Worked up a load for my Henry 38/357

[Bugs]

Finally got around to the range to test out some loads. Alliant 2400 powder, Montana Gold 158gn JHP, WIN small pistol primers. I think it likes 14.5 gn.
12.5 gn

13.0 gn

13.5 gn

14.0 gn

14.3 gn

14.5 gn with 1 flyer


And for anyone who thinks a .357 won't kill a pig or a whitetail it punched a hole in metal pipe pretty well.

[Les]

Bugs, your poor old tom cat looks well and truly neutered on that first pic.

Nice going with your load work-up .... it looks like you're pretty much there or thereabouts.

[JEBar]

it really seems to like 14.3 - 14.5

[Bugs]

it really seems to like 14.3 - 14.5

Yeah might be a tough choice but I think either would work.

[JEBar]

I'd have to try 14.4 ...

[Bugs]

I'd have to try 14.4 ...

And 14.6

[JEBar]

when it comes to .1 of a grain, my natural wobble would most likely more than negate any possible improvement ...

[ditto1958]

Looks good! That's some good shooting.

[BigAl52]

Nice job Bugs. I have had real good luck with that 2400. Its one of my go to powders for the 357 when it comes to full power loads. Al

[clovishound]

I found that the slow magnum powders, like H4227, and a jacketed 158 grain bullet gave me the most accurate load. I use an American Eagle factory round, as I chronographed it at 1800 fps in a 158 grain soft point. I felt I would be hard pressed to do any better with a handload.

For an everyday target load, I use a heavy plate 158 grain over a mid load of Universal. Nearly as accurate as the 4227 loads, and a lot cheaper to shoot. Clovispup and I will easily go through 100 rounds of .357 on our weekly range visits.