New to reloading. Have some questions.

[deano5150]

... The best two loads used 11.4 grains and 13.3 grains of Alliant 2400. I’m still trying to figure out which load is more accurate. Apparently, my marksmanship is not consistent. ...

I'm curious about the source of the load data you're using.

I got the load data from Hornady’s reloading ap on iPhone.

[deano5150]

The Ioads I’m using are rated 1050fps and 1150fps with the 158gr XTP. I don’t know how that translates to the Berry’s.

Those are handgun velocities. The 13.3 gr load in a rifle will probably be 1500+fps.

Maybe I need to find some jacketed bullets or greatly reduce the powder load. I don’t have a chronograph so I can’t measure velocities.

[deano5150]

I just ordered 200 more 158gr XTP bullets. I guess I’ll save the Berry’s plated bullets for a more appropriate powder.

[5shot]

deano5150
Today I spent an enjoyable afternoon at the range with a Henry H012 .357 carbine with a 2moa red dot mounted on it. This rifle shoots very well with 158 XTP's over a near maximum charge of W296 but my load today was a powder coated 158 Lee RF (I cast my own) loaded over 5.4 grains of Power Pistol. Velocity chrono's at just over 1100 fps and rested groups are under 2" @ 50 yards in all three of my Henry .357's (I went a little overboard). When I flinch and jerk just right I can manage a softball sized cluster offhand on a freshly painted 10" steel swinger. Pure fun.
Your 2400 and XTP's are good dance partners and possibly a lighter load of 2400 would be compatible with those plated bullets...I don't know. I think you'd be better served by a different powder. If you choose to go that route the Alliant flake powders are easy to light and aren't very position sensitive and are bulky enough that an accidental double charge would be very obvious. The downside is they don't meter quite as well from a powder measure. A ball type powder such as W231, Power Pistol, CFE Pistol, BE86, etc will meter well but are denser and occupy less space in the case. CFE Pistol for example, is perfect for a 9mm case but leaves a lot of air space in a .357. A light load is just fine but a double charge would be disaster. I powder charge 50 cases in a loading tray and then take a little flashlight and do a scan to check that the powder levels are all the same...and then check them again.
Enjoy your journey, read loading manuals and stay safe! I've been at this for a half a century and still have a lot to learn.

[deano5150]

Thanks for the advice 5shot! I will look into different powder options for the plated bullets. I shot 30 rounds of them loaded with 2400 today and I had one flyer in each group. Odd thing was that each flyer was the first round of a 5 shot group. I’m assuming that shooting many of these plated bullets with Alliant 2400 would lead my barrel.

[Rifletom]

deano', I'm not much help with the plated bullets for .357, but, can offer a couple other options. Keep that 2400 for your XTP 158's, and if you could, get some 180gr rnfp coated from Missouri bullets or T & B bullets. You will really like those 180's in your Henry, believe me. We all know this is the internet, but, the 158 XTP's with about 13.5gr 2400 will be a fun round. If you get those 180's[cast/coated], let us know, as we have very good load for that one. Wish I could offer more help on plated, but, I no longer use 'em. As for adding handloading items, keep asking here,a nd you'll get plenty of very useful info. Have a Happy New Year.

[deano5150]

deano', I'm not much help with the plated bullets for .357, but, can offer a couple other options. Keep that 2400 for your XTP 158's, and if you could, get some 180gr rnfp coated from Missouri bullets or T & B bullets. You will really like those 180's in your Henry, believe me. We all know this is the internet, but, the 158 XTP's with about 13.5gr 2400 will be a fun round. If you get those 180's[cast/coated], let us know, as we have very good load for that one. Wish I could offer more help on plated, but, I no longer use 'em. As for adding handloading items, keep asking here,a nd you'll get plenty of very useful info. Have a Happy New Year.

Thanks, Rifletom! I may try the 180gr bullets at some point. Would they require adjusting my sights? I noticed after adjusting my sights for 158gr factory rounds the 125gr bullets would print high left.

[Rifletom]

I don't believe I had to adjust for the 180's, but, every rifle tends to be a bit different. What other powders do you have, if any?

[deano5150]

I don't believe I had to adjust for the 180's, but, every rifle tends to be a bit different. What other powders do you have, if any?

I only have the 2400 right now.

[Mags]

I haven't had to adjust sights for powder or bullet weight. But then my experience is with .223/5.56, 30-30 and 45 colt rifles.