&W M60 3" ,185 gr LFNGC, 14.7gr Lil'Gun, 1175 fps
Ruger SP101 3" ,185 gr LFNGC, 14.7gr Lil'Gun, 1161 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" ,185 gr LFNGC, 14.7gr Lil'Gun, 1023

You will probably get more penetration with the Keith 429421 (168 to 173 gr depending upon alloy) -- see the Relative Penetration Index table about half way down the article
Beartooth Bullets > Tech Notes
the classic load for the Keith is 13.5gr 2400.


Paul

 

[NiklasP]

Thanks Paul, especially for reminding me about those nice articles in Beartooth Bullet's website.

It is a toss-up for me presently re Keith 173 grain or 180/185 wide flat nose bullets. May try two, even three types -- and perhaps end up with max hunting load and a milder load for other purposes. 173 grains bullets are especially interesting to me because of hopes of developing 2-3-4 different 357 Mag and/or 38 Special (including +P) loads that do not require changing sight settings (at least for ranges each is intended for). Initial results indicate promise with my Ruger BH, less so with S&W M60 5" barrel.

Thanks for quoting Keith load with 2400 and 173 grain bullet!

Niklas