357 110 Gr Plinkers - First Variables Range-Tested

[ESquared]

I’ve been around long enough, shot enough different firearms and enough different types of ammo to know a “good group” from a “bad group,” as I’m sure most of you have, too. That’s why I’m most interested in how you interpret what’s going on with the targets below, because they come close to telling me absolutely nothing except that the sample size wasn’t big enough.

The quick background is that this is a “first outing” for my first reloads, specifically 357 Magnum, with Hornady 110 gr JHP over Unique powder at 7.5 gr, 8.5 gr and 9.5 gr. 10 rounds of each load, distributed as outlined below. All rounds seated, indoors, no bag rest (just elbows on the bench in front of me), 1.5-4X20 Leo VX Freedom @ 4.0.

The first target (paper plate on silhouette, 3 layers deep) is just a warm-up, or “control group” of 10 rounds of 142 gr Fiocchi flat nosed at 25 yds, just to see how things might go. As you can see, not a great start. Nothing great about the group as a whole, with one huge flyer. So far, so so-so.

Next target down is 3 rounds of each of the re-loads, again at 25 yds, just to see how they line up against one another and against the control group of factory ammo. NO adjustments whatsoever to the scope, as I didn’t want to bring another variable into the exercise. From these three groups, I can tell almost nothing other than the two heavier loads enabled me to land two shots very close together. Advantage 8.5 and 9.5 gr. But, still, the 7.5 isn’t terrible.

Given the above fairly inconclusive story, see target #3, shot from 50 yds with the remaining 7 rounds of each powder load. From this, I can personally tell even less. They are, for me, all below average groups, but not that inferior to the factory ammo I started out with, and none of the reload variables had the benefit of any scope tweaking (due to lack of enough ammo to have it make sense).

Please feel free to guide me otherwise, but my inclination from here is to load up 50 rounds of each variable, go back to the range with bags and work through each powder weight with scope adjustments to see how tightly I can get them to group, starting with the 7.5 grain and working my way up. Whether I can do all this in one session remains to be seen, but I’d like to, just for the sake of continuity (understanding that fatigue might set in at some point), but I’ll take it one step at a time.

Other than that, I’m clueless and have zero experience in this phase of the reloading game. What would your advice be?

[Mags]

If it were me shooting the biggest contribution to variability in results would be shooting from my elbows. Kinda might point to that in your control group and then it carrying over into your reloads. I think, like you suggested, is to do-over with a gun rest and bags to get better assured stance stability.

[BigAl52]

Evan
My thoughts would be to load the 8.5 to 9.0 grain load again and shoot 5 shot groups. But if it was me I wouldnt place to much merit in these 110gr bullets because I know when you go to buy anymore bullets I would think you would go more for a larger bullet. 125 would be the smallest I would use and most likely a 158. I would also agree with Mags and use some sort of solid rest

[JEBar]

I most certainly agree that it is a good idea to minimize variables .... it would seem logical to move to a solid rest, better yet a lead sled .... as a matter of personal preference, I've never had good luck with light weight bullets in a 357 .... Henry uses a 1:16 twist in their BBS 357 .... it might be good to know the weight and profile of bullets that it is designed for .... some folks have reported decent results with 125's .... I've been using 158's since the mid 60's and know they work well

[CT_Shooter]

125 would be the smallest I would use and most likely a 158.

I agree that a heavier bullet could make the difference. Take a look at these ZERO jacketed bullets. They're relatively inexpensive and excellent. I've worked my way through thousands and highly recommend them.

http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... de=ZBJ-38S

[North Country Gal]

As above, when accuracy testing you must do everything possible to remove your shooting from the equation. You've got to use a good rest and, preferably, a bag both front and rear. You've got to be sure you are consistent in all aspects of your shooting technique. Shooting off of your elbows is fine for informal target work and/or plinking, but it is no way to accuracy check your loads. Now that you're into loading your own, invest in a good rest and good shooting bags.

Also time to slow down and keep that barrel from getting too hot. When switching from one load to the next, allow for a few shots with the new load for your barrel to season to it.

Also of the opinion that 110 grain bullets are a poor choice for accuracy in a 357. The 357 cartridge was designed around the 158 grain bullet and that's what I use anytime I'm checking the accuracy of a new 357. Save the 110s for plinking.

[wingnut]

Keep reloading & shooting. Next year you can graduate to 180g.

[Ojaileveraction]

They look like targets of a guy shooting off his elbows.
Not bad shooting. About what I could do, but I never do.

[ESquared]

Okay, rookie mistake(s), to say the least.

I'll go back, with a few dozen rounds @ 8.5 grains of Unique, and my bags, and make another go of it.

But I guess I need to clear up what I'm trying to accomplish, which is to see if I can turn these 110 gr JHPs INTO plinking rounds. To me, that means something that is consistent, reliable, accurate, fun to shoot and cheap. So far, I've got four out of the five. I'll head back to the range next week to work on "accurate." I believe I can make it work, at least for my needs. Hell, I KNOW I can reload a 158 gr JHP and make it sing, but THIS is a challenge, as I see it. Maybe bigger than I imagined, but I'm nothing if not enthusiastic about trying.

And, just a reminder, I've got lots of 'em, so if any of you want a handful or two to play with, send me a PM and we'll figure something out on the best way to ship them. Thanks for all you guidance. I may end up breaking down and buying a sled, but I got this out of my 308 with bags, so that's my next move.

[Mistered]

you must do everything possible to remove your shooting from the equation.

LOL ! I don't think removing your SHOOTING from the equation is the answer as you may never see holes in the paper!
Regardless what NCG means is ensuring you remove all movement variables and ensure a solid and consistent rest for the rifle.
I have never actually owned a formal rest but have always had sandbags and between them and some heavy towels can always configure a pretty solid rest.
Lever action rifles do not seem to have been designed with benchrest shooting as part of their use and it can sometimes be a challenge to get a good, solid (and comfortable) rest with them.