357 Reload Variables Outcome - You Decide

[ESquared]

I did this exercise twice, just to be sure, and the outcome is pretty much what you all have been saying: the heavier the bullet, the better the results. It's also true that 2400 is a better powder overall than the Unique, so thanks for that guidance!
The target is pretty well marked, but it starts in upper left (factory Fiochhi 142 gr) and then moves upper right (110 gr XTP), LOWER left (125 gr XTP), lower right (140 gr XTP) and finally 158 gr XTP in the center. Powder weights are shown.
This was all seated, bagged, at 50 yds with the Leo VX Freedom 1.5-4.0 X 20, @ 4.0.
There was a LOT of scope tweaking to adjust for projectile weights, so each variable started slowly and then, once I was pretty much satisfied with the POI, I tried to get in a groove and not have to start over each time with the whole set-up/adjust bags/settle down and get serious routine.
I'd put the 140 gr XTP on par with the 158 gr, I guess, but even the 110 gr and 125 gr weren't too bad, considering.
The cost-to-shoot difference between the 140 and 158 is minimal, as you're trading off some slightly higher bullet cost with a bit less powder for the heavier projectile.
I may play with the powder weights just to shoot up the 110 and 125 gr bullets, and settle in on the 158 gr., just like you all have been saying all along, but it was a fun experiment and I got a lot of loading and shooting practice out of it, so there's that!
There are a few flyers in each group, but that's operator error, so I own that. This is target #1, but the second was just about a carbon copy (flyers included!)
Comments, conclusions welcome!

[JEBar]

I may settle in on the 158 gr., just like you all have been saying all along,

Comments, conclusions welcome!

well, I most certainly agree with me on that one ..

[ESquared]

I may settle in on the 158 gr., just like you all have been saying all along,

Comments, conclusions welcome!

well, I most certainly agree with me on that one ..

" I told you so" is completely expected and totally acceptable!

[CT_Shooter]

Me, too, JEBar. I prefer the 158 JSPs/JHPs for my .357 guns. I've also got 125 JHPs and 130 FMJs, but since I also now have a few thousand 158s, I'll likely never use the others again (unless for 38 specials).

well, I most certainly agree with me on that one .

Thanks for the meticulous analysis and report, Evan. Well done! But, I have so much H110 (and like it a lot) that I can't practically consider another powder at this point; though when I started reloading about four years ago, I searched far and wide for 2400. There was a drought at the time and I never found any.

I may settle in on the 158 gr., just like you all have been saying all along,

Comments, conclusions welcome!

[Mags]

I think your factory 142 in the upper left and the 140 in the lower right have better/best, respectively, tightest groupings. The 158s in the two inner rings don't look as tight.

p.s. pink seen

[ESquared]

I think your factory 142 in the upper left and the 140 in the lower right have better/best, respectively, tightest groupings. The 158s in the two inner rings don't look as tight.

p.s. pink seen

Yep, Mags, I agree. I was very pleased with the 140 gr handloads. Very interesting overall, especially how everything tightened up with the 2400. I might take the plunge on some 38 Spcls for those 110 grainers. Will have to look that up. Only issue with that is, they would use the same dies as my 357, and I've got them dialed in right where I want them...Will have to mull that one.

Pink is mandatory.

[Cofisher]

Good job on your experiment! And the somewhat predictable conclusion. Lol

Thanks for a well thought out and executed plan.

[fortyshooter]

In .38 Special or .357 Magnum in a short revolver the 125 gr. JHP is preferred to get the speed up for penetration and expansion.
For a rifle best to stay with the standard for caliber weight to carry that speed. No problem getting that bullet up to speed in a .357 Magnum rifle.

On powders Unique is a great all around mid range powder. 2400 powder shines in the faster loads where it's slower burn rate will gain you some
speed without increasing pressure to quickly.

And yes...GREAT job on your testing!!

[ESquared]

Thanks, all. It was a fun experiment, and I'll continue to mess around trying to get those 110 grainers to work! The line between stubborn and just plain stupid is a fine one!

[BigAl52]

Ya me to I told ya so.

[ESquared]

Ya me to I told ya so.

I know, I know. You and about 15 others...

[JEBar]

" I told you so" is completely expected and totally acceptable!

see, all you have to do is ask

[Rifletom]

Evan, you done good fella! Nice report and some good shooting. Most impressed with those 140's lower left.
But, I think the 158's will play out in the end with some tweaking. Those 140's look mighty good tho.
You, my friend, are on a roll. Nicely done.

[Rifletom]

Just a thought. Try 12.0-12.5gr 2400 with that 158 XTP. This might tighten things up in your rifle. It did in mine.
Still like that load in the 140's. I'd leave that one be.

[ESquared]

Just a thought. Try 12.0-12.5gr 2400 with that 158 XTP. This might tighten things up in your rifle. It did in mine.
Still like that load in the 140's. I'd leave that one be.

12.0 to 12.5? Good tip, thanks, Tom, and thanks for the kind words. It was fun!! Yeah, the 140 load isn't broken, so that's not getting fixed!

[BigAl52]

I cant read the load for the 158's what was that load Evan

[Rifletom]

It looks to be 13.5gr 2400/158 XTP..

[ESquared]

It looks to be 13.5gr 2400/158 XTP..

Yep, 13.5 gr.

[BigAl52]

Get her in the 14.0 to 14.5 zone and I bet she tightens right up

[ESquared]

Get her in the 14.0 to 14.5 zone and I bet she tightens right up

Hilarious!

I think you and RifleTom need to compare notes, because if you scroll up about 2-3 posts, he's recommending that I drop it down to 12.0 or 12.5.

Maybe I should try both and report back..!