Best .357Mag load?

[Paddyd]

Hi, been loading for nearly 45 yrs, but never worked up a handgun load for target work. In the past, as long as I could hit a paper plate at 50 yds it was good enough. Now, Ive become obsessed with small groups in everything I shoot so if not too much trouble, please tell me where along the charge table I might find best accuracy.
Im shooting a S&W 586 with an 8 3/8" barrel, H110 powder and Federal SP magnum primers. At the moment, all I have to start with are bulk Remington 158 gn bullets and new Starline brass.

 

[Kittitas George]

Some of the newer lighter weight coated bullets may be helpful. But in my experience if tight groups are the goal, get a small caliber rifle.

 

[K22]

Been shooting this fine caliber since the early 70's. Tried a lot of powders and bullets. Here the best I found:

1. Full Power 357 Magnum Loads: 140 Hornady XTP's with 2400 powder and Federal Primers.

2. Moderate Power Loads: 125 Hornady XTP's with 231 Powder and Federal Primers.

3. Ultimate Target grade Accuracy Load: 148 swaged, hollow base wadcutter, 231 powder, Federal Primers, 38 cases. This works best is a 38 Special Target grade revolver but works well in a 357 also.

For powder charge data, consult published data, preferably by the bullet maker.

 

[farmerjohn]

Hey Feller , you are going to find a fairly narrow range that H110 will operate in. Mostly near max loads, H110 and 296 are according to the book do not recommend reduced loads, regardless of bullet weight. That's not to say that the max pressure loads won't be accurate but they are noisy and rough on older shooters. For 2in groups at 25yds and 4in at 50yds, and fairly regular hits on a 8in gong at a 100yds which is all I'm capable of anymore my two 686 6in guns both like 1050 to 1150fps with hard cast flat base Keith style bullets as well as 158 Hornady HP with Unique. There's several newer powders out there that will do the job of Unique and 2400 just as well I'm told, I just laid back enough of both to last me on out. But I think that midrange loads will probably give you better accuracy than the max loads that both 296 and H110 demand... IMHO and experience.. John

 

[farmerjohn]

As usual I'm late to the dance but what K22 says is dead on... John

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I second the 125 xtp with loads just under full power( I used a couple different powders including H110). Can use handgun during our shotgun zone season, thought about toting one with. Haven't shot a coyote with any of my centerfire handguns.

 

[farmerjohn]

I second the 125 xtp with loads just under full power( I used a couple different powders including H110). Can use handgun during our shotgun zone season, thought about toting one with. Haven't shot a coyote with any of my centerfire handguns.

Hey Feller, I've been using a lot of 125 jacketed hollow points from Raven Rocks Presision in my carbine's. They are cheap (about .11 ea) made in Texas and shoot really good. I'm running them 2250fps out of a 20in barrel with 2400 and soft primers , no case expansion or flat primers. They say they are for a handgun and lower velocity but if you haven't seen an armadillo hit you've missed something, it's an explosion, big pole cats... two separate pieces... haven't caught a coyote dumb enough yet for iorn sights but I'm hoping. I don't like using them in my 686s because they are rough on top straps, same company makes a 158 gr copper hps that's like 13 or 14 cents and I use them in my handguns.... John

 

[dc.fireman]

I'm new to revolver loading, but I've been having a great time with Zero Bullets 158 LSWCHP's, 8.0 gr. AA#5, and WLP's in Starline brass. I've also had some fun with 3.2 gr. of Bullseye in the same configuration. I've found that the crimp is integral to accuracy.

The revolver I'm using is a 6" Dan Wesson 15-2VH I picked up on here a few months back.

 

[DHD]

If you are stuck on H110, then I would also go with a jacketed bullet. Your primer and brass choice is a good one.

Accuracy you say? I have great luck with either Sierra or Hornady and I prefer heavier weights instead of lighter. My absolute best load for accuracy has been a Sierra Tournament Master 180 grain and a case very full of H110. These loads go in a Freedom Arms 83 so not for your 686/586. Regardless of my charge of H110, I suspect towards book maximum you would see good results. I also have great luck with Hornady 180 grain XTP, again with a case very full.

I also will shoot a heavy LFNGC (long flat nose gas check) bullet from a mold I have that comes out at about 185 grain depending on alloy. I can push them fast, but don't try to push them to the level of the JHP's.

I'm going to suggest trying a "medium" powder unless you just want the ear splitting crack and fabulous fireball. I like HS-6 and AA9 for my medium duties. I shoot more of them than rocks and dynamite H110 loads....

Since you have them, try the Remington's and let us know.

 

[shoot&brew]

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