357 SIG with 2400

[kcofohio]

About a year and a half ago I seen in Alliant's 2005 Reloaders Guide data showing 2400 in 38 Super with a Hornady 147 gr. XTP. So it got me figuring out to try it in 357 SIG. The SIG has a slight more volume (.01587 cubic volume, with consideration of the SIG bullet is seating about .105" deeper) than the Super.
I used the RMR 147 gr. FP MW, which is .019" shorter than the XTP. Alliant's max shows 10.9 gr. for 1215 fps and psi at 33,600. I started at 9.9 gr. and worked up to 10.7 gr. I took these to the range and shot up to 10.3 gr. Those were good on accuracy. I couldn't get the chronograph to read, bad cable I believe. So the 10.5 and 10.7 gr. will have to wait.
I know there are plenty of other powders that are better suited for the cartridge. But I always try to have plenty of 2400 around. And what's not to like of having another reliable load to fall back on.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

I like .357 Sig. Thanks for sharing.

I stick to blue dot and power pistol.

EDIT: Do you size the cases use the single full length die, or do you do a separate 40 S&W die to deprime, then neck size it ?

 

[kcofohio]

I like .357 Sig. Thanks for sharing.

I stick to blue dot and power pistol.

EDIT: Do you size the cases use the single full length die, or do you do a separate 40 S&W die to deprime, then neck size it ?

I do deprime and size with the 40 S&W carbide sizing die before using the full length die. Time isn't an issue, since I take more time with this cartridge than most others. Most of the time I use a universal neck expander for minimal flare. Then the short rifle through powder charging die.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

Time isn't an issue, since I take more time with this cartridge than most others.

Yea, this really is one of those calibers. Spent the most money on this caliber than any others. I tried a 40 S&W barrel in my Glock and my gosh the barrel I bought doesn't chamber 40 smith cases worth anything. I got it to reload the easier 40 smith but at this point (since I barely have done anything with 40 smith) I can pump out .357 sig rounds far more easily, even if I haven't done much with this cartridge either but at least I've done about over 200 rounds of it.

I need to toss the 40 s&w barrel but I spent about 100 bucks on it.

 

[kcofohio]

Yea, this really is one of those calibers. Spent the most money on this caliber than any others. I tried a 40 S&W barrel in my Glock and my gosh the barrel I bought doesn't chamber 40 smith cases worth anything. I got it to reload the easier 40 smith but at this point (since I barely have done anything with 40 smith) I can pump out .357 sig rounds far more easily, even if I haven't done much with this cartridge either but at least I've done about over 200 rounds of it.

I need to toss the 40 s&w barrel but I spent about 100 bucks on it.

I almost got out of the 40 several years ago. But for some reason I kept acquiring more of them. I'm not a big fan of it. But it sticks around.
The SIG is a more interesting cartridge to me. More of a challenge.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

I'm not a big fan of it. But it sticks around.

Well I sorta am, but on principle alone; 40 is the biggest you can go in a standard size frame, it's straight walled so theoretically easier to load. And it is, but Glock barrel doesn't work with factory ammunition.
My main reason I look for 40 smith pistols is to convert to .357 sig.