357 158gr XTP Powder Test - Round #1

[ESquared]

Finally got to the indoor range today to move ahead with the "Powder Test" we've been kicking around. The basics are as in past posts: 50 yds, seated, bagged (front and rear), Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4X20, @4.0 magnification.

For this round of testing, I've settled in on the vaunted, highly recommended 158gr projectile, this one being the Hornady XTP. The target immediately below shows 19 rounds of FACTORY Hornady 158 gr XTP (thank you, PT7!), just to get settled in, adjust the scope, etc. The hits above and below the bull show the scope tweaking, with those near the middle being the final rounds fired. So far, so good!

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The target below shows 10 rounds each of FIVE (5) different powder variables. The inverted triangles have 3" sides. As I moved to each variable, I stopped and marked with a "1" the first shot of that variable; some you can see, others not so much, as they got obliterated by subsequent shots. The order of shooting is in the order described below.
[*]On the LEFT hand side is Alliant 2400. The Upper Left target is 12.5 grains, the Lower Left is 14.5 grains. Here, the heavier loads of 2400 won out, starting with Shot #1, which landed dead center of the triangle.
[*]On the RIGHT hand side is Hodgdon 110. The Upper RIGHT is 14.0 grains and the Lower RIGHT is 16.0 grains. In this case, the lighter load of H110 seems better overall.
[*]In the MIDDLE you'll see 7.0 grains of UNIQUE. While this variable shows arguably the best, tightest group overall, it's interesting to note how drastic the bullet drop was compared to the other variables. Shot #1 didn't even land on the paper, so the shot marked "1" (toward the bottom of the target) is actually Shot #2.
The remaining 8 shots of this Unique variable had a POA at the red bull at the top of the target (circled), and they all landed consistently in the middle. The difference in the sound of the report and the felt recoil was striking (i.e.- much lighter) vs. the four other variables, which makes the POA/POI variation seem logical.

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I worked up enough of these loads to do this test all over again, and I'll head out next week to see how (or if) the results might vary.

I guess what's interesting (to me, anyway) is that 14.5 gr of A2400 and 14.0 gr of H110 are pretty much on par with one another, while going lighter with A2400 and heavier with H110 gets you nothing worthwhile. Most interesting of all in this test is that HALF the powder weight of Unique will get you great consistency, once you adjust for bullet drop, which is not unlike what I experienced when going from 357 Mag to 38 Spcl (which I've only done a couple of times).

But, enough of what I think. What do you all make of it?

[Cofisher]

Great test and results. Thanks for your effort.
I am getting similar results with 2400 and 110.

My next outing will be with the chrony. I will post the results.

[Mags]

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I like your methodical process. Lower left as you noted looks like a keeper recipe (Alliant 2400. 14.5 grains. "...the heavier loads of 2400 won out, starting with Shot #1, which landed dead center of the triangle."

... What do you all make of it?

Hard to tell for sure, a bit faded so an iffy

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Hard to tell for sure, a bit faded so an iffy
pinkchk_xsm.png

Yep, had to launder the bench towel collection, and it did fade a bit!

Thanks for the comments. Interesting and fun!

[fortyshooter]

Great test E2 ! 2400 is a good powder when you want more speed while keeping pressures in check!
Power Pistol works great too for a bit more speed with less pressure compared to Unique.

[Steve51]

Very interesting range report and one that confirms my findings with 14.5 grains of 2400 under a 158 grain XTP. That is why I settled on that load for my Big Boy Steel .357

Thanks for sharing your results! Will be interested to see your chrony results since I do not own one.

[ESquared]

Very interesting range report and one that confirms my findings with 14.5 grains of 2400 under a 158 grain XTP. That is why I settled on that load for my Big Boy Steel .357

Thanks for sharing your results! Will be interested to see your chrony results since I do not own one.

Thanks, Steve, appreciate your chiming in on the A2400 recipe you've honed in on. Seems like our BBSs have the same appetite!

As to a chrony, I think that's Cofisher (above) who's bringing one to the party. I look forward to seeing that data, too.

[BigAl52]

I told ya so

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I told ya so

Yeah, yeah, I know. Isn't validation great, though?

[BigAl52]

YA sometimes more this time is just to give Evan a bad time. Its good to see you enjoying it and having success. I for one am happy for you and I know it must make you feel good with the results you are getting and sharing. I think youre success is showing some here that may be on the fence whether to reload or not to maybe make the move and try it themselves.