Your Favorite Magnum Load?
- Thread starter dakrat
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Will with interest follow this thread. Will however not be describing my once upon a time favorite .357 Magnum load. That was whomped up in my younger more innocent (read that ignorant) years. Messed up a nice revolver. Now like Poe's raven, I say, "Never more!" Sincerely. bruce.
The Preacher
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For me in my K frames it's 13.5 gr. of A 2400 with a Speer 158 gr. LSWC Hpt or cast 158 gr. LSWC. Or in some cases a Hornady 158 gr. Hpt XTP. Just don't need full power loads in my 357's and these are very pleasant to shoot and accurate in my guns.
The Preacher
The Preacher
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cowboy4evr
Member
When I want a real magnum load I load 15.5 grs of H110 / W296 using Accurate molds version of the Lyman 358156 cast bullet . I crimp in the upper crimp groove . It's sits a bit deeper than std 158 gr cast bullets . It sits on top of the powder charge , maybe slightly compressed . I use a SP Magnum primer . It is very very accurate and plenty of power . My everyday " field " load is 7.5 grs of WSF (duplicates using 7.0 grs of Unique ) , same bullet std primer . My K-frame 357's still just as tight as the day I bought them . Regards Paul
Ivan the Butcher
Member
We were talking about this the other day in "jimmyJ's" thread. Mine was is a 180 grain Hornady JHP over H or IMR 4227, I just could not remember how much! But the thread jogged my memory, 14.5 grains (14.7 is Hornady's current max for similar bullets) The JHP's were discontinued when the XTP's came out but for some reason I seem to have a good supply!
I developed the load for a Marlin 1894 C 18" carbine, but they soon became my favorite in my 28-2 4". They are super accurate in both guns and in my 28, which is mag-na-ported, the recoil feels like 146 gr Wadcutters in a model 10! this is a 1982 load, and back then I could routinely hit 4" clay pidgins at 100 yards (On a berm, not flying!) with much younger eyes!
Ivan
I developed the load for a Marlin 1894 C 18" carbine, but they soon became my favorite in my 28-2 4". They are super accurate in both guns and in my 28, which is mag-na-ported, the recoil feels like 146 gr Wadcutters in a model 10! this is a 1982 load, and back then I could routinely hit 4" clay pidgins at 100 yards (On a berm, not flying!) with much younger eyes!
Ivan
boatbum101
Member
Many good loads . First lets figure out just what you want ie hunting , casual plinking , self defense etc . Once thats done pick a bullet thats suitable for your intended purpose . Same with powders again depends on what you want to do . Tell us all that & we can help better . I'll tell you a little what I do with 357 .
I cast & shoot a good bit of my own . I mainly save jacketed for my CF rifles . For casual plinking a med fast like W231 , Unique / Herco , True Blue , Acc #5 , N340 will work & be more cost effective for lower power loads . For general field use / pests a med burner like Blue Dot , Silhouette / WSF , Acc #7 , N350 . For top velocity hunting H110 / W296 , MP 300 , 2400 , Enforcer / 4100 , Acc #9 .
Bullets in revolvers for pests I use LY 358439 when pushed hard is explosive varmit load . More penetration either the Keith 358429 , 358156 , hunting the LBT 160 WFNGC .
In a rifle / carbine the extra speed makes most 158 JHP's too explosive . I like the 180's either a good JHP or a WFNGC as they kill better @ 1700fps than 1100 from a revolver . Personally I limit my shots to 50yds pistol , 75yds with a long gun .
I cast & shoot a good bit of my own . I mainly save jacketed for my CF rifles . For casual plinking a med fast like W231 , Unique / Herco , True Blue , Acc #5 , N340 will work & be more cost effective for lower power loads . For general field use / pests a med burner like Blue Dot , Silhouette / WSF , Acc #7 , N350 . For top velocity hunting H110 / W296 , MP 300 , 2400 , Enforcer / 4100 , Acc #9 .
Bullets in revolvers for pests I use LY 358439 when pushed hard is explosive varmit load . More penetration either the Keith 358429 , 358156 , hunting the LBT 160 WFNGC .
In a rifle / carbine the extra speed makes most 158 JHP's too explosive . I like the 180's either a good JHP or a WFNGC as they kill better @ 1700fps than 1100 from a revolver . Personally I limit my shots to 50yds pistol , 75yds with a long gun .
I have 2, 110jhp w/SR4756 & 125jhp w/2400. Because of how well they grouped at 100yds from my 19-3.
The 357 long case can be very accurate with the right bullet and powder load.
Two lead target loads that I like are with the 158 gr Lswc design with;
Trail Boss at ........ 788fps and HS6 for longer targets set at 1108 fps.
I have one 125 gr JHP load with w231 or CFEp at around 1221fps for small targets.
With the 158 XTP I load a practice and hunting load.......
SR4756 at 1235 fps for practice and the real deal with 2400 at 1340 fps.
Lots of other loads that we enjoy shooting, just depends on the distance, targets and amount of noise that your gun puts out.
Two lead target loads that I like are with the 158 gr Lswc design with;
Trail Boss at ........ 788fps and HS6 for longer targets set at 1108 fps.
I have one 125 gr JHP load with w231 or CFEp at around 1221fps for small targets.
With the 158 XTP I load a practice and hunting load.......
SR4756 at 1235 fps for practice and the real deal with 2400 at 1340 fps.
Lots of other loads that we enjoy shooting, just depends on the distance, targets and amount of noise that your gun puts out.
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I second the 15.5 296 and 358156; this load will shoot one hole groups threw my 6" GP100. 16.5 296 and 158gr JHP MAX Load also shoots real good, no pressure signs in my gun. I only shoot 158gr and heavier threw my .357's found them to generally shoot better than light bullets.
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Sorry. All My magnums except the 22 Jet start with a 4. I really like 28 gr H110 and a 385 gr WFN by LBT in My .475 Linebaugh. Gets Your attention. First time at the new range uo here a couple of guys came over and asked " what the hXXX are You shooting?"So I showed them and then asked if They wanted to try it. No thanks.
For mid range loads I use 13gr of N110 and 158 gr jsp/jhp. For plinking and ringing steel, I use either Trail Boss or Tin Star with a 158 gr plated bullet. Both loads are easy on my revolvers and my wrists.
Lately I have been making a lot of one particular load that my Coonan loves and makes fantastic fireballs with. It's a 158gr Zero JSP or a 158gr Montana Gold JHP over 18.0 grains of Alliant Power Pro 300-MP. I also run this in my 28-2.
I ran this load a bit over 18.0 grains on two different occasions and never got any excessive pressure signs except that the velocity topped off at 18.0 and did not increase, which is a fantastic bit of evidence that 18.0 was the sweet spot.
Small rifle primers and a firm roll crimp. These average 1,310fps from my 6-inch 1973-made S&W Model 28-2. The Montana Gold slugs run just ever so slightly faster, maybe 10fps.
I ran this load a bit over 18.0 grains on two different occasions and never got any excessive pressure signs except that the velocity topped off at 18.0 and did not increase, which is a fantastic bit of evidence that 18.0 was the sweet spot.
Small rifle primers and a firm roll crimp. These average 1,310fps from my 6-inch 1973-made S&W Model 28-2. The Montana Gold slugs run just ever so slightly faster, maybe 10fps.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
With a 158gr JHP bullet I charge 16.4gr W296.
With a 158gr LSWC bullet I charge 9.2gr HS-6.
I use a CCI-550 Magnum SPP is used in both.
Always check data you find on the Internet for yourself. Mistakes can and will happen when writing numbers.
With a 158gr LSWC bullet I charge 9.2gr HS-6.
I use a CCI-550 Magnum SPP is used in both.
Always check data you find on the Internet for yourself. Mistakes can and will happen when writing numbers.
cowboy4evr
Member
I 2nd the HS6 load . I drop 9.3 grs using a 158 gr cast bullet . I don't have a chrono but it's pushing that 158 gr bullet plenty fast . I ALWAYS use a SP Magnum primer with HS6 . I like that load so much that I have used the better part of 4# of HS6 powder in that load . Regards Paul
jimbo728
Member
10.6gr A5.
!200fps laser accuracy.
Jim
125gr XTP or Berrys` 125gr plated. they hold up beautifully.
!200fps laser accuracy.
Jim
125gr XTP or Berrys` 125gr plated. they hold up beautifully.
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Jim, what bullet weight?
gwpercle
Member
This is my "pet" 357 magnum load , developed in 1971 for a new Ruger Blackhawk , 6 1/2" bbl. length
155 grain cast SWC w/ gas check , Lyman # 358156
sized to .358"
7.0 grains Unique @ 1098 fps w/ 6 1/2" bbl.
This is a good accurate load . Because of the gas check , the bullet doesn't have to be that hard ...
I still have the Blackhawk , we still go dancing and she's still in good tight shape ... this load will not beat a gun to death .
Gary
155 grain cast SWC w/ gas check , Lyman # 358156
sized to .358"
7.0 grains Unique @ 1098 fps w/ 6 1/2" bbl.
This is a good accurate load . Because of the gas check , the bullet doesn't have to be that hard ...
I still have the Blackhawk , we still go dancing and she's still in good tight shape ... this load will not beat a gun to death .
Gary
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cowboy4evr
Member
For years I shot that 7.0 grs of Unique using the Keith 173gr swc , Lyman 358429. I shot it out of my first model 19 . A very accurate load with plenty of " hitting " power . I got that load after reading about a bowling pin match in the 70's in east texas . Some Louisiana state troopers came to the match using that load , shooting model 19's w/ 6" barrels . It was reported they had bowling pins flying all over the place . Regards Paul
gwpercle
Member
I got that load out of the new 1970 Speer #8 Loading Manual ...
It was the Starting Load !
You don't want to know what the maximum load was ...
Gary
cowboy4evr
Member
Actually Gary , I have Speer #8 . I have never had a problem with the starting loads in that manual . Surprisingly , some of the loads in that manual are only equal to what we have today and some are less than quoted today , and yes some are unacceptable . Regards Paul
RobertJ.
Member
A few years ago I was out of H-110, so I tried IMR 4227 with a Hornady 158 gr. XTP. It worked out so well, it's been my "go to" .357 Magnum load since.
You would be BRAVE to ask and use internet data. Always use a current manual for your loads. Manuals list them from mild to wild.
My std 357 load is my cast 168 gr SWC pushed by #2400. not telling ya the charge.......What's good in mine may be bad in yours.
My std 357 load is my cast 168 gr SWC pushed by #2400. not telling ya the charge.......What's good in mine may be bad in yours.
158 gr. SWC, 15 grs. 2400. 2 1/2-6 1/2 in. barrels. I don't shoot many in "K" frame guns but they work great in heavier guns. I had the two first Marlin .357 rifles sold in my area and that load didn't shoot worth 2 cents in them. Larry
cowboy4evr
Member
Larry , I have had marlin rifles in the past and always had to use " over size " cast bullets for optimum accuracy . I wouldn't be surprised if those marlin rifles in 357 needed a cast bullet of .359-.360 in diameter to fill the groove diameter of the barrel . Regards Paul
