357 Mag loads with H110 and plated bullets...

[McGuiver]

I'm loading up some 357 Magnum rounds today. I will be using Extreme Bullets for this.

http://www.xtremebullets.com/38-125-FP-p/xc38-125fpcan-b0500.htm

I know almost all the loads for H110 and 125gr bullets are always jacketed. I created a gas check out of chipboard wads I punched out. They are 0.045" thick and 0.360" diameter. I will be loading to the minimum for H110.



I did soak the gas checks in bee's wax to help with seal and keep plated bullet cooler. I read about this on the castboolits forum. It works without any leading problems.





Basically deep fat frying my wads in bees wax. Once the bubbles stop they come out of the wax and cool in Teflon pan.

This bees wax soaked gas check would go in the case just below the bullet.

Here is where I got my inspiration from.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?30755-wax-wads

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[Lead Waster]

We're they giving you problems before the gas checks?

[JagerDog]

No personal experience. I'm of the understanding that proper h110 loads need a firm crimp, which plated bullets don't like.

what are you trying to accomplish with what qualifies as a plinking bullet driven at h110 357 mag speeds?

[ironhorse1]

I really don't know why you are doing all the work for over powder wads when the base of the bullet is plated. Also the wad will result in reduced case capacity.

Shooting a Marlin .357 1894 I found that accuracy is lost when pushing plated bullets too fast.

At higher velocities I think that the plating is cut through by the lands.

Can you please explain what you are trying to achieve with this loading process. I see nothing to be gained with over powder wads unless you were using black powder and cast bullets.

irh

[McGuiver]

357 Mag loads with H110 and plated bullets...

Just trying something different. That is how you learn. These bullets are actually loaded as lead rounds for loading data. The thin copper plating just helps prevent leading. I just want to make sure that there is the best chance of no leading under a magnum load.



Cases being filled with powder then topped with waxed chipboard wad.



Bullets being seated.



Final product.

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[McGuiver]

We're they giving you problems before the gas checks?

I have only loaded cast lead rounds before with a copper gas check. This is supposed to help from burning the back of the bullet. The copper is very thin. This load was intended for a XTP jacketed bullet.

[McGuiver]

I really don't know why you are doing all the work for over powder wads when the base of the bullet is plated. Also the wad will result in reduced case capacity.



Shooting a Marlin .357 1894 I found that accuracy is lost when pushing plated bullets too fast.



At higher velocities I think that the plating is cut through by the lands.



Can you please explain what you are trying to achieve with this loading process. I see nothing to be gained with over powder wads unless you were using black powder and cast bullets.



irh

I have 2 Marlin rifles, and yes they suck if you push them to much. Stupid micro grooving rifled barrel. For magnum rounds I will shoot from a non-micro grooved barrel.

I will be shooting these out of my S&W pre model 28 Highway Patrolman revolver. It has a 6 inch barrel. It should throw out a nice flame.

[McGuiver]

357 Mag loads with H110 and plated bullets...

No personal experience. I'm of the understanding that proper h110 loads need a firm crimp, which plated bullets don't like.

what are you trying to accomplish with what qualifies as a plinking bullet driven at h110 357 mag speeds?

I rarely load 357 mag bullets. I will be testing these for accuracy at the range. I want a load for these bullets for an upcoming bowling pin match. I will also be loading some cast bullets in the future at 158gr for bowling pin match. I have never tested the 158gr against a bowling pin.

I just don't want leading or copper fouling. I'm hoping that these bullets driving this fast with the wax gas check help with this.

Estimated velocity is about 1600 fps out of a 6 inch barrel.

[ironhorse1]

Well I see you are certainly not holding back going with the maximum load.

Did I mention a slight decrease in case capacity?

Anyway an interesting test, but a waste of a lot of H110.

Surprisingly Speer #14 only list 1282 fps out of a six inch barrel with 20 grains and a 125 grain jacketed bullet.

I know that I have reached over 1200 fps with 16 grains and a 158 JSP in a four inch barrel. Also 1700 fps in the Marlin with a 158 JSP and 17 grains of H110.

Unique, Power Pistol or 2400 would be much more efficient in your revolver but I'm sure that you already know that.

You have a very strong revolver up to the task. Let us know how this works out. Wear your sunglasses. There is going to be a major fire ball.

irh

[BEE]

Subscribed. I'll be getting into reloading 357mag w/ H110 eventually.

[McGuiver]

[McGuiver]

357 Mag loads with H110 and plated bullets...

The power out of these loads is the best I have ever felt out of a 357 load. It was very accurate. I shot 6 at 25 feet and here is the group.





Here is my group marked up.



4 inch group at 25 feet. Not bad for a full magnum round.

I had no signs of leading or copper fouling with these. I have a new favorite load.

Primers are flattened, but not cratered. I would not want to go any higher without a chrono reading.



I know the waxed chipboard gas seals helped. I know they also took up 0.045" extra case space. I crimped the bullets right at the cannelure. They had a good crimp. I used my Dillon dies for the whole process, including crimping.

Final load data. Use at your own risk...

*****
Brass - new Starline 357 mag cases

Primer - Federal Magnum primers for pistol

Powder - Winchester 296 (20 grains)

Bullet - 38/357 caliber 125 grain Extreme Bullets 0.357" diameter (copper plated) with cannelure

Gas check - 0.045" thick chipboard/compressed cardboard (back of a legal pad) x 0.360" diameter, soaked in bees wax.

Heavy crimp at cannelure.

OAL - 1.575"
*****

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[Cheep]

What are the tiny holes in the target?

[ironhorse1]

Thank you for the fireball pictures. Pretty much what I expect from a load of ball powder.

Were you able to see or recover any of the wads?

How about a 25 yard or 25 meter test from a benchrest?

Can you try these in a rifle?

It might have to be any rifle other than a Marlin as the microgroove does not like light bullets.

irh

[McGuiver]

What are the tiny holes in the target?

#9 shot. Target was also shot with a shot shell. I tried to have clean targets for the test. My son wanted to shoot everything at my test targets.