180 grain load for S&W Model 19

[flintlock.50]

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

Is there a better choice?

Over 2400? Oh ya!. Quite a few better choices. Although my preference for years was Winchester 296 for near Max loadings in a 686 4" 357. And no doubt Winchester 231 for those reduced powder recipes used for my tuning up. i.e. (double Taps & point & shoot targeting.)

Honestly I never found 2400 capable of the accuracy I wanted to see in any of those firearms I own.

 

[AlaskaMike]

I pack a 2in S&W model 19 for daily chores around the ranch place. Within it's chambers generally resides a 158gr "Keith Style" (if there is such a thing for .38/.357) SWC over 15gr of 2400. I set them in .38 spec cases and clearly label the as .357 so as to avoid mistakes. I read about this load years ago as a pet load of Mr. Skelton, and being a less than experimental fellow, have used it ever since.

The load you describe is an extremely hot load. 15 grains of 2400 with a 158 grain cast SWC is a classic heavy .357 mag load when using .357 mag cases. However, you describe using .38 Special cases with this load.

Every time I've ever read about the hot loads Skelton, Keith and the rest of them used way back when mag cases were scarce, it was always 13.5 gr. 2400 when using .38 Special cases.

Hopefully I'm reading something incorrectly in your post, but I wanted to draw attention to it in case a new reloader happens to come across this thread and decides to try it.