357mag - Nosler - 2400

[Stinger]

I recently ordered several different 357 mag bullets to try out. I will be using 2400 and 158g JHP's.

Basically all of the load data has a start charge of around 14 with a max charge of around 15. However, the Nosler data shows a start charge of 11.3 and a max charge of 12.3.

That is 3 full grains lower for both starting and max charges. What gives here?

Most of the rest of the min/max loads seem to be pretty close (with the exception of W296, which shows a similar trend as the 2400).

Thanks,

Stinger

 

[pcf]

With Nosler bullets I'd stick with Nosler load data. No reloading manual takes into account the lot to lot variations of powder, brass, primers, and bullets, as well as, different test equipment, that another manufacturer uses. There are too many factors involved to pin down one exact cause of different data from manual to manual.

With that said, I find the Nosler data on 2400 to be way off. Using 12.3grs of 2400 I get inconsistent velocities and lots of unburned powder. Bumping up the charge performance was more stable and the problems with unburned powder went away. There were no sign of overpressure.

If your not married to 2400 can I recommend VV n340 and n110, expensive but truly awesome powders in the .357

 

[callgood]

I agree with pcf on prefering the manufacturers data over, say, Hodgdon or Lee. Also with his take on n340, which I have used for 10mm. I have the Speer manual for use with Gold Dots, and I used Nosler data for their 135gr JHPs in 10mm. I am really impressed with the Nosler bullets I have used. Extremely uniform when compared with, for example, Winchester bullets, which are ok, just not as uniform. I have a Redding competition seater, and the Noslers come out like clones.

 

[Stinger]

I'll update in case somebody comes across this thread with a similar question, or just in case any of you were interested.

I called Nosler to inquire about this. The gentleman on the phone was very helpful, and told me that the data was based on their test gun (which was a closed breech, and not a revolver.) He told me that it was possible to use more powder with a revolver, but did not recommend, nor encourage this, as they had only tested using their gun.

So, I decided to start low and work my way up. I increased charges by .3 each time, and loaded 10 each, all of the way up to the minimum load listed in most other manuals.

I got no signs of overpressure, and didn't notice any more recoil than normal.

I will continue to work up loads for this bullet, and post my results if anyone is interested. But it will probably be a month or more, as my wife and I just had a baby, and time is at a premium.

Regards,

Stinger