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My first reload and range report

Pat A.

Gold $$ Contributor
My very first reloading range report: I Loaded

25 - .357 Mag Federal brass (Once fired), CCI 550 Primer, Hornady 158Gr. FP XTP bullet, 15 Gr. of H 110.

25- .357 Mag Federal brass (Once fired), CCI 550 Primer, Hornady 158Gr. FP XTP bullet, 9 Gr. of Acc # 5.

25- .38 SPL G.F.L Brass (Once fired), CCI 500 Primer, Speer 158Gr. TMJ bullet, 5.4 Gr. of Acc # 5.

15- .38 SPL Federal Brass (Once fired), CCI 500 Primer, Speer 158Gr. TMJ bullet, 5.4 Gr. of Acc # 5

10- .38 SPL Norma Brass (Once fired), CCI 500 Primer, Speer 158Gr. TMJ bullet, 5.4 Gr. of Acc # 5

Indoor range with Henry .357/.38 Lever action with buckhorn sight. Shot at 20, 30, 40 & 50 feet, standing. No chronograph data because I don’t own one.

I just recorded (took a picture) of the .357 Mag shots only. 20 & 30 feet were the ACC # 5 loads, and the 40 & 50 feet were the H 110 loads. The .38 SPL rounds I played around with after my .357 shots. All reloads chambered smoothly, and shot well with what I consider medium recoil for the .357 Mag and light for the .38 SPL. I think my next reloads will be closer to the max grains recommended in the manuals. I want to thank everyone for their guidance and advice.
 

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Welcome to the world of reloading. If you don't mind, I would like to share some of my history with you since that's about all I have these days.

When I first began in the last century ;), literally, some 55 years or so ago, I began centerfire pistol shooting with the 357 Magnum, Colt Trooper, which was my first centerfire handgun. However, I quickly moved to the great S&W Model 27, N Frame.

I found that 2400, Elmer Keith's favorite powder for heavy 357 Magnum loads, worked the best for me. In those days I shot Speer Bullets, 140 to 146 jacketed hollow points. I was a serious and avid eastern groundhog hunter with a pistol. There was nothing more challenging and enjoyable than roaming the vast hay fields of Greene County in Western PA, with that revolver strapped to my hip stalking these critters. I became quite proficient at it out to about 50 yards or so. The hilling terrain of this area allowed for effective stalking, sneaking up on areas where I knew there were burrows.

While I long since retired from hunting with a pistol, today I use the Hornady XTP bullets which I have found are very accurate in both my 357 Magnum and 38 Special revolvers. Since I am strictly a "paper puncher" these days, I use modest published charges of 231 with 125 XTP bullets to reduce the stress on my arthritic elbow.

For about 30 years I also competed in NRA Precision Pistol Competition (Bullseye) using an S&W Model 14, 38 Special in the center fire stage, managing to qualify as a Distinguished Expert (285x300). I used the outstanding 148 grain Speer Hollow Base Wadcutters with light target loads of Bullseye and / or 231. This combo could hold an "X" ring at 50 yards when tested off a properly mounted Ransom Rest.

Best wishes as you embark on reloading and pistol shooting. It can be great past time.
 
Try some N-110 VV in it. My friends 357 shoots 1 hole with it as does his 44. You wont get the speeds of H-110 but often the groups are excellent.

VV CIP data is higher than SAAMI so performance is better
 
Welcome to (the slippery slope of) handloading! It's the other half of shooting, in my opinion. I also started with the .357 Magnum. Factory ammo was too pricey for a kid with a revolver. I did a little math and figured out I could fairly quickly save enough to pay for the equipment. You are at the beginning of the journey. Lots to learn and absorb. It's a great pastime.
 

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