.357mag help

Jaycolo · May 13, 2007, 08:02 PM

looking in my speer book it says using 125 grain tmj use 9.6grains of unique max.Can a ruger blackhawk handle more then max and would 11 grains be to much for a hunting load?

firechicken · May 13, 2007, 08:10 PM

You need to work your load up from the starting load. Your fired cases will give you a good idea when to stop. Look for cases that stick in the cylinder a little, as well as flattened primers. If you're not too sure about checking for excessive pressure, then never exceed published maximum loads. What are you going to hunt? If you're going after deer sized game, I would suggest a heavier bullet and a slower powder like 2400, W296, or H110.

mc223 · May 13, 2007, 08:20 PM

Ditto firechicken. Slower powders are much better in 357 for deer sized game. Better velocitys with lower pressure.

jamaica · May 14, 2007, 12:10 AM

Just looking in my latest version of Hornady's manual under handgun loads.

They don't list Unique for the 125 gr jacketed bullet. They say AA No. 9, H 110, HS-7 and win 296 were excellent. Then they say that Unique was the best with lead bullets. They are not pushing the lead as fast though.

I don't load for 357, but will caution you about going over the max published loads at any time. #1 what firechicken said. Start low and work up. There are just a lot of variables.

Stargazer · May 14, 2007, 04:56 AM

When using a fast powder like Unique, PLEASE,PLEASE do not exceed the listed charges. If any, creep up .1 grain at a time, DO NOT JUMP an extra 2 grains at a time. You are liable to find yourself waking up with injuries to do so.

ECLIPSE45ACP · May 14, 2007, 05:38 AM

I would suggest winchester 296 with a 158 gr hornady xtp. Check the powder charge in hornady's book. I use 18.5 grs of 296 behind a 125 grn winchester JHP for paper punching at the range. 1.585 COL.

Ben Shepherd · May 14, 2007, 01:39 PM

WHAT game are you intending to hunt? That slug is awfully light for anything other that rabbits.

May 13, 2007, 08:10 PM	#2
firechicken Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2006 Location: Savannah, MO Posts: 224	You need to work your load up from the starting load. Your fired cases will give you a good idea when to stop. Look for cases that stick in the cylinder a little, as well as flattened primers. If you're not too sure about checking for excessive pressure, then never exceed published maximum loads. What are you going to hunt? If you're going after deer sized game, I would suggest a heavier bullet and a slower powder like 2400, W296, or H110. __________________ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke

May 14, 2007, 04:56 AM	#5
Stargazer Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 506	When using a fast powder like Unique, PLEASE,PLEASE do not exceed the listed charges. If any, creep up .1 grain at a time, DO NOT JUMP an extra 2 grains at a time. You are liable to find yourself waking up with injuries to do so. __________________ 5.56mm, reach out and touch something. .458 SOCOM,reach out and knock something down. M70 Web Page

May 14, 2007, 05:38 AM	#6
ECLIPSE45ACP Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 177	I would suggest winchester 296 with a 158 gr hornady xtp. Check the powder charge in hornady's book. I use 18.5 grs of 296 behind a 125 grn winchester JHP for paper punching at the range. 1.585 COL. __________________ GLOCK 17 9MM KIMBER ECLIPSE CUSTOM II .45 ACP COLT PYTHON 6" STAINLESS .357 MAGNUM "SPEAK SOFTLY AND CARRY A BIG GUN!"

May 14, 2007, 01:39 PM	#7
Ben Shepherd Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 1,462	WHAT game are you intending to hunt? That slug is awfully light for anything other that rabbits. __________________ From my cold dead hands......... NRA certified rifle, pistol and shotgun instructor. Hunter education instructor

May 13, 2007, 08:02 PM	#1
Jaycolo Junior member Join Date: March 26, 2007 Posts: 59	.357mag help looking in my speer book it says using 125 grain tmj use 9.6grains of unique max.Can a ruger blackhawk handle more then max and would 11 grains be to much for a hunting load?

May 13, 2007, 08:20 PM	#3
mc223 Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Location: n/w Wisconsin Posts: 365	Ditto firechicken. Slower powders are much better in 357 for deer sized game. Better velocitys with lower pressure.

May 14, 2007, 12:10 AM	#4
jamaica Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2006 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 705	Just looking in my latest version of Hornady's manual under handgun loads. They don't list Unique for the 125 gr jacketed bullet. They say AA No. 9, H 110, HS-7 and win 296 were excellent. Then they say that Unique was the best with lead bullets. They are not pushing the lead as fast though. I don't load for 357, but will caution you about going over the max published loads at any time. #1 what firechicken said. Start low and work up. There are just a lot of variables.