Loads using 2400

[Twotone]

Hi all,
Just received a tub of 2400 and looking for some advice on a starting load. I will be using 158 gn Copper plated bullets. Only information in my manuals says FMJ or cast bullets and the cast info given is for a different weight bullet. I was thinking around 12-14.5 gns , is this ok in your folks opinion?

[JEBar]

in my Nosler manual for 2400 powder pushing 357 jacketed 158 gr bullets they list :

12.3 g --- 1520 fps muzzle velocity as being the most accurate load

11.8 g --- 1500 fps muzzle velocity

11.3 g --- 1480 fps muzzle velocity

I've never used 2400 ..... please let us know what you decide on and how it performs

[Steve51]

2400 is my preferred .357 magnum rifle powder and also my preferred .44 magnum rifle powder.

My favorite .357 magnum rifle load is a Hornady 158 grain XTP JHP over 14.5 grains of 2400.

My favorite .44 magnum rifle load is a Hornady 240 grain XTP JHP over 19.6 grains of 2400.

I do not own a chronograph but these are accurate loads in my Henry rifles.

[BigAl52]

Two Tone.
You say copper plated bullets? I would caution you on how fast you push those depending on what copper plated bullets you have. Some of the makers of those bullets say dont push them any faster that a lead cast bullet. If I were using 2400 for loads I would get some copper jacketed bullets. JMHO. Al

[Twotone]

Thanks everyone,
Great info. I will report back, made a few 12/12.3/12.5 just to try out. Its amazingly difficult here to get a decent choice of bullet. The one I am using just said copper plated, no other details, no cannelure and measures .358. Seems to work well with lil gun with no issues, decent accuracy and velocities are quite high with no ill effects. Getting hold of XTP etc is nigh on impossible , the widest variety available in .357 is hard cast bullets so that is what i will probably end up using when these run out. Nearly all the load data suggests bullets we cant get so it is always a case of trying to figure a start point. How do i do this, if a max load using a jacketed bullet is 14 for instance would I go down 10% for lead, more?

[JEBar]

per my Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook, with 2400 powder pushing a 158 gr lead bullet they recommend 12.2 grains (1,156 fps) to 13.5 grains (1,275 fps)

[Twotone]

Thanks JEBAR
I will work to that range and see how they fly, its all good fun, just dont want to blow myself up!

[Twotone]

Wow, made up half adozen loads using the 158 gn copper plated bullet. 11.8-12.8 gns one tenth apart.
The 12.5 gns, COAL of 1.585" was best with four bullets through one ragged hole at 25 yards. At fifty yds .5-3/4 " . Best I have had out of my BBB .357. Nicer to shoot tahn the Lil gun too, bit easier on the shoulder.