SP101 .357 loads

cackalak · June 22, 2011, 06:40 PM

Hi, just got into reloading last year. Still learning. I have an SP101 .357 in a 3" barrel. I'm looking to carry this gun as a back up when bowhunting. Mostly for mountain lions and maybe crazy silence-of-lambs freaks. What would be a good load for my gun in a .357?

I was thinking 158gr. XTP HP slugs.. What about powder for this short barrel? Bullseye? H110? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

jmortimer · June 22, 2011, 06:51 PM

I think a 158 grain SWC or 180 LBT style hard cast bullet makes more sense for what you describe. I would go with 2400 or AA 9.

Rampant_Colt · June 22, 2011, 06:56 PM

110 and 2400 powder both produce a fierce muzzle blast accompanied by lots of unburned powder from short barrel lengths in my experience. That might place you at a disadvantage. I was going to experiment to see if AA#9 or L'il Gun produces less flash but had to put that on hold.

Your choice of 158gr XTP is a good one..

Twinsig · June 22, 2011, 07:47 PM

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

HP 38 might be an option for ya

Jim243 · June 22, 2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

HP 38 might be an option for ya

Chucky that is the same as Win 231 powder, while it can be used it is not really for 357 Mag, 38 Spl would be more approprate. For Mag loads you want a slower buring powder like AA 2400 or Win 296 or you could use AA #9. They produce better results, but in a 3 inch you are going to get recoillllllll.

Jim

June 22, 2011, 06:40 PM	#1
cackalak Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Posts: 56	SP101 .357 loads Hi, just got into reloading last year. Still learning. I have an SP101 .357 in a 3" barrel. I'm looking to carry this gun as a back up when bowhunting. Mostly for mountain lions and maybe crazy silence-of-lambs freaks. What would be a good load for my gun in a .357? I was thinking 158gr. XTP HP slugs.. What about powder for this short barrel? Bullseye? H110? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

June 22, 2011, 06:56 PM	#3
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	110 and 2400 powder both produce a fierce muzzle blast accompanied by lots of unburned powder from short barrel lengths in my experience. That might place you at a disadvantage. I was going to experiment to see if AA#9 or L'il Gun produces less flash but had to put that on hold. Your choice of 158gr XTP is a good one.. __________________ member of an elite paramilitary organization: Eagle Scouts

June 22, 2011, 07:47 PM	#4
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp HP 38 might be an option for ya __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

June 22, 2011, 06:51 PM	#2
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I think a 158 grain SWC or 180 LBT style hard cast bullet makes more sense for what you describe. I would go with 2400 or AA 9.