357 Ruger No.1 load advise needed

[Buckeye Bill]

I have a No.1 A in 357 Magnum.

I have been working up some loads and learning slowly.

I have not had great result with light 125 grain bullets with 8.9 grain of Unique, COL 1.590.

I have had fair results with 150 and 158 grain bullets with 8.1 grain of Unique, COL 1.590.

That being said, I have a bunch (200) of the Hornady 125 grain XTP's and (250) more of the Berry's plated 125 grain bullets.

I found a pound of 2400 and would sure like to find a nice load for those bullets in my No.1.

Before I start the process of trying multiple loads with these 125 grain bullets with 2400, I was wondering if anyone might have some advice based on your experience.

If I am wasting my time with these lighter bullets in a No.1 than I will cut my loses and start shopping for 158 grain bullets.

I use this rifle for plinking and small game like coyotes and rabbits.

Bill

 

[jmfc606]

I've only shot 140's and 158's out of mine so far. I will try some 125's next time I go shooting it. Do you have a Sierra manual? I usually start with their accuracy load and go from there. Good luck

 

[Buckeye Bill]

jmfc606,

I would welcome any information you can offer.

I do have the Sierra Edition V 6th printing.

I will take another look and see what it has to say. Good advice.

Also working with Hornady 7th Edition.

Bill

 

[Corbi]

Good morning.

I have a Marlin '94 in 357. Not the exact same rifle but close enough I think. The 357 really shines out of a rifle barrel.

Nothing wrong with good old 2400. I use it for pistol loads. Do a search for Lil'Gun powder loads. Lil'Gun will make higher velocity than 2400 out of a rifle length barrel. I use a maximum load of Lil'Gun with either a 158 grain XTP or a 165 grain cast. The 180 grain bullets will make a more power. The 158 grain XTP works very well on deer. I have not tried the cast on deer, maybe next year.

Corbi

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Corbi,

Thanks for the response. I will keep my eyes open for some Lil'Gun.

Last night I started making up groups of the 125 grain bullets using the 2400.

I am going to follow the Hornady manual for 357 magnum rifle.

I started out light ( 11.2 grains) and I am working my way up using 5 rounds for each load .5 grains between each set of five. Will take it up to 15.5 grains on the max side and see what happens regarding group size.

I hope to find what the rifle likes in 125 grain bullets this way.

Bill

 

[Corbi]

I'm getting +1,950 FPS with 158 grain bullets which makes the cartridge viable for deer.

I have tried 125 grain bullets but not chronographed them. Judging by the shift in POI the velocity was higher. I expect they will be explosive on game.

Corbi

 

[Lloyd Smale]

try max loads with the 125s using a slower powder like 2400 or 110. They may not be stablizing at lower speeds.