Accurate 357 Mag 158g JHP- Reloads?

[lshel]

I want to reload some 158g JHP or JSP ammo for deer/coyote size game to shoot in a Ruger Blackhawk or Gp100 in 6-6.5" barrel. I would like to be in 1200-1300 fps range. I want good group size at 50yds. Any suggestions on powder, bullets, etc.?

Edited December 3, 2013 by lshel

[Hozzie]

For powder, I think Accurate #5 is about as good as it gets. 

 

I like the Hornday XTP bullets: (it says flat nose, but I don't think they are).

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/799330/hornady-xtp-bullets-38-caliber-357-diameter-158-grain-jacketed-flat-nose-box-of-100

 

This is from Accurate's Load data online for AA5:

158 HDY XTP     8.6 1,097       9.7 1,256        33,150 1.590 OAL

 

Of course load low and work up.  Not responsible for this load, please double check on your own.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Hozzie

[ttocswob]

From my limited experience: Hornady 158g XTP's are hard to beat. Factory rounds averaged 1264 fps from my 6" Dan Wesson. 16.5 grains of H110 with Win magnum primers will pretty much duplicate the factory round. Max charge is 16.7 so weigh carefully.

 

2400 or Blue Dot can yield similar performance with a smaller charge. I've not used 2400 much. Blue Dot seems happy in my 6" barrel, but leaves unburned powder flakes in anything shorter. Oddly, it gains only a little more velocity from my rifle barrels.

[roverboy]

2400 is a great powder too. I've shot Rem. 158 gr. jhp  with anywhere from 13.0 gr.-15.5 gr. I worked up to these though. The 15.5 gr. load is a little rough on recoil with a light gun. There's several powders in the medium range that will work good. Let us know what you come up with.

[ohell]

i would be using accurate #9 over #5 for a 357 mag round that wasn't punching paper.  Accurate's load data is there, but weak.  Hodgdon h110 really fills the brass at 16+ grains and could be in powder compression territory with some bullets in the 16 grain territory.  i added a load map to a 357 thread here once;  like the one i put on your 44 mag thread.  if you found it useful for the 44,  i'll look for the 357 and share again.

[lshel]

A 357 load map would be helpful.Thanks

[ohell]

not perfect,  but good reference to compare against powder manufacturer's data.  LMK if you can't see it.  note 10" solid barrel was used for all testing when i scanned through it.  imo - find a load that fills a lot of the brass safely, good crimp and decent bullet like nosler or xtp 

 http://www.mediafire.com/view/6hebccl57hufqib/MidwayUsa%20LoadMap%20357Magnum.pdf

Edited December 6, 2013 by ohell

[lshel]

ohell, Was unable to see past 1st page.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

49th edition Lyman manual is a good tool, along with other manuals.

[RED333]

Every pistol, rifle and shotgun is different.

You will have to work a load that works in "your" pistol.

Asking for a starting load is OK, But best load is on you.

The cylinder mouth size is what makes your pistol yours.

[ohell]

ohell, Was unable to see past 1st page.

 

can you get it with the download button?  

anyone else having trouble?  

i see two downloads.  with me logged out it shows up in safari for download or viewing.

Edited December 7, 2013 by ohell