Powder and bullet suggestions needed

ac700wildcat · March 13, 2009, 10:18 AM

Looking for hunting and plinking loads for a 6.5" ruger blackhawk 357 magnum. I think I'll try alliant 2400 powder first and am open to suggestions for bullets.

I am also looking for suggestions for plinking/practice loads for a 1 7/8" s&w 642.

AlaskaMike · March 13, 2009, 10:51 AM

For just plinking I like 158 grain cast SWCs over something like 6 grains of 231. I'm assuming when you say plinking, you just mean something with good accuracy and mild recoil? If so, then I'd recommend sticking with powders on the faster side of Unique on the burn rate chart. They'll all give acceptable plinking accuracy, but they'll be more economical since you'll only need small charges.

2400 is very good for full power loads and I certainly wouldn't try to steer you away from it, but plinking needs are better satisfied with the fast powders.

Mike

ForneyRider · March 13, 2009, 11:21 AM

W231 and 158gr JSP were my first attempt.

H110 for hot loads.

ThomasT · March 13, 2009, 02:09 PM

I use a lot of midrange loads with a 158 lead SWC and 6.6grs of Unique. It gets around 1050-100 fps. That matches the early 38-40 loads.

An even lighter load is 4.5grs Bullseye and the same 158gr bullet. Hogdon Tightgroup is a good light load powder that is not position sensetive.

ac700wildcat · March 13, 2009, 07:17 PM

For the 642 I'm just looking for something to use to get used to the pistol. Something along the lines of a standard pressure load should work fine. I just picked it up last week and would like to get a ton of practice with it, because it will be my carry gun. I'll also shoot some with the +p ammo that I'll be carrying.

I would like to use the 357 for a doe or two next deer season if I can get enough trigger time to feel comfortable taking a deer with it. Like I said I'll use the 2400 for that, but would like opinions on what bullet would be good for deer. Something in midrange for practice would be nice for the 357 as well. Some cheaper bullets that shoot fairly well would be great.

Hope that clarifies what I'm looking for a bit more.

Thanks,
Matt

rugergp · March 13, 2009, 08:57 PM

I have had really good luck with 8.8 grns. Herco with a 158 grn. Horandy XTP. shoots in the upper 1375 fps. in a 6" gp 100. 1 1/8" groups at 50 yards(my limit) . This load came from a old Hercules booklet back in the 80's. the newer books show 8.2 grns, max. Good Luck! rugergp.

JDG · March 13, 2009, 10:13 PM

My GP100 really shot any 158gr jacketed soft point bullet well. 2400 is good stuff, as is HS6, for softer shooters. What ever you do, resist shooting lead bullets:barf: Unless you enjoy picking lead from your bore, or bought a 357 to shoot 38s

zxcvbob · March 13, 2009, 10:17 PM

158 grain SWC with 6 to 6.5 grains of Bullseye, or 7.5 to 8 grains of Herco or WSF. I haven't tried it with 11 grains of AA#7 yet.

March 13, 2009, 10:18 AM	#1
ac700wildcat Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2008 Location: ND Posts: 239	Powder and bullet suggestions needed Looking for hunting and plinking loads for a 6.5" ruger blackhawk 357 magnum. I think I'll try alliant 2400 powder first and am open to suggestions for bullets. I am also looking for suggestions for plinking/practice loads for a 1 7/8" s&w 642.

March 13, 2009, 11:21 AM	#3
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	W231 and 158gr JSP were my first attempt. H110 for hot loads. __________________ When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.

March 13, 2009, 02:09 PM	#4
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,754	I use a lot of midrange loads with a 158 lead SWC and 6.6grs of Unique. It gets around 1050-100 fps. That matches the early 38-40 loads. An even lighter load is 4.5grs Bullseye and the same 158gr bullet. Hogdon Tightgroup is a good light load powder that is not position sensetive. Last edited by ThomasT; March 13, 2009 at 02:16 PM.

March 13, 2009, 08:57 PM	#6
rugergp Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Bourbon capital of the world! Posts: 4	357 load I have had really good luck with 8.8 grns. Herco with a 158 grn. Horandy XTP. shoots in the upper 1375 fps. in a 6" gp 100. 1 1/8" groups at 50 yards(my limit) . This load came from a old Hercules booklet back in the 80's. the newer books show 8.2 grns, max. Good Luck! rugergp.

March 13, 2009, 10:17 PM	#8
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	158 grain SWC with 6 to 6.5 grains of Bullseye, or 7.5 to 8 grains of Herco or WSF. I haven't tried it with 11 grains of AA#7 yet. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

March 13, 2009, 10:51 AM	#2
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 943	For just plinking I like 158 grain cast SWCs over something like 6 grains of 231. I'm assuming when you say plinking, you just mean something with good accuracy and mild recoil? If so, then I'd recommend sticking with powders on the faster side of Unique on the burn rate chart. They'll all give acceptable plinking accuracy, but they'll be more economical since you'll only need small charges. 2400 is very good for full power loads and I certainly wouldn't try to steer you away from it, but plinking needs are better satisfied with the fast powders. Mike

March 13, 2009, 07:17 PM	#5
ac700wildcat Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2008 Location: ND Posts: 239	For the 642 I'm just looking for something to use to get used to the pistol. Something along the lines of a standard pressure load should work fine. I just picked it up last week and would like to get a ton of practice with it, because it will be my carry gun. I'll also shoot some with the +p ammo that I'll be carrying. I would like to use the 357 for a doe or two next deer season if I can get enough trigger time to feel comfortable taking a deer with it. Like I said I'll use the 2400 for that, but would like opinions on what bullet would be good for deer. Something in midrange for practice would be nice for the 357 as well. Some cheaper bullets that shoot fairly well would be great. Hope that clarifies what I'm looking for a bit more. Thanks, Matt

March 13, 2009, 10:13 PM	#7
JDG Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: West Michigan Posts: 673	My GP100 really shot any 158gr jacketed soft point bullet well. 2400 is good stuff, as is HS6, for softer shooters. What ever you do, resist shooting lead bullets:barf: Unless you enjoy picking lead from your bore, or bought a 357 to shoot 38s