Quoheleth
Member
I recently picked up Lyman's pistol and revolver handbook. For anyone looking for a second (or third) reloading manual for handguns, I highly recommend this one. I find it readable and full of good information - not to mention good load data, including each bullet had a particular load designated as potentially most accurate load (wonder how they determined that?)
Looking at the .357 Magnum data, I shoot 158gr LSWC out of my 6" GP100. Unfortunately, Lymann only lists data for a 155gr bullet and a 160gr bullet. I have AA#9 that I want to use to generate magnum velocity, working up to full-house loads. I want to see how far I can safely and cleanly push these lead bullets without creating a smoothbore.
But, in looking at data, just the starting data for AA#9 is a pretty wide spread.
Lymann 155gr LSWC: start, 13.0gr; max, 14.5gr.
Lymann 160gr LSWC: start, 12.3gr; max, 13.7gr
Accurate website: 158gr LSWC: start, 11.2gr; max, 12.4gr.
That's almost a 2 grain discrepency comparing the start datum!!!!!!
If I were "just" reloading .38 Specials for shooting out of my Magnum, I wouldn't worry as much about it. .38 Specials run at much lower pressures and the Ruger can handle it. These loads are in the 28,000+ CUP range - I really don't want to KB my gun or my hand.
So, the questions are: Is AA#9 sensitive to light loads? I know H110 is; I want to make sure I'm safe.
I'm leaning toward using the info on the Accurate website to start. Would you suggest sticking with their 12.4gr at max load, too?
I'm looking forward to wringing out the .357. I've not loaded higher-end stuff before - my max has been 5.0gr Titegroup behind this bullet.
Thanks,
Q
Looking at the .357 Magnum data, I shoot 158gr LSWC out of my 6" GP100. Unfortunately, Lymann only lists data for a 155gr bullet and a 160gr bullet. I have AA#9 that I want to use to generate magnum velocity, working up to full-house loads. I want to see how far I can safely and cleanly push these lead bullets without creating a smoothbore.
But, in looking at data, just the starting data for AA#9 is a pretty wide spread.
Lymann 155gr LSWC: start, 13.0gr; max, 14.5gr.
Lymann 160gr LSWC: start, 12.3gr; max, 13.7gr
Accurate website: 158gr LSWC: start, 11.2gr; max, 12.4gr.
That's almost a 2 grain discrepency comparing the start datum!!!!!!
If I were "just" reloading .38 Specials for shooting out of my Magnum, I wouldn't worry as much about it. .38 Specials run at much lower pressures and the Ruger can handle it. These loads are in the 28,000+ CUP range - I really don't want to KB my gun or my hand.
So, the questions are: Is AA#9 sensitive to light loads? I know H110 is; I want to make sure I'm safe.
I'm leaning toward using the info on the Accurate website to start. Would you suggest sticking with their 12.4gr at max load, too?
I'm looking forward to wringing out the .357. I've not loaded higher-end stuff before - my max has been 5.0gr Titegroup behind this bullet.
Thanks,
Q