357mag load data

[damndave]

My buddy just got into reloading and today we were setting up his rig. I only reload the super popular calibers like 9mm, 223, 308 etc. 1st time loading for a revolver and a little confused with the load data.

Components used:

New Winchester brass
Alliant 2400 powder
Winchester Magnum primers
X-Treme 158gr SWC bullets

My Lyman's 49th only has data for a JHP and was wondering if the data for those would be the same for our bullets?

[dbbspider]

I loaded 158 gr FMJ (357mag) per the Lyman 49th ed book and it shot fine out of my S&W 686+

[24Sailor]

2400 is a great powder in .357. I'm not sure which 158 gr. SWC you're planning on using (plated or cast?). Having never loaded X-treme bullets, if it were me I would contact the manufacturer's tech support and ask them if you can follow the Lyman #49 load data. i have done this with both Barnes and Berger techs and it was quite reassuring vs. testing my loads in a bomb disposal unit suit when I wasn't near 100% confident.

[Bill Steele]

Given he is loading semi wad cutters, I assume he is looking for target loads, I would recommend he switch to something like W231, it will cost less to load and will deliver target velocities more reliably than 2400.

If he wants magnum results, I think Stilly said he talked to X-treme and they said 1500fps was their speed limit. If that number is good for their SWC's, you could load to max book jacketed levels with 2400 no problem as those velocities will be closer to 1300fps. Maybe a quick call to X-treme would be a good idea.

Finally, another negative of loading 2400 with X-treme is I don't think they have a cannelure, so a nice roll crimp is kind of out. 2400 is pretty forgiving as a magnum powder, so it may not matter than much, perhaps consider using magnum primers if lighter loads are the goal.

[Cowboy T]

I don't have Lyman's 49th in front of me, but I do a whole lot of .357M with LSWC's and LRNFP's. As I recall, that book does have data for both 158gr LSWC's and LRNFP's. Give 13.0gr of 2400, with standard (not magnum) small pistol primers, a try. Nice, reasonably stout load that doesn't kill your hand.

BTW, I've read recently that Alliant no longer recommends magnum primers with 2400. Apparently the newer piezoelectric pressure barrels are showing big pressure spikes when 2400 is used with magnum primers. Fortunately, 2400 is a very easy powder to ignite under just about any conditions, summer-hot or Detroit-winter-cold.

[Bill Steele]

..BTW, I've read recently that Alliant no longer recommends magnum primers with 2400. Apparently the newer piezoelectric pressure barrels are showing big pressure spikes when 2400 is used with magnum primers. Fortunately, 2400 is a very easy powder to ignite under just about any conditions, summer-hot or Detroit-winter-cold.

Interesting, where did you read this as it is not in my old Alliant guide?

I generally load with magnum primers in all my lighter loads when I want to get lower SD's, but I also don't want to blow anything up.

[damndave]

Thanks for the responses guys.

These are the plated 158gr SWC and using magnum primers. Is this as bad combo?

When my friend was at Phillips Wholesale, that's what he was told to buy from the worker there.

[AJD]

If those plated bullets are like most of xtreme's, they probably have almost no crimp groove. It's going to be difficult to get a firm roll crimp that's need with 2400 to prevent bullet jump under recoil. Those bullets have a very soft lead core that allows the bullet to be easily deformed even under mild crimps. As mentioned, 2400 usually works the best with a standard primer as a opposed to a magnum. It's much more consistent with a standard primer. I would use those plated bullets with a faster powder like 231 etc, for mild target loads. I'd save the 2400 for jacketed or the appropriate cast bullet with a good crimp groove.

Interesting, where did you read this as it is not in my old Alliant guide?

I generally load with magnum primers in all my lighter loads when I want to get lower SD's, but I also don't want to blow anything up.

Speer also recommends against using magnum primers with 2400. I have noticed much better consistency (SDs) and accuracy with standard primers and 2400. That may have something to do with 2400 not being a ball powder like many of the other slower burning pistol powders.

[Bill Steele]

Thanks for the responses guys.

These are the plated 158gr SWC and using magnum primers. Is this as bad combo?

When my friend was at Phillips Wholesale, that's what he was told to buy from the worker there.

By the sound of T's comment, it doesn't sound too good for magnum primers and 2400. I have successfully used them with 2400 (both light and heavy loads) for a long time with no ill effects, BUT...

I know a while back Alliant quit posting loads for Blue Dot and 41 Magnum, seems they saw pressure spikes in some of their testing and got cold feet on this combo. Maybe they tested 2400 and found some problems with magnums.

I just ordered a current load guide from them, maybe it will have some data. They also have a page where you can submit questions via their website, probably couldn't hurt before you start loading.

[Bill Steele]

..Speer also recommends against using magnum primers with 2400. I have noticed much better consistency (SDs) and accuracy with standard primers and 2400. That may have something to do with 2400 not being a ball powder like many of the other slower burning pistol powders.

That is the exact opposite experience I have had with light 2400 loads. I got much lower SD's with magnum primers. Actually, that is not unique with 2400, I always get better spreads with magnum primers.

I am not loading much revolver anymore, what I do load (.44RM) I tend to use #9. I have been loading quite a bit 2400 in 10mm and have been using WLP on these loads. I am going to try true magnum primers and see what happens SD wise with these. I have had superb luck with 2400 in 10mm with Winchester primers, my most accurate powder/primer combo of any handgun I own.

Sorry for the hi-jack.

[24Sailor]

I don't have Lyman's 49th in front of me, but I do a whole lot of .357M with LSWC's and LRNFP's. As I recall, that book does have data for both 158gr LSWC's and LRNFP's. Give 13.0gr of 2400, with standard (not magnum) small pistol primers, a try. Nice, reasonably stout load that doesn't kill your hand.

BTW, I've read recently that Alliant no longer recommends magnum primers with 2400. Apparently the newer piezoelectric pressure barrels are showing big pressure spikes when 2400 is used with magnum primers. Fortunately, 2400 is a very easy powder to ignite under just about any conditions, summer-hot or Detroit-winter-cold.

Good news and bad news...I have way more small pistol primers than mag. small pistol primers....But I love 2400 in my .357 so I already have about 600+ 158 gr. rounds load with 13.1 gr. 2400 and a Federal small pistol magnum match primer as a fuse. No issues in testing my loads (BTW they seem to shoot great w/o the occasional "WHAT WAS THAT" issue), but I wasn't aware of a recommendation from Alliant or the findings you posted. Will call their techs on Monday.

[damndave]

Thanks for all the great info.

We are going to load up some mild loads and give them a go. We will probably load them in the 13-14gr range and see how they shoot. Lymans 49th shows a range of 11.3-14.9 and I know it is generally on the safe side.

The X-treme bullets do have a cannelure and that's where we loaded them to with a light crimp.

[damndave]

He only got 1lb of 2400, so no big deal on the powder change.

What other powders do you guys recommend that will be good for both 357mag and 44mag? Bullets being used are the X-treme 158gr SWC for 357 and 200gr FP. Also got the free 500 bullets from Hornady - 44 CAL .430 180 GR HP/XTP

[24Sailor]

2400 is cool powder....gets close to max velocities....But if you want full on MAGNUM LOADS there's only two common ones that I can think of at the moment...H110 & W296. And both those recommend or suggest magnum primers.

[GunNut1980]

Winchester does not make Magnum Primers. Only primers that work with either standard or magnum loads.