Why no Power Pistol loadings for 357 Mag with 158 gr lead?

[38SPL HV]

I searched reloading books and cannot find any 357 Mag with 158 gr lead loading using Alliant Power Pistol. I like Power Pistol in 38 Spl +P used as target loads in my 357 magnum, but want to use the powder in 357 cases for a 1,100 fps load with 158 gr. SWC.

Any ideas where I can find reliable and safe reloading data for my requirement?

 

[Homie]

HANDLOADER No. 302.

 

[iPac]

I've used power pistol one time for a 158gr. JSP HP 357mag load.

I used 8.0gr of PP. and have the velocity listed as 1078.

I shot all of them and didn't have any problems, but can't remember where I got that recipe from and not sure if the velocity is accurate.

Power Pistol is not for magnums, that is why there is lack of data. It can be used, but it is not the best.

I only use 2400 for magnum loads now, and everything else gets PP as PP is more for fast velocity or high speed performance semi autos and carbines.

 

[Rule3]

Maybe because most manuals where printed before PP became available to the public?
Your manuals are from when powder was in metal cans.

Alliant online data suks.

Refer back to this thread.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/474483-power-pistol-leadbullets.html

 

[bronco45]

I use Power Pistol for a 140JHP, 9 grains of powder, in 357 load and it gives excellent accuracy without pressure signs. I shoot this load in a 640Pro for 1087fps avg. I have no experience with Power Pistol in any other loading. This load works in my firearm cannot recommend it to any other weapon.

 

[Alk8944]

Just use the jacketed bullet data, there is no safety issue doing this and you will get approximately 100 FPS "free". Alliant shows 8.5 gr for 1078 FPS with the Speer 158 GDHP. This is from a 10" barrel, so you probably will be close to the same velocity with a cast bullet, depending on barrel length.

The only chronographed data I have in my records for .357 is 158 LSWCGC/7.6 gr. Power Pistol/F-200/ at 1152 FPS from my 5" 27-2. Based on this you should get about 1100 with 7.2-7.3 gr. again depending on your barrel length and peculiarities of your revolver. Substituting an F-100 or F-205 SRP, or WSR Etc. will make very little difference!

 

[38SPL HV]

That's funny Rule3, standup comedy may be your calling

Kidding aside, I did look at recent manuals, and also my previous post thread link which you sent. Data was for 38 Spl and one data point of 7.5 grs of PP.

It's disappointing that there is no additional data for 357 Mag and 158 gr lead from the major bullets companies. PP is pretty good powder. Perhaps I'll start at a load using 6.5 grs in 357 cases and 158 gr hard cast SWC - probably would get me near the performance using 6.0 grs of Unique. Probably safe to work up to 7.0-7.5 grs (PP).

 

[Rule3]

That's funny Rule3, standup comedy may be your calling

Kidding aside, I did look at recent manuals, and also my previous post thread link which you sent. Data was for 38 Spl and one data point of 7.5 grs of PP.

It's disappointing that there is no additional data for 357 Mag and 158 gr lead from the major bullets companies. PP is pretty good powder. Perhaps I'll start at a load using 6.5 grs in 357 cases and 158 gr hard cast SWC - probably would get me near the performance using 6.0 grs of Unique. Probably safe to work up to 7.0-7.5 grs (PP).

As Alka mentioned above you can actually use Jacketed data for loading lead bullets (not just PP) There is less resistance aka pressure with the lead, so you are safe to do so. Just don"t tell anyone.
When using slower powders I am not to concerned with this. Faster powders I would be a bit more concerned (but I do not care for fast powders in 357 anyway)

As always start low and work up.

 

[forestswin]

That's funny Rule3, standup comedy may be your calling......

He performs here daily......since 2008....and sometimes in the Lounge

 

[forestswin]

I like having chrono data for my load - bullet - powder- gun.... but group size is my gauge on a certain load combinations

admittingly, I don't understand the quest for a specific velocity

but since you obviously want to evaluate your load combinations by velocity....

ask the owner of your range if you could use a chronograph during off hours - maybe before or after opening hours

I do most of my chronographing at my outdoor range, but my local indoor range will give me 10 or 15 minutes at closing on some days
if you get all prepared before hand - you can shoot and get quite a bit of data in 10 minutes

this chrono gets good reviews at dealers and here on this forum
Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

 

[rwsmith]

Lyman 49th..

Lyman's 49th edition has tons of lead and conventional data. You might want to look into 'coated' bullets over the old grease in groove lube.

 

[HKSmith]

The first response to your question is correct; Handloader #302 (the current issue) has a compendium of .357 Magnum loads at all levels of performance.

Specifically, 7.0 grains of Power Pistol yields 1109 ft/sec with a 155 grain cast lead bullet. I think this is exactly what you're looking for. This is from a 6 inch barrel Ruger revolver.

Based on this post and your other recent posts, you really ought to read an article published in the Speer Manual entitled "Why Ballisticians get Gray". It's on page 769 of the current (14th) edition and also appeared in earlier editions. It reports the results of testing a variety of .357 loads in a wide variety of revolvers and rifles. It reports variations of greater than 100 ft/sec in muzzle velocity between 2 samples of the same revolver (make, model, and barrel length). It shows the difficulty of duplicating published data in your gun.

 

[38SPL HV]

Be nice to have a chronograph. Eventually, I will get one. Having one is also not a prerequisite for reloading. On the other hand, reliable and up to date reloading data is necessary, and I have a lot of this information now. Regretfully, this data does not always have a complete listing of PP data.

I do appreciate all inputs but guess I'm getting tired of the recurring theme that "you must have" a chronograph.

...no sweat, and "sorry" for my many postings...

 

[Rule3]

Be nice to have a chronograph. Eventually, I will get one. Having one is also not a prerequisite for reloading. On the other hand, reliable and up to date reloading data is necessary, and I have a lot of this information now. Regretfully, this data does not always have a complete listing of PP data.

I do appreciate all inputs but guess I'm getting tired of the recurring theme that "you must have" a chronograph.

...no sweat, and "sorry" for my many postings...

We already "covered this"? You don't need a chronograph.

I would bet the majority of folks that reload don't have one. You don't need a Dillon or any progressive press either
I didn't get one for a long time and managed to reload a lot. I still do not use it very often.

You asked why no PP data, and that was answered, as well as what data to use.(on other threads as well.)

 

[forestswin]

..............I do appreciate all inputs but guess I'm getting tired of the recurring theme that "you must have" a chronograph.

...no sweat, and "sorry" for my many postings...

Yeah, I guess that has been said many times - so I'm sorry for bringing it up again.

Your questions and postings are fine with me - we just have different objectives.

and I haven't found any published PP data for lead for 158 SWC in 357 either.

Cheers

 

[alwslate]

Be nice to have a chronograph. Eventually, I will get one. Having one is also not a prerequisite for reloading. On the other hand, reliable and up to date reloading data is necessary, and I have a lot of this information now. Regretfully, this data does not always have a complete listing of PP data.

I do appreciate all inputs but guess I'm getting tired of the recurring theme that "you must have" a chronograph.

...no sweat, and "sorry" for my many postings...

No you don't absolutely have to have a chronograph to reload.
And no, recent load data with older powders isn't absolutely
necessary either. Expecting to find complete data with all
bullet weights and types for newer powders is very unrealistic.
The very best reloading manual for any handloader is the one
compiled over time from your own chronographed loads in
your own guns. Maybe the next best resource is Handloader
magazine. Loading manuals are actually not the best source
for accurate velocities from your guns for reasons already
mentioned. But at some point if you expect to load ammo
you are going to have to be willing to assemble loads that
you don't have tested data for the EXACT same components.
If you have so much anxiety about loading any new loads,
even mild ones, then you should stick to your old loads or
just shoot factory ammo.