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.357 Magnum and 2400 dilemma

CC-CENTERFIRE6075CC-CENTERFIRE6075 Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
edited March 2008 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
I have a Ruger sp101 with the 2.25" barrel. I'm looking for a stout load but have some powder charge discrepencies. The primers I have are winchester small mag. The bullets are winchester 158 gr. jhp's and the powder is Hercules 2400 circa late 60's early 70's. The Alliant website shows a max. charge of 14.0 grs with std primer. I have loaded 12.6 gr.,13.5 gr., and 14.0 gr and fired them all with no problems. The cases extracted very easily and the 14.0 gr charge chrono'ed a 5 shot average of 1005 fps.with +or- 10 fps deviation. I have a speer #9 manual from 1979 that shows 158 gr. jhp for a start load of 13.9 up to 15.9 grains (the max charge may not be right as I am at work). This manual was published closer to the time the powder was manufactured and I would think should be the most reliable. However I have no intention of loading max charge of 15.9 grns. I want to load 14.5 grns. with small mag primer and 158 grn. bullet. Does anyone know if this load is too hot? Thanks
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Comments

  • ZinderblocZinderbloc Member Posts: 925 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just my opinion, but I think you should invest in a pound of faster burning powder. 2400 can't be ideal for your short-barrel revolver.

    FYI I load 15.0 gr. of 2400 as my maximum load for 158 gr. JHP.
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  • CC-CENTERFIRE6075CC-CENTERFIRE6075 Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with you, however I have about 2 lbs of the 2400 and almost no use for it. I have, unique,bullseye and power pistol. Power pistol being my favorite of the 3. 7.8 grns. with standard sml. pistol and the same 158 gr. jhp. works well for practice. Chrono'ed 950 fps. avg. Thanks for the reply.
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are getting 1000fps. with the powders you are using, I would stick with them, as long as there are no pressure signs.
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  • CC-CENTERFIRE6075CC-CENTERFIRE6075 Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been reloading for years but .357 is new to me. So 1000 fps is realistic from the short barrel? I really don't want to raise the powder level above the 14.0 grns as the flash is already unreal. I was just trying to get the full potential out of the round/gun combo.I realize the barrel is a limiting factor. Oh and also the speer manual I have from '79 is a #10. Thanks for the info guys.
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  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I would also suggest a little faster powder such as AA7 with that short a barrel.
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  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    2400 is too slow for a 2 1/2 inch barrel...works great in my 8 inch through...I agree 14,5 to 15 grs is max with a 158 gr bullet...with the 2 1/2 inch barrel I would use HS-6 or AA5.
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  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    CC,
    I came up with a good 2" +P load several years ago, it's a 38 special load, I don't think you gain anything using 357s in a short barrel. Thats just my opinion, here's my load.
    CCI 550 primer
    6.5gr Blue Dot
    158gr Horndy XTP
    Every J frame Smith I've shot with this will hold 2" at 15yds.
    Good luck.
    W.D.
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  • CC-CENTERFIRE6075CC-CENTERFIRE6075 Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Capn, sounds like a good load. I will give it a shot.
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