Horandy 180 gr .357 mag loads

[mikehp]

I have a NM blackhawk and a Marlin 1894c in .357 mag. I am looking into loading Horandy 180 gr XTP bullets for use in both, Has anyone here done this? I have looked at load data, just curious if anyone else has done this.
Thanks, Mike

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Welcome to the Forum Mike.

I shoot a lot of XTP's in my Winchester levergun both 158gr and 180gr. They work really well. My favorite load in the rifle.
357mag --- 180gr XTP --- Accurate #9 --- 12.0gr --- WSP primer in a Federal case.

Hodgdon H-110 would be another good powder.

I will let you know how they shoot in a 7.5" Bisley in a few days. There is a hunting handgun contest going on this month here on the RugerForum and I plan on shooting them. This is my launching platform.

This is the contest this month:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=93105

...Jimbo

 

[mikehp]

Thanks for the info. I have been reading here quite while. Payed attention to flatgates encouragement and converted my ss NM Blackhawk to a Bisley grip frame. I like the improved feel and fit, just need more range time.

 

[Chief 101]

That is one bullet I like to load with H110 or IMR 4227. I have not used Accurate #9 but I have heard good things on this board about it. Good luck, I am sure you will find one loading that will work with both guns with one of the above mentioned powders.
Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I said I would get back with a report on the 180gr Hornady bullets in my 357mag Bisley. I went to the range this morning with some 158gr and some 180gr XTPs. The shooting went well except my index finger on my off-hand was sore from being hit just above the middle knuckle with a hammer yesterday. Anyway... it took quite a few shot with the 158gr XTPs to get sighted down on the target. My light target loads shot from a rest do not recoil so much as these with Max charges of #9 powder. Finally I got dialed-in at 50 yards and I was all over an 8" target. Not bad for me resting arms on a rolled-up towel.

Next I went to the 180gr XTPs and noticed an increase in recoil and again printing high on the target, not quite as bad as last time. After a few more shots I was putting most shots in about a 4" circle. A definite improvement over the 158gr bullets.

I don't have the targets to show you guys because I used those peel and stick kind. But next time I will staple a few up and see what I can do. I was more than impressed with the accuracy of the 180gr XTPs which is what I mostly use in my Winchester rifle, but strangely enough the 158gr bullets are the most accurate in the rifle. I really like both of these bullets and would probably use them for hunting if I get the chance.

...Jimbo

 

[mikehp]

Jimbo, thanks for report. As soon as it cools down some, I reload in the garage and it is way to hot for that right now, about 110 plus deg. I will be loading some rounds to try in both revolver and carbine.
Mike