range report for .357mag handloads 125 gr.

[FuzzyBrows]

so im fairly new to reloading using the lee handpress, which is pretty slow but gets the job done especially when real estate is limited in my apartment, and the results are amazing. it feels nice to not have to spend 30 dollars on a box of 50. i should really buy a chrono because these loads feel like they're screaming out of the barrel and if you want fireballs, W296 + Win SPM will give it to you. at 7 yd, all within 3 inch. probably better grouping with a better shooter.

shooting out of a S&W 686+ 6" barrel:

-bullet brand: x-treme bullets .38cal 125 gr. JHP and JFN.

https://www.xtremebullets.com/38-s/48044.htm

-primer: Winchester Small Pistol Magnum

-powder and charge: w296 21gr.(min)~22gr.(max). according to hodgdon H110 load data using 125gr hornady XTP. mainly charged most of the cartridges with 21.5gr. and a few with 21gr. to start and 22gr. to push it.

Conclusion: since its a lower tier bullet compared to XTP its probably better to back down the charge a tad maybe to 20gr. but if anyone was wondering, its safe to shoot out of a 686 and groups well.

[trackcage]

Many plated bullets don't hold up well to high velocity. Xtreme does make a heavy plated option, or all of their HP pills are heavy plated if my memory serves correct.

That said, I have since moved away from xtreme entirely in favor of hi-tek coated lead. Don't be afraid to try it - I make hot hot hot loads of 357 and 44 mag with no I'll effects

[the86d]

Max charge with 158 gr. from another manual (higher than my manual), worked up slowly with only case buldge to speak of using plated in .357 mag, but regular primers were fine. I should Chrono them, but about the same as factory FMJ recoil shot about the same... if I didn't over-do the coffee in the morning.

[bergmen]

From the X-Treme Bullets website:

Load Info:

Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp.

Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp.

Dan

[Divernhunter]

Whatever you do. Do NOT download win296 or H-110 below the suggested starting loads. That is a very unsafe and dangerous thing to do.
If you want to slow them up pick a different powder like 700x or Unique.

[hambam105]

Real Magnum loads deserve real copper jacketed bullets. It is a consistency thing.

If & When you get your chrono and you use it then you will appreciate the above sentence. Until then it's all about getting away with pinching pennies.

[stevec223]

7.4gr cfe pistol with those plated bullets is a nice load.. low end ,,, look it up... Mag primers ... Jacketed 125gr bullets for the hot stuff... Be safe,, have fun... Cheers...
Sorry,,,, just saw that they were jacketed,,, not plated... I still use that load with jacketed 125gr bullets,,, a nice load you can shoot all day ....

[ironhorse1]

Real Magnum loads deserve real copper jacketed bullets. It is a consistency thing.

If & When you get your chrono and you use it then you will appreciate the above sentence. Until then it's all about getting away with pinching pennies.

The above advice is great. Plated bullets will strip off the coating with magnum loads and accuracy will suffer.

Save those plated 125's for plinking loads at 1000 fps. You will be amazed at how much fun they are to shoot.

Get some Speer 158 grain JHP or JSP or the brand of your choice and load them with 16 grains or H110 or 296 loads listed in your manual.

Expect about 1200-1300 fps in your 686 as I get 1200 fps in a four inch barrel with 158's.

irh