mailman said:
I just got a new Ruger GP 100 for Christmas. I have handloaded .357 Magnum rounds at 15 grains of H110 under 158 grain JHP's. I loaded these for my Colt Trooper MKIII quite a few years ago when I hunted alot. My question is, will the GP 100 handle these stout loads?
Absolutely yes.
Go back to whoever gave you the GP and (as appropriate) kiss them or shake their hand. Rugers are among the strongest revolvers made for any given cartridge.
My Lee manual lists 14.5 grains of H-110 as max load for 158 grain jacketed bullets. But that is because of the cartridge, not the gun.
My Speer (printed in 1979, be warned, powders may have changed formulation in the past 28 years) manual lists 15.8 grains giving 1,263 fps out of a 6" Ruger Security Six (a much lighter gun) and 17.8 grains for 1,330 fps.
I would suggest starting at 14 grains and work up to the 15, looking for pressure signs along the way. The amount of crimp you use, the dimensions of your particular gun's chamber throats, forcing cone and barrel will make a difference, as you probably know.
(Remember, when I answer your post, other people, perhaps with less experience, are also reading).
Good luck. Be safe. Always, all ways.
Lost Sheep
