Reloading the .357, ever use this load?

[LightningMan]

I don't usually load full load .357's as most of my reloading is for cowboy action and are of the the mild varity, but once and a while like to go out an shoot some stout loads. (not for CAS) Anyway, I came across this load from the alliant web site; http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...gtypeid=1&weight=110&shellid=1015&bulletid=24
Using the load from the bottom of the page, "110 JHP bullets federal 200 small magnum primers, and 16 grains of BlueDot powder." This is supposed to give a velocity of 2040 fps out of a 5.6 inch barrel. I have tried this load and I was impressed with the muzzle blast/recoil and could believe it was producing this velocity. Just wondering if anyone has chronographed this recipe and does it really go that fast. Thanks, LM.

 

[socaldan]

speer #12 claims 1680 f.p.s., but sorry ,I havent tried it "yet".

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry, I don't believe anything having to do with velocity that the powder companies print.

 

[Steve C]

Alliants data is from a 5.6" barrel and its quite possible that the listed velocity is what you could get, perhaps more from a carbine.

I usually get very close to Alliants listed velocity with a 6" revolver at least within the normal variation one gets when using different guns.

Remember that this listed load is maximum and you should start with a 10% reduction and work up to it as any change in components or powder lot can give you high pressures well before you reach the listed maximum.

In general I haven't had the best luck with 110gr JHP's as their accuracy isn't very good. Could be the bearing surface of the bullet and the twist of my handguns.

 

[Seafarer12]

I would have to chrono it myself to believe it. I don't pay attention to anyones velocity numbers. I have seen the same charge produce 300 fps variations in different books. Believe me I did see that 2000 fps in the alliant book and would like to try it out though. Would also like to see what that load would do in my lever action.

 

[LightningMan]

A little more information; I do pay strick attention to exact load data when making max loads, in fact I weigh each & every charge with my RangeMaster 750 scale. I shot these loads from a Ruger Revolver because of Rugers reputation of being stout for strong. I checked for signs of pressure, first cases came out of the chambers easy, and no split cases. About the only pressure sign that you could tell these loads were up there, was that the primers were flatening out a bit. As far as accuracy these loads where as good as my 180gr. 1300 fps loads in the same gun at 25 & 50 feet. indoor range. I would expect however that the 110 grain bullets would be less accerate at longer distances do to their poor coefficient. I will some day get out and chrono them to see for myself. LM

 

[Drail]

Lightning Man, I shot that load quite a lot in a 4 IN GP 100. After about 350 to 400 rounds the forcing cone showed serious erosion. Keep a close eye on your forcing cone. That load produced a huge fireball out of the 4 IN Ruger. I wish now I had not subjected the gun to that. I still love and use Blue Dot but with lighter loads.

 

[LightningMan]

Drail, thanks for the heads up on the forcing cone, I will keep an eye on it. I have only shot about 50 of these rounds through my gun and don't really plan on shooting a hole lot of these anyway, as I pointed out in my original post, I like to get out an shoot some full power loads once in a while. Thanks again, LM
PS. I don't know if it will make any difference but I have my forcing cone's on all my Ruger's are cut to 11 degrees.

 

[RadioTech]

I've seen where some gun makers recommend to not use a bullet lighter than 125 gr. because of the gas cutting of the forcing cone with the lighter bullets. Evidently there is more gas released around the bullet with the shorter bearing surface.
Brian