Range Report - First Handloads

[Kalison]

Well.

I just can't believe the results. I went slow and checked for bullets creeping out and any other oddities. Everything was just perfect.

I will only be handloading from here on out!

(Rested)First three rounds, SA handloads 158gr SWC 9gr 4227 - Single Action

(Rested)First three rounds, PMC Factory - Single Action

This was repeatable all day. I had 100 handloads to go through and they were all perfect and reliable.

SA 25ft

DA 25ft

SA 25ft

 

[forestswin]

You just gotta love it.

 

[Rule3]

Most Excellent.

 

[Doubless]

Welcome to the most addicting, money-spending, and satisfying habit one can have... Super job loading those 357s!!!

 

[Kalison]

Thanks! I guess I did notice one thing, that I forgot to mention. Trace amounts of unburned powder. I think from the feedback I got, giving a tighter crimp may help that issue?

Sent from my Lumia 1520

 

[rwsmith]

Congratulations.....

The hard work and investment has paid off. I remember when I shot my first hand loads the test was to see whether the gun would blow up. Back then I didn't know anybody that hand loaded and it was all a big mystery to me.

 

[scooter123]

You're also going to love the cost. My preference is for jacketed bullets and in 357 Magnum my primary choice is a 140 grain Hornady XTP. At about 20 dollars per 100 they may seem a bit expensive but totaled up my assembled round cost is only 27 cents. When you compare a cost of 13.50/50 to what commercial 357 Magnum costs it's rather easy to see the advantage in reloading.

As for accuracy benefits, that's a matter of determining the optimum powder weight for a specific bullet. I've had commercial ammo that has been distinctly accurate and have had handloads range from ho hum to "wow, did I do that". When you're loading your own half the fun is in discovering what works.

 

[perrazi]

another convert. so easy it's ridiculous isn't it?

 

[MyDads38]

The hard work and investment has paid off. I remember when I shot my first hand loads the test was to see whether the gun would blow up. Back then I didn't know anybody that hand loaded and it was all a big mystery to me.

I was in the same situation at the time; got my first 357 Mag revolver and a Lee Handloader. All I had to go by were the instructions from the kit. I only knew 1 person who re-loaded and shot Bullseye competition. He was nice enough to do 2 things for me: 1) Sold me his used RCBS Reloader Special Press with a standard steel die set for 38/357 and 2) Gave me some instruction/direction on reloading ammo. I still have/use that press and have used the basic information/instruction he gave me to get to the point I am now, 34 years later!

You did a great job! Stay safe and enjoy your new hobby; it will bring you a lot of satisfaction and pride in your upcoming trips to the range!

 

[venomballistics]

Thanks! I guess I did notice one thing, that I forgot to mention. Trace amounts of unburned powder. I think from the feedback I got, giving a tighter crimp may help that issue?

Sent from my Lumia 1520

It's the powder.
4227 is notorious for leaving some of itself behind.
Looking at your results, I'd have to advise you to put up and shut up.
It's singing like Beverly Sills, don't break it for trying to fix it.

Write that load down in permanent marker, in 2 locations, and carve it into a third.

 

[27 Man]

Brings back memories of my first loads using a borrowed Lee Loader. Watching TV and pounding .38 cases in that sizing die with a rawhide hammer. Made my hand numb but what a thrill when they all went bang.

 

[Iggy]

Now that you're hooked, you will find that you really don't save any money by reloading, you just shoot more.

 

[Kalison]

Iggy - Don't I know it! haha! Makes shooting in the IDPA a little easier and now I can tailor my loads!

27 Man - I have to say, it was quite some anticipation leading up to this morning. I was so happy with the results and that everything did indeed go bang.

Venom - LOL Good to know about 4227. After today's results I did indeed dedicate an ammo box for this particular load.

Perazzi - It does feel easy, for sure! Just wished I wouldn't have dragged my *** the last two years and started this obsession!

MyDads38 - Thank you! I am fully hooked!

Scooter123 - I have to say, I am very excited to not only load up another duplicate batch, but, another batch slightly modified to see how things go!

rwsmith - Yes, I have to say... I wasn't sure where this (roughly) 400 dollars of equipment would get me... but, really does feel like it was all worth it.

Doubless - Thank you!

Rule3 - INDEED!

forestwin - Absolutely

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I say old Bean, good job! It is really satisfying to roll your own with good results. Now down the road if you get into casting your own boolits you can feel just a bit smug shooting most center fire handgun cartridges cheaper than .22LR.

 

[Krogen]

Excellent! Good to see another of us into handloading. No goin' back now! It's a slippery slope you know . . . .

Wheeeeeeeeeeeee..............

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That is some very good accuracy. I'm a little surprised your revolver is so clean using a light load of such a slow powder. I wouldn't think it was possible but there it is. Thank you for the range report, very good information!

Which primer did you use? I see it was a 158gr SWC, I'm guessing they were lead or were they plated?

 

[Nevada Ed]

In my L frame 686 6"......................

a 158gr Lswc with 11.0c grs of imr 4227 gets 888 fps

this fps can be matched with 4.7grs of w231 or 4.0grs of RedDot if you have these powders.

4227 is accurate but it did have quite a bit of powder flakes
all over, for me.......... enough to lock up the cylinder in my little J frame snub nose, so I do not use this powder for any Self Defense loads.

Good shooting.

 

[Kalison]

Nevada Ed - Unfortunately IMR4227 is all I can find in my parts, so I will have to power through the couple pounds I have. I have been looking for RedDot and W231 actually. Stuff just flies off the shelves

Krogan - Thanks Already looking for more stuff to buy

Vulcan - Thanks With around 1200 free Hornady XTP bullets coming my way, it will be pretty dang close!

 

[Kalison]

That is some very good accuracy. I'm a little surprised your revolver is so clean using a light load of such a slow powder. I wouldn't think it was possible but there it is. Thank you for the range report, very good information!

Which primer did you use? I see it was a 158gr SWC, I'm guessing they were lead or were they plated?

Picture is deceiving, it wasn't extremely dirty, but worse than the photo lets on.

This load was Lead SWC 158gr, with 9.0gr of IMR4227 and CCI 500 Small Pistol Primers.

 

[blujax01]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You done good.

Now you can be honest - weren't you just a little nervous the first time you pulled the trigger?

I will never forget my first time. I was quite certain that I was going to either (1) blow my arm off, or (2) take out the back wall!!!