new heavy .357 load

C

cook2007

New member
Working up a new 357 mag load for my ruger black hawk 8 inch barrel. Going to use 140 grain xtp and 158 grain hard cast for white tail . any recommendations for powder. Looking for fast hard hitting load with good accuracy.
 
2400 has always been popular. Its my pick.
110/296 is good for max loads, but I personally prefer 2400 since it has a much wider range of loads and plenty of speed for hunting
 
2400 for cast bullets, WIN296 for Hornady 140 grain XTP's ( my favorite loading). Load the WIN296 near maximum for best results.
 
300 MP will blow your socks off. Been some postings about this powder on other forums. Good luck and be safe.
 
I'll put in another vote for 2400. It is easier to light and works over a broader range than H110/w296. I have loaded quite a few of that same bullet (140gn xtp) over 14+ gns of 2400
 
When you are going for the heavier loads, its hard to beat 110/296 in both velocity and accurracy, and I use for both jacketed and cast bullets (18 BRN).

My advise from my personal experience is to skip the cast, and go with the XTP. I've not used the 140, but see no advantage over the 158gr. where max penetration is desired.


300MP looks promising but have no experience with it.
 
I like 2400 and H110. I use a magnum primer with H110.

EDIT: If you happen to load 2400 on the lighter end I suggest you give it a bit tighter crimp.
 
h110 is ALWAYS king for velocity, and it burns clean, but man is it a wrist breaker. I like lil' gun too despite the "sometimes" inconsistent burn and the excessive heat. but these days, I am wimpy and generally always use 4227(easier to find as well), it's more pleasant to shoot. plus the only 357's I shoot anymore are out of a lever so I can always reach pretty high velocities no matter what powder I am using.

{Edit: Please read the board policy on posting copyrighted materials.}

if you go with 4227, use a good strong crimp as there are many complaints about unburned powder, I don't have an issue with it though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
2400 or110/296 or 4227 would get you top performance. I shoot a load of 6.2 gr. of SR4756 under a 158gr. -170gr. LSWC hardcast bullet. Very accurate hard hitting load . 1150+/-fps. out of a 4" Ruger GP101. Manageable load with plenty of punch that I can shoot accurately. Also, it is not real hard on my handguns. Over the years I have played around with some max loads and decided that it wasn't my calling. Shot placement is my strategy. Best wishes.
 
My other question is I have a s&w model 66 no dash. I use as a pack gun while rideimg trail in northern Michigan. What would a recommendation for that lite of a revolver?
 
158 grn cast on top of 2400. Been shooting that for years and have never found anything to beat it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top