357mag ladder load test results... Part 2

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Ricky Bobby

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Well here are my results using the Hodgdon H110 powder and the same Hornady 158gr FP/XTP bullets. I think I liked the way the H110 was performing, more so than the Lil' Gun. I had no signs of high pressure from any of these 50 rounds, but would like to mention a couple of things. The Lil' Gun seemed to be throwing quite a bit of burned powder on the casings and cylinder when starting out with the lower charge weights, but it seemed to clear up some on the heavier charge weights! Then I noticed that the H110 did just the opposite, it burned clean on the lighter charge weights and as I started shooting the heavier ones I then started to notice burned powder on the casings and cylinder. I want all you more experienced guys to give me your thoughts on my results, and I apologize for not having fancy targets because I have spent all my money on reloading supplies!
 
not sure that is a ladder test?
i thought a ladder test was one of each load shot at the same point of aim. (at long range) the theory being that the loads that print in the same area are ones that leave the barrel when barrel vibration is at its most stationary point. not sure that a ladder test would be effective with a short stiff barrel like a handgun.
optimum charge weight testing is where you look for loads that have a similar group center. with a rifle it is easy to see, with a handgun not so sure. the idea is that you will find a powder charge range that prints in the same area regardless small variations in charge weight.
looks like the testing here is just the usual different loads checked for group size. dont get me wrong, i am not knocking your method. that is what i did for years. as it turns out my specific method is pretty close to the optimum charge weight method.
 
Thanks Bearcat, yeah I'm really liking my results with the H110 vs. the Lil' Gun. It's obvious that the groups(as an average)were better! My only problem is trying to figure out where I should start out at, as far as my charge weights, when I work up my next loads. I had an excellent group at 15.2grs, so I might work up some more at this charge weight and see if I get the same results or not. If I do, then I might start to play around with my crimping. If I don't, then I'm really not sure what direction I'll go!
 
Here is 5 shots @ 25yds off of bags, it was awesome at 50yds and farther:

16.5grs H110
158 XTP-FP
Starline Brass
CCI SP Mag Primer
S&W 686 6"
Lee FCD - 1 Full Turn

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Bearcat, that is an excellent group there! Now I know what kind of groups to work towards! I have decided to do all my testing and shooting at 50yards because as a hunting revolver I feel this is where the majority of my shots will be made. If I can come up with a recipe I'm confident with, I'll move up to 25yards just to see what it can do. For now I'm staying on the lower end with my charge weights, but I see that according to Hodgdon's data that you are approaching a near max load. Are you getting alot of burned powder out the side of your cylinder and on your casings when using this load?
 
Ricky,
Are you sure your particular .357 likes 158 gr. bullets? I wouldn't force feed it, try some different weights and see how it responds. I have one S&W .357 that despises 158 gr. bullets. My particular revolver loves either 125's or 180's but scatters 140/158 gr. bullets. Strange, but knowing that has allowed me to fine tune some good shooting loads.
 
GC, I honestly have never tried other weights. The Blazer ammo that I always used shot 158's well, plus the man I purchased it from years back suggested that he thought it shot them well, too. I might try switching bullets, but I'd like to try some more loads with the H110 at higher charge weights first. I checked my Lyman manual and according to it I never reached their starting weight with the H110 yet. I was getting my data from Hodgdon's site for the rounds I've already tested. Also, I checked my manuals and they suggest that if I'm getting unburned powder that my crimping might need to be heavier. So the more I investigate, the more ideas I'm beginning to accumulate.
 
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I started at 25yds because with a 357 that is where I hope most of my shots would be and set 50 as a limit for a 6" revolver. I was always told to treat the .357 as a bow, 50yds and in. I got real comfortable at 25yds and then moved back. I could go 6/6 on 20oz bottle with the above load at 75yds and my best day was 4/6 at 125yds on the bottles, I had a red dot on there then.

I limit my shots with my .44 to 50yds as well. I'm sure the guns are capable, it's me I wory about.


My 30/30 Super 14 I feel good out to 150yds, but I have not had the chance to try it other than on targets.
 


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