How does this .357 load sound?

NAKing · September 5, 2008, 09:23 AM

After cross-checking a few reloading manuals I think I have a good starting load figured out for a 125 grain bullet.

Hornady 125 grain HP-XTP
18 grains of H110 powder
Small pistol primer (non magnum)

I am considering the H110 because I have read that it has good performance while keeping the muzzle flash lower than other powders. The max load listed would be 19.8 grains, so I figure 18 is a good starting point. This *should* give around 1310 fps velocity. What about leading? It seems that lead bullets fired over 1100 FPS can create a large buildup of lead. Is the Hornady a firmer lead?

Sevens · September 5, 2008, 09:39 AM

I'm a bit confused-- are you using a jacketed bullet? If you are using an actual Hornady XTP, then it is jacketed and you won't have any leading. Indeed, a soft lead bullet can leave lead in a bore if it's pushed too fast. There's a bit of trial and error (and a lot of careful inspection!) when working with lead bullets.

But the XTP is a very good, pricey jacketed bullet.

Powderman · September 5, 2008, 09:56 AM

First of all, do NOT reduce any load with H110 or WW296 (actually the same powder) more than 3%. These powders need high load density to function well--light loads with these powders have a tendency to turn into squibs.

Thus, if the max load is 19 grains, do not reduce this load more than 1/2 grain.

Second, if you want less flash, you definitely picked the wrong powder. H110 is meant for full power high performance loads. Expect a lot of flash and heavy recoil with this powder.

NAKing · September 5, 2008, 09:58 AM

Really?? The books I have put the minimum load at between 17.4 and 17.7 grains. I thought a starting point of 18 grains would virtually eliminate the potential for squibs.

Yes, it's jacketed. I figured it would be fine, but I was just checking. Can't be too careful!

Scorch · September 5, 2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

I am considering the H110 because I have read that it has good performance while keeping the muzzle flash lower than other powders.

Ooooh boy, is he in for a surprise! One word of caution: don't shoot this after sunset, it will ruin your night vision. H110/WW296 is a relatively slow magnum ball powder. It is not particularly well-suited to loading lightweight bullets. A better option would be Blue Dot, 2400, or 4227, which will give you much less muzzle flash (although I am not sure if the fireball you will get from H110 will qualify as a mere "flash").

Quote:

What about leading?

You are shooting jacketed bullets, there will be no lead touching the bore.

NAKing · September 5, 2008, 10:43 AM

Okay, this is why I posed the question before buying powder. Something like Accurate no. 7 would probably be better?

AlaskaMike · September 5, 2008, 11:04 AM

AA7 would be pretty good, but you won't get max velocity with it, which is what it appears that you're after. The 125 grain bullet is relatively light for the caliber, so the slow burning magnum powders will make a very big blast--lots of noise and lots of flash. With H110, 18 grains is probably safe enough (assuming a good strong crimp and good, full length brass sizing), but not with a standard primer as you indicated--you'll really want a magnum primer with H110.

I think if it were me, and I was going for velocity with that bullet, I'd go with either AA9 or 2400. H110 and W296 (same powder) are at their best with heavier bullets, and in fact either Hodgdon or Winchester (before Hodgdon bought out their powder line) recommended against using H110 or W296 with bullets lighter than 158 grain in .357 mag.

Personally I think you're going to get a fair amount of muzzle flash regardless, so I wouldn't get too caught up about that.

Mike

roy reali · September 5, 2008, 12:35 PM

BANG!!!!!

CraigC · September 5, 2008, 01:03 PM

Magnum primers are usually recommended for H110/296. I wouldn't bother with H110 for 1300fps with a 125gr bullet. You can get that done with 8.0-9.0gr Unique and standard primers.

tomh1426 · September 5, 2008, 01:33 PM

When I just started reloading I worked up some loads using Hornady 125gr FP/XTP's and H110.
I started at 18.5 gr and stopped at 21.0 gr, like others have said their are better powders for pushin the little 125's

wpcexpert · September 5, 2008, 02:38 PM

I like H110. I believe I'm loading 22gr behind 125gr XTP with CCI Magnums.

I've found that load to be accurate. The Hodgdon website lists the max at 22gr.

Loader9 · September 5, 2008, 05:44 PM

You need to use a magnum primer with H110. Expect a huge muzzle flash and I wouldn't suggest shooting it in dry grass. There will be a lot of unburned powder that will be blown out of the barrel. I assume you have a 6" barrel. If not at least a 6" barrel, you're wasting your time using a powder that slow. I'd suggest using something like Unique or if you want a powder that will go thru a measure and throw pretty reliable, try AA5. Speed doesn't necessarily mean anything if you can't hit anything with it. Expect odd pressures using this slow of powder and the 125 gr bullets in the 357 mag. Here's Accurate's data for the 357:
http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/P...20to%20102.pdf

CraigC · September 5, 2008, 11:26 PM

Contrary to popular myth, slow powders still give highest velocities in short barrels.

arizona98tj · September 6, 2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

H110/WW296 is a relatively slow magnum ball powder. It is not particularly well-suited to loading lightweight bullets. A better option would be Blue Dot, 2400, or 4227, which will give you much less muzzle flash....

No.....Blue Dot would NOT be a better option....do not use Blue Dot with a 125 grain bullet.

Read the powder warning notice!!!

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=303766

September 5, 2008, 09:23 AM	#1
NAKing Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2008 Posts: 304	How does this .357 load sound? After cross-checking a few reloading manuals I think I have a good starting load figured out for a 125 grain bullet. Hornady 125 grain HP-XTP 18 grains of H110 powder Small pistol primer (non magnum) I am considering the H110 because I have read that it has good performance while keeping the muzzle flash lower than other powders. The max load listed would be 19.8 grains, so I figure 18 is a good starting point. This should give around 1310 fps velocity. What about leading? It seems that lead bullets fired over 1100 FPS can create a large buildup of lead. Is the Hornady a firmer lead?

September 5, 2008, 09:39 AM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I'm a bit confused-- are you using a jacketed bullet? If you are using an actual Hornady XTP, then it is jacketed and you won't have any leading. Indeed, a soft lead bullet can leave lead in a bore if it's pushed too fast. There's a bit of trial and error (and a lot of careful inspection!) when working with lead bullets. But the XTP is a very good, pricey jacketed bullet. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 5, 2008, 12:35 PM	#8
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Load Sound? BANG!!!!!

September 5, 2008, 02:38 PM	#11
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	I like H110. I believe I'm loading 22gr behind 125gr XTP with CCI Magnums. I've found that load to be accurate. The Hodgdon website lists the max at 22gr. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

September 5, 2008, 09:56 AM	#3
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	First of all, do NOT reduce any load with H110 or WW296 (actually the same powder) more than 3%. These powders need high load density to function well--light loads with these powders have a tendency to turn into squibs. Thus, if the max load is 19 grains, do not reduce this load more than 1/2 grain. Second, if you want less flash, you definitely picked the wrong powder. H110 is meant for full power high performance loads. Expect a lot of flash and heavy recoil with this powder.

September 5, 2008, 09:58 AM	#4
NAKing Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2008 Posts: 304	Really?? The books I have put the minimum load at between 17.4 and 17.7 grains. I thought a starting point of 18 grains would virtually eliminate the potential for squibs. Yes, it's jacketed. I figured it would be fine, but I was just checking. Can't be too careful!

September 5, 2008, 10:43 AM	#6
NAKing Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2008 Posts: 304	Okay, this is why I posed the question before buying powder. Something like Accurate no. 7 would probably be better?

September 5, 2008, 11:04 AM	#7
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 941	AA7 would be pretty good, but you won't get max velocity with it, which is what it appears that you're after. The 125 grain bullet is relatively light for the caliber, so the slow burning magnum powders will make a very big blast--lots of noise and lots of flash. With H110, 18 grains is probably safe enough (assuming a good strong crimp and good, full length brass sizing), but not with a standard primer as you indicated--you'll really want a magnum primer with H110. I think if it were me, and I was going for velocity with that bullet, I'd go with either AA9 or 2400. H110 and W296 (same powder) are at their best with heavier bullets, and in fact either Hodgdon or Winchester (before Hodgdon bought out their powder line) recommended against using H110 or W296 with bullets lighter than 158 grain in .357 mag. Personally I think you're going to get a fair amount of muzzle flash regardless, so I wouldn't get too caught up about that. Mike

September 5, 2008, 01:03 PM	#9
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	Magnum primers are usually recommended for H110/296. I wouldn't bother with H110 for 1300fps with a 125gr bullet. You can get that done with 8.0-9.0gr Unique and standard primers.

September 5, 2008, 01:33 PM	#10
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	When I just started reloading I worked up some loads using Hornady 125gr FP/XTP's and H110. I started at 18.5 gr and stopped at 21.0 gr, like others have said their are better powders for pushin the little 125's

September 5, 2008, 05:44 PM	#12
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	You need to use a magnum primer with H110. Expect a huge muzzle flash and I wouldn't suggest shooting it in dry grass. There will be a lot of unburned powder that will be blown out of the barrel. I assume you have a 6" barrel. If not at least a 6" barrel, you're wasting your time using a powder that slow. I'd suggest using something like Unique or if you want a powder that will go thru a measure and throw pretty reliable, try AA5. Speed doesn't necessarily mean anything if you can't hit anything with it. Expect odd pressures using this slow of powder and the 125 gr bullets in the 357 mag. Here's Accurate's data for the 357: http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/P...20to%20102.pdf

September 5, 2008, 11:26 PM	#13
CraigC Junior member Join Date: November 28, 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 4,300	Contrary to popular myth, slow powders still give highest velocities in short barrels.