194 gr Bradshaw-Martin SWC GC

[Lee Martin]

Over the past 7 years, David Bradshaw and I have amassed a few hundred hours of phone conversation. Predictably, a large part of that time has centered on the .357 Maximum. David was pivotal in the development of the cartridge and the gun. He worked alongside Bill Ruger Sr. and Jr. to make the Maximum a reality. I had an affinity for the Max long before meeting Bradshaw. In December 2017, I decided to commemorate his involvement with a special project. It began by me asking him a simple question – "if you were to design a bullet specifically for the Ruger Maximum, what would it be?" A half-dozen conversations later, the 194 grain Bradshaw-Martin SWC GC was born. The specifications are shown below. Let me add, the design was not casually landed on. David put a lot of thought into the bullet we're now introducing. In January I placed an order with Mountain Molds. Six days later it was on my doorstop. Tip of the hat to Dan for this outstanding 2-cavity block.

The Mountain Mold:

So far I've cast around 1,000 of these, all from 25-1 lead/tin alloy. The powder coating is Eastwood's brand lime green, gas-checked with Hornady straights. David and I agreed to publish this after the bullet was tested at 100 and 200 yards. Those results will be shared in subsequent posts. It's only fitting that I now turn the thread over to David. He'll explain the 'why' behind the 194 gr Bradshaw-Martin SWC GC.

 

[David Bradshaw]

When Lee Martin asked, if I were to design a bullet for the .357 Maximum, the question split in my mind into two parts: the cartridge and the revolver. I immediately settled on the revolver, specifically its cylinder. In retrospect, Lee had to be thinking the same thing, since Cartridge Overall Length (COL) is limited by cylinder length. The Blackhawk Maximum cylinder measures 1.945-inches. Add .060-inch to headspace the rim, and loaded length is a hair shy of 2-inches.

In keeping with Bill Ruger's intent for the Maximum, a very accurate revolver for IHMSA silhouette, producing less recoil than the .44 Magnum and carrying more clout than the .357 Magnum, the revolver must simultaneously harbor the muscle for hunting. Likewise, my idea for a bullet to at once commemorate and compliment the Ruger Maximum.

I settled on 190 grains as a good working weight, half-way between 180 and 200 grain (mostly rifle) bullets I hand loaded in Remington experimental brass for the SRM prototype revolvers. Hunting performance with match accuracy. A Semi Wad Cutter with long ogive to slice the air and push Center of Gravity (CoG) rearward of Center of Form (CoF). Ogive long enough to push the front band into the 1.605-inch case, or flush with the case mouth, while the meplat tucks just inside the cylinder face. This eliminates the crimp groove, which I didn't want anyway. Crimp on or just above the front band.

Lee and I agreed without discussion the bullet must has a gas check. The gas check must be readily available, not exotic, and Lee selected Hornady. Lee asked me to send him a drawing, which he would enter into the bullet design program at Mountain Molds. Before that conversation ended, however, I visually sketched the bullet while Lee drew it on the computer. In keeping with my principle to share loads and load information and to win on the Firing Line----not behind it----we are putting out the information. I am well aware some people are addicted to secrets and carry this mentality to the firing line. Against that, I will provide my information and... Let's shoot! Lee, now up to his collarbones in Bench Rest feels the same way.

Three driving bands grab the rifling and allow space for two generous grease grooves. Again, Lee and I settled this issue fast. The bullet should work for size & lube, as well as in its primary powder coat form.

In fact, Lee and I communicate freely to advance performance. A reflection of my collaboration----at Bill Ruger's invite----with Bill and Bill, Jr., on development of the Ruger Blackhawk .357 Maximum.

In keeping with my tradition----started with bullets swaged from pure lead cores in copper half-jackets, and continuing with cast----the .357 Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC is designed to DEEP SEAT. A light roll crimp just above the front band or, into the band, will hold this bullet which relies on good neck tension.
David Bradshaw

 

[contender]

And we await the info with baited breath,,,,!

 

[LAH]

Fine looking bullet there.

 

[sixshot]

Yes it is & David must have a very good reason to not have a crimp groove, I'll be interested to hear why he designed this bullet to be crimped over the front driving band. Could be the weight compared to over all length, etc. I'm sure he has a very good reason. Really a nice looking bullet the two of you came up with & Dan makes a great mold.

Dick

 

[wildcatter]

Sweet look'n bullet, looks like a great heavy fer this caliber. Can't wait to hear the results.

 

[David Bradshaw]

Tyrone, LAH, Dick, Wildcatter.... thank you. Lee should be along this evening with more of our developing story, and photos.
David Bradshaw

 

[eric conrad]

Thank both of you for your work and sharing this with us. I will be looking for your posts.
Thank you. Eric

 

[Bob Wright]

And we await the info with baited breath,,,,!

Baited breath?


Bob Wright

 

[contender]

Excellent info there David. I looked it over at first,, and held back any thoughts or questions until you had time to post info.
Now that you have provided some of the insight,, it makes a lot of good old fashioned sense. I now look forward to more info from Lee,, and if nobody else will say it,, I will; "Put me on the list to get a mold!" I'm willing to give it a try!
Once again,, I'm duly impressed with the knowledge,,, but I'm also honored to know you are not the type to keep the secrets. It's always sad to me when good info is not shared to where the world loses knowledge.
As my Dad used to say; "A good education is something nobody can steal from you,,, but it's a crime if you don't share it!"

 

[Lee Martin]

Shooting Session #1

A photo of the powder coating process - these were dry tumbled in Eastwood's lime green; no plastic BBs. Baking was for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. I prefer the non-stick cooking mats.

Sizing and gas-checking was done on a 0.358" push-through die. The gun used for testing was NIB .357 Maximum I acquired in December. Like David's, it is the 10.5" version. Short of unhooking one trigger leg, no modifications have been made. The forcing cone is factory 11 degree.

David suggested I install a Bowen target sight to leverage the narrow notch. I plan on doing that shortly.

The 194 gr Bradshaw-Martin SWC took flight on January 27th. I loaded them light using IMR 4227 and a CCI #400 primer. A mild roll crimp was applied over the front driving band. First, some speed figures (average of five shots)

15.5 IMR 4227 = 1,323 fps
16.5 IMR 4227 = 1,360 fps
17.0 IMR 4227 = 1,409 fps

I sighted the gun at 50 yards on a 10" plate. Was eager to get to 100 yards, so I didn't run five shot groups at that distance. However, the last 3 I fired to confirm POI fit under 1.5". The gun hit 4" high at 50. Moving to the 100 yard plate with a few clicks of elevation, I held on the bottom edge of the steel. The front sight is a good width, giving a slither of white to the sides of the blade (since I held 6:00, the white was above the top sight edge, not to each side. Nevertheless, it helped me hold consistent horizontal).

5-shots benchrest rested @ 100 yards. 17.0 IMR 4227. This is the one of the tightest open sight groups I've shot with a revolver at 100. Spread = ~3 inches. The middle impact are two hits.

It adjusted the rear sight upward and laid down this group (same load). Spread is just over 4 inches.

Gas-checks and lead recovered under the plate indicate they're hitting flush. Note the concentricity of the outter rings:

Takeaways in my report back to David that evening:

1) The gun is a shooter
2) The bullets show promise
3) I had a fantastic day pulling the trigger. I cannot shoot like that on-demand.

 

[Lee Martin]

Bradshaw Report #1

Wind howls out of the north this should-be-beautiful Saturday, 14 April 2018. Sharpshooting abides no alibis, thus we set up to shoot the Bradshaw-Martin Maximum 194 SWC GC against a 7 o'clock, 10-15 mph wind, in 25-degree "springtime" weather. Target: pigs painted on cardboard @ 100 yards. Sights: Ruger SRM front .107-inch target blade; rear .091-inch notch.

11-degree cone (left), and 5-degree cone. Both to be found on Blackhawk .357 Maximums. Bradshaw prefers a short 11-degree cone.

Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC over 18.5/IMR 4227, Federal nickel 1.605" case, WSR primer. COL=1.960-inch. 100 yards 5x5=3.7"

Wind flag stapled to target board @ 100 yards. 7 o'clock wind 10-15 mph; temperature Fahrenheit mid-20's. Since wind had a bit of whip to it, a good test for cast, powder coat 194-grain

5-shots @ 100 yards
5x5=3.2"
4x5=1.2"

T/C Contender Super 14 .357 Maximum; T/C 4x scope. Pachmayr Gripper with Pachmayr Contender Forend.

Load, .357 Maximum
Bradshaw-Martin Maximum 194 SWC Gas Check; cast, powder coat.
18.5/IMR 4227.
Federal nickel 1.605 case.
Winchester Small Rifle primer.
Redding dies, light roll crimp.
COL=1.960".

T/C backup to firing Ruger Maximum. Despite faster LOCK TIME and 4x scope, T/C shot only 0.5-inch tighter than iron sight Ruger for 5-shots @ 100 yards.

Found, laying on grass after snowmelt, Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC. Powder and charge unknown. Fired from Ruger .357 Maximum early April, 2018.

200 yards with .357 Maximum and Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC about to kick off in a light 6 o'clock, 6:30 breeze. A few inches of mid-April snow fell overnight.

Five shots on target @ 200 yards, Ruger .357 Maximum with SRM narrow front and rear sights.

200 yards, .357 Maximum
Cast, powder coat, Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC over 18.5/IMR 4227; WSR primer in Federal 1.605" case. COL=1.960". Sight picture: upper third of body. Elevation: 48-clicks. Same target is shot @ 100 yards with 24-clicks. Ruger elevation screw has 16-clicks per rev.

Hold: upper third of body. 5x5=8.1" @ 200 yds. Iron sights offer no forgiveness at long range. Squeeze is timed to clarity of sight picture.

David's last shots of the day, 15 April 2018. Shoot all chambers. Ruger .357 Maximum, 10-1/2" with short 11-degree cone; 1:16" twist. Sights: SRM prototype .107" front, with .091" rear notch. Elevation: 48-clicks, 16-clicks per rev screw. POA=POI (with 4-6" wind drift).

Load: cast, powder coat, Bradshaw-Martin Maximum 194 SWC GC; 18.5/IMR 4227; Federal nickel 1.605" case; WSR. Light roll crimp on front band. COL=1.960".

200 yards, barrel & butt rest
6x6=6.1"
5x6=4.6"
4x6=2.6"

We have a lot of material to post. I hope to get more published tomorrow night.

 

[sixshot]

Good bullet, good gun & good shooter! I'm impressed!

Dick

 

[contender]

Pant, pant, pant, pant!!!!!!! That kind of performance makes me drool a bit. I'll say it again, put me down for a mold! I have 3 Maxi's by Ruger & 2 T/C bbls. I can see a lot of FUN here!

 

[David Bradshaw]

"... put me down for a mold! I have 3 Maxi's by Ruger & 2 T/C bbl."
----contender

*****

Tyrone.... Dan at Mountain Molds should know the bullet, since he cut the two-holer for Lee. $90 with fast turn-around. I am beginning to like this bullet. At some point, better weather permitting, Lee will set up his LabRadar to read velocity at intervals, thus calculate ballistic coefficient. WHACK of bullet puncturing board @ 100 yards says bullet holds velocity well. Fast playback as well from 200 yards.

We won't try for velocity with accuracy until we have ACCURACY sorted out. My signs are positive. While 22/H110 drives the Bradshaw-Martin 194 SWC GC within a hair of 1,800 fps, my best accuracy was 5x5=7.1", with 4x5=4.9 @ 100 yards. Round holes in cardboard, with less than desired accuracy.
David Bradshaw

 

[sixshot]

I sure hope someone from Lipsey's or Ruger is watching this, we need a low recoiling, long range revolver that shoots heavy bullets & the 357 Maximum needs to be brought back. I think everyone learned from the light bullet/ball powder mistake the first time around, this gun thrives on heavy 180-200 gr bullets with great velocity & accuracy, just what the revolver hunter needs.

Dick

 

[Lee Martin]

Bradshaw Report #2

Bradshaw-Martin Maximum 194 SWC GC dropped into cylinder; stops in EXIT HOLE (aka THROAT).

Federal send Bradshaw Bradshaw .357 Maximum in 1.545" nickel plated brass. By this time, Remington has started making Ruger's 1.605" case, but deliveries to Ruger were slow. David and Bill, Jr., shot this experimental ammo, which Federal loaded with the Sierra 170 FMJ. Stiff extraction, accuracy below par. After the fact, Hugh Reed of Federal called Bradshaw to warn, "We pressure tested it, and it's running 77,000 psi." Didn't do diddly to the revolvers.

FC headstamp "IHMSA 357 MAX" with ram. Ordered by Elgin Gates for sale through the monthly publication, The Silhouette.

Target blade, .131" wide, on 10-1/2" Maximum. Sight held by screw, easily changed.

Rear sight with narrow, .091-inch notch, for use with .107-inch front sight. Notch is .055-inch deep. Notch dimensions may vary .005" between examples. Notch on this setups .016 thinner than front sight.

Ruger sight elevated 48-clicks for 200 yards. Elevation screw has 16-clicks per rev; thus, sight is 3-turns above BOTTOM DETENT.

200 yard sight setting w/194 gr Bradshaw-Martin SWC

Notebook record of six shots @ 200 yards.

Abrasion of powder coat appears related to punching through plywood and skimming ground below snow. Snow almost certainly responsible for slowing and preserving bullet. Answers David and Lee's question as to whether gas check would be remain attached to heal (underside of the bullet shown a few posts ago)

 

[Lee Martin]

Martin Shooting Session #2

The 194 gr Bradshaw-Martin's second outing was 2/24. Due to stiff rain, I wasn't able to chronograph. Two loads were assessed. First was my attempt to confirm accuracy with 17.0 of IMR 4227. Once again, 4" groups @ 100 were the norm.

17.0 IMR 4227:

I then tried 18.0 grs of AA1680. The minute the charge lit, I knew it was too light. Even so, they patterned well at 100 paces.

Wind flags, or anything that'll capture air shifts, are a must for precision shooting. All of the aforementioned targets were shot over flags positioned at 25, 50, and 75 yards. I could not come close to these size groups without them.

 

[Lee Martin]

Martin Shooting Session #3

On March 16th, five powders were chronographed under the 194 gr Bradshaw-Martin SWC:

The results:

• 18.5 grs IMR 4227 = 1,480 fps
• 14.5 grs 2400 = 1,434 fps
• 22.0 grs AA1680 = 1,432 fps (duplicates the 2400 load - needs more powder)
• 22.0 grs AA5744 = 1,671 fps (much faster than expected)
• 22.0 grs H110 = 1,794 fps

The H110 load moved me to photograph the screen as proof. For comparison, below is the readout for 18.5 grs IMR 4227 (1,464 fps). Still questioning the results, I fired my .41 Magnum with 240 gr casts through the traps. They went 980 as expected. The H110 speed wasn't a fluke.

22.0 grs H110:

18.5 grs IMR 4227

Accuracy results:

• H110 was erratic. I had a hard time keeping all 5 on the steel.
• 2400 was mediocre. My best group was 9"
• AA5744 - only fired two 5 shot groups. Looks like it wanted to print short of flyers. 4 x4 was around 6". The fifth shot on one missed the steel, which was on me. The other fifth shot walked out 4".
• AA1680 - looks pretty good. Attached is a picture of my best group with that powder. One bullet fell out the bottom
• IMR 4227 - still the propellant champ. Like 1680, one flew low. The other 4 were really tight.
22.0 grs AA1680

18.5 grs IMR 4227

 

[contender]

Looks good. I'm gonna have to look into a new mold!
And it looks like IMR 4227 is going to be the powder I'd start with.