357 loads with 158

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    Uncle Duke

    Uncle Duke

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 2, 2013
    11,713
    Not Far Enough from the City
    Park ranger said:
    Todays test was 13.5, 14,& 14.5 of 2400 with the Sierra 158 jhp. Same results, high SD (40), and maxed out at 1300 fps more or less. The SD is so bad, it's really hard to see a difference in velocity in the averages.

    However, with the 44 mag using 2400, starting at 19 and working up in half grain increments the powder was predictable. 21 grains got me 1391 fps average. Using a different lot of powder (friends), 21 grains was 1450. So in that gun, with my lot, I'm going to try 22 grains.

    I might try 15.5 in the 357 mag, but I noticed today the cylinder has a good bit of back and forth play. I really think im venting too much gas because of cylinder gap and I'm just going to be at this 1300 to 1350 fps limit.
    Click to expand...

    I think you're right about that limit in your revolver. Just as a point of comparison, I have an accuracy load for my Henry lever action rifle that is 14.8 grains of 2400 under a 158 grain Zero JSP. No barn burner, and I don't have my notes. But if my memory serves, it runs right at either side of 1600 fps. in that rifle barrel.
     
    Biggfoot44

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,107
    How do your velocities look with factory loads ? Do you have access to other .357 revolvers ? Maybe your gun is " slow " .
     
    P

    Park ranger

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 6, 2015
    2,325
    Biggfoot44 said:
    How do your velocities look with factory loads ? Do you have access to other .357 revolvers ? Maybe your gun is " slow " .
    Click to expand...

    With factory blazer brass 158 jhp:
    2" is 1093 fps
    4" is 1163 fps
    My 8" is 1312 fps
    20" rifle is 1876 fps.

    All 5 shot average from labradar
     
    S

    SlugCaster

    Member
    Nov 14, 2016
    17
    got to beat 700 foot pounds

    be sure to remember you have to meet or exceed the 700 foot pounds with the new rifle pistol law. a 158 grain bullet of any kind in a 357 magnum is not going to exceed the 700 foot pounds in a short barrel handgun. if i am wrong please tell me how you can do it with a 158 grain bullet.
     
    P

    Park ranger

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 6, 2015
    2,325
    SlugCaster said:
    be sure to remember you have to meet or exceed the 700 foot pounds with the new rifle pistol law. a 158 grain bullet of any kind in a 357 magnum is not going to exceed the 700 foot pounds in a short barrel handgun. if i am wrong please tell me how you can do it with a 158 grain bullet.
    Click to expand...

    See you posted this as a new thread. Tell us what you've been able to achieve? Region B dont mean anything to me.
     
    Biggfoot44

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,107
    Slug Caster mentions " short barell " , and I'm kinda unsure . As in 8.25in being shorter than a rifle ? Or was that a Thread Shift to speak about actual short bbl revolvers ? The OP is using an 8.25in , and the whole discussion is centered around Md DNR Regs , which inherently require min of 6in bbls .


    Oh, and that 850ftlb handload I chrono'ed wasn't a 158, it was a Sierra 170 JHC .

    Back in the day hunting with 6in .357 I never had Bambi cooperate , but did shoot a Boar with it . Mr Boar was not overly impressed , until finally getting him between the eyes . The next time , I had .44 revolver and a .357 rifle .
     
    P

    Park ranger

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 6, 2015
    2,325
    Part on my issue is end shake. I think I am going get to get a shim package and fix that. Shims widen the cylinder gap so that isnt going to help velocity but it might cut down on the huge SD and ES. Then I can actually see if 1.5 grains more powder is paying off or not. With 100 fps ES, its anyone guess.

    Anyone ever shim end shake before?
     
    P

    Park ranger

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 6, 2015
    2,325
    Got my 700 foot pounds! 15.3 grains of 2400 gave me an average of 1425 fps. It's just slightly compressed, I think that was the ticket. Boom! Not bad groups at 50 yards. Cases ever so slightly sticky.
     
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