110 Gr 357 "Plinkers" Just About to Give Up!

[Ojaileveraction]

Are the grid squares on the target in the OP 1/2" x 1/2"?

1inch.
Look at the .357 inch bullet holes.

[Flinch]

Are the grid squares on the target in the OP 1/2" x 1/2"?

1inch.
Look at the .357 inch bullet holes.

Ok, the center diamond looked like the typical 3" diamond we use for zeroing at 200 yards. If the squares are 1", I can understand his concern about the groups.

Unique gunpowder's burn rate may be too fast for jacketed bullets fired through a barrel longer than 8-3/8". I would try slower burning gun powder for loading .357 cartridges to be fired in a rifle.

[ESquared]

Can anyone give me 2-3 examples of what specific powder would be in this "slower burning" category and might therefore be more suitable for these 110 gr XTPs?
As you all know, I'm new at this, and I'm willing to do my own investigating, but this seems to be a very specific situation (light bullet, long barrel, 357 mag), so I'd just like to not have to start at Square One.
If nobody knows, that's okay, too. I can go "off the reservation" and poke around at some of the other forums, but I'd rather not!

[CT_Shooter]

Can anyone give me 2-3 examples of what specific powder would be in this "slower burning" category and might therefore be more suitable for these 110 gr XTPs?

ESquared, for powder recommendations, I'd stick to the manuals first from bullet manufacturers, then from powder manufacturers for reliable load data. However, this chart will give you some information about fastest to slowest burning powders that may or may not be helpful.

https://www.bevfitchett.us/ballistics/t ... chart.html

[CT_Shooter]

For 110 grain XTPs, Hornady's Ninth Lists:

Power Pistol start 8.5 ; max 10.4
VIHT N- 105 start 10.7; max 12.3
Accurate No. 7 start 11.0; max 12.4
Accurate No. 9 start 12.6; max 14.8
VHIT N-110 start 14.7; max 17.3
Alliant 2400 start 15; max 18.8

Can anyone give me 2-3 examples of what specific powder would be in this "slower burning" category and might therefore be more suitable for these 110 gr XTPs?
As you all know, I'm new at this, and I'm willing to do my own investigating, but this seems to be a very specific situation (light bullet, long barrel, 357 mag), so I'd just like to not have to start at Square One.
If nobody knows, that's okay, too. I can go "off the reservation" and poke around at some of the other forums, but I'd rather not!

[Ojaileveraction]

Not the sharpest picture but it can be read.

20190118_174635~2.jpg (123.74 KiB) Viewed 1266 times

[ESquared]

Thanks for both of those above. The Lyman manual point to Alliant 2400 as the most accurate, actually. Now I need to cross reference the other 357 loads, and the other calibers I'll be loading to see if there's any other call for 2400. Doesn't seem to make sense to buy powder to shoot a finite number of free bullets but then have no other use for it, huh?
Just goes to show, there's no such thing as free!
If any of you are loading 357 and using 2400, let me know -- I'll send you some free 110 gr XTPs!

[Ojaileveraction]

Thanks for both of those above. The Lyman manual point to Alliant 2400 as the most accurate, actually. Now I need to cross reference the other 357 loads, and the other calibers I'll be loading to see if there's any other call for 2400. Doesn't seem to make sense to buy powder to shoot a finite number of free bullets but then have no other use for it, huh?
Just goes to show, there's no such thing as free!
If any of you are loading 357 and using 2400, let me know -- I'll send you some free 110 gr XTPs!

Those 2400 reloads I've got waiting to try are 125's, 158's and 180's.

[Cofisher]

I loaded, and fired several different loads of 2400. However, I have no interest in the 110 grain. I will shoot strictly 158 grain with my Henry. That seems to be the best hunting load, and therefore my greatest interest. I had good results with the 2400, but have moved on to H110.

My efforts are aimed at a consistent impact between 50 and 100 yards. The practical range of my rifle.

I am using the Zero 158 grn bullets for practice, and will load the Nosler 158 grn soft/hollow point for hunting.

Good luck with your search for a plinking load.

[ESquared]

Cofisher,
Have you found a sweet spot for the H110 and the 158s in terms of grains?