Tweaked My 357 Light Bullet Loads

[ESquared]

Want to get the Uberti revolver back for some more range time, so loaded up some 110 gr XTPs with 13.5 grains of A2400, as well as some 125gr XTPs with 14.5 grains of A2400. 25 rounds of each, just to see how it goes. Still have over 200 rounds of my "FREE" 110 gr XTPs to use up, and I think it'll be more fun playing with some revolver loads, as I've pretty much thrown in the towel (not the pink one, though!) on trying to get my BBS to shoot 110 grainers worth a hoot.

Considerably lighter than my previous outing, so hopefully the flashes won't light up the room! To the range in the AM, will report back.

[CT_Shooter]

Want to get the Uberti revolver back for some more range time, so loaded up some 110 gr XTPs with 13.5 grains of A2400...

Please be alert for squibs when shooting those 110's in your revolver, Evan. Hornady's starting charge for 2400 under 110s is 15 grains for a revolver. I called their CS a couple of years ago asking if I could safely shoot the lower charges that they listed for rifles from my revolver too, and was given an emphatic, "NO". The reason is the cylinder gap lets so much gas escape that the bullet might not have enough pressure to travel through the barrel. Just a heads up.

[ESquared]

Thanks for the heads up. Will be on the look-out.

Live and learn, that's why I hang out here...

[ESquared]

Please be alert for squibs when shooting those 110's in your revolver, Evan. Hornady's starting charge for 2400 under 110s is 15 grains for a revolver. I called their CS a couple of years ago asking if I could safely shoot the lower charges that they listed for rifles from my revolver too, and was given an emphatic, "NO". The reason is the cylinder gap lets so much gas escape that the bullet might not have enough pressure to travel through the barrel. Just a heads up.

This has been bugging me, as I would never just make this stuff up. So, I went back to my "build notes" (to borrow a 1911 term) to see how I got there with the 110 gr bullet.

Indeed, the Lyman manual specs a starting load of 13.5 gr of 2400 for an XTP 110 grain projectile. And, Yes, my Hornady manual specs 15.0 grains. "Get more than one manual" is some of the best advice I've received in this process.

Makes me wonder if the "it's okay to download by 10% rule" might have come into play, as 10% down from 15.0 grains lands one at 13.5. We'll never know, but, hey, it's a thought.

Either way, I'll sleep better knowing I didn't just go off the ranch with that load. I'll still keep an eye on it, though!

[Leftofcenter67]

I've been looking at reloading .357. I notice on the Hodgdon site that all loads for trail boss is listed as a .357 diameter bullet. But all the others are pretty much .358. Only thing is I can't find 158 grain SWC here in .357 diameter. (Which is odd they used to carry bullet barn ones).
Can I use a .358 bullet in 158 grain with trail boss? Or should I hunt high and low for .357 158 grain wadcutters?

[ESquared]

I'm sure someone will correct me if I mis-state this, but I believe pretty much all jacketed 357 bullets are 357 dia., whereas pretty much all SWCs are all 358. I don't know that the powder cares about the diameter, so the question may be is Trail Boss the right thing for what you're trying to do? I'm no powder expert (to say the least), so I can't speak for Trail Boss one way or another. I just don't think that diameter matters.

[Vaquero]

E, I think that is right most jacket bullets will 357, and the cast will be mostly 358.
Like the 35 Rem. is a 358 jacketed, and 359, 360 for cast.

RP

[Leftofcenter67]

The reason I want Trail Boss is that's its bulky. It also has mild recoil. Basically I'm trying to avoid potential problems.

[ESquared]

The reason I want Trail Boss is that's its bulky. It also has mild recoil. Basically I'm trying to avoid potential problems.

Got it. Makes sense. Well, looks like you're set to go. SWC in .358/Trail Boss.

Let us know how it works. Many of us are always looking for new/interesting/good 357 loads.

[Ojaileveraction]

Trailboss is a fine low pressure , low velocity powder and it does fill your case. Be sure not to over fill your case with Traiboss, do not compress Trailboss.
There is in info on the Hodgdon I will have to look for it
The link they have is 404.
Tim
Edit
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... kqWrnoGv37

[ESquared]

Here's an older Chuck Hawks piece on Trail Boss (from the days when it was still "new"), but it gives a good overview, of all the calibers (although all that's really covered here is a 10" barrel, but you get the idea):

https://www.chuckhawks.com/trail_boss_powder.htm

[Leftofcenter67]

Trailboss is a fine low pressure , low velocity powder and it does fill your case. Be sure not to over fill your case with Traiboss, do not compress Trailboss.
There is in info on the Hodgdon I will have to look for it
The link they have is 404.
Tim
Edit
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... kqWrnoGv37

That's the reason I'd like to use Trail Boss as it's so bulky with those little donuts it's pretty obvious visually before you put it on a scale that you've accidentally double charged.
Of course just weighing your HP-38' or Winchester 231 can help eliminate that too.

[clovishound]

Just keep in mind that Trail Boss is not recommended for jacketed or plated bullets. Cast only, either wax lubed or coated.

Looking at the Hogdgon website, I notice that if you plug in all the other powders for 158 grain, you will find that it lists .358 for diameter for the same bullet (Lead Semi WadCutter) except Trail Boss. I suspect a typo. Lead bullets are usually .001" or more larger than jacketed, with .001" over nominal being the norm.

I've also never heard of using different data when using lead bullets that are .002" or .003" over nominal size. Many bullet manufacturer will give you a choice of size in cast. There is a little box at the bottom where you choose one of 2 or 3 sizes.