powder for .357 carbine reloads

[toysoldier]

I just acquired a Rossi R92 16" carbine in .357. I already own and reload for a .38 Special Service-Six and .357 Security-Six, using Bullseye. I'd like to work up loads that get the most out of my new rifle, but online info is contradictory. The most recommended powders are Li'l Gun, 2400, and H110/W296.

Critics of H/110/W296 cite a small safe range, and erratic performance in cold weather.
One firearm manufacturer says Li'l Gun burns hot enough to burn out barrels quickly.
2400 is more versatile, but is said by some to be dirty.

What say the Forum members? I'm not looking for absolute maximum velocity, just safe, effective loads for heavier bullets.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I like 2400 for medium plus .357 but I don't have a rifle for it AND I don't mind smoke and "dirty".

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

I have a Rossi M92 with 20" barrel. I have worked up good loads with 2400, H110, and 300-MP. I shoot cast from mine (125 gr, 145 gr, 157 gr, and 168 gr. I can't speak to H110 and cold temps, but with this cold snap going on, I might have to see

I don't see a lot of soot with any of these powders.

 

[mr surveyor]

I don't have an R92 in .357 but I do have one in .44 mag. In my revolvers, I use the same powders for .357 and .44, and generally my better loads have been with 2400 and AA#9, including the same for the Rossi R92 in .44 magnum. I would most likely use the same in the R92 .357 ... and will when I finally get one.

 

[Mobuck]

Theoretically, using the slowest applicable powder for rifle loads "should" be advantageous. In practice, it's probably not worth the effort if you load for both long and short barrels. I've settled on H110 with hot primers for all magnum loads. I did just acquire some AA#9 to supplement my dwindling supply of 800X for those "moderate magnum loads" but haven't tried it yet.

 

[DGW1949]

I have had a '92 Rossi in .45LC for quite a few years. Fact is, it's one of my favorite rifles. I have also had their .357 version in the past. Both do real-well with "standard for caliber" bullet weights, Unique and 2400. Which powder you use would depend on how fast you want the bullet to exit the barrel, or to put it another way, how much thump you want to deliver to the target.

When fired from a rifle, a healthy dose of 2400 and a 158-160 bullet is perty-dern close to a 30-30 in power. Every loading manual that's ever been printed has loading information for that particular bullet/powder combination. It's been around for many years.
On the other side of that coin, you can use a mid-range load of Unique with the same bullet and your Rossi will shoot like a .22...and..still generate plenty of power.

Either way, what it comes down to is....what do you want the rifle to do?

DGW

 

[WESHOOT2]

-N110

-AA9

-2400

 

[6gun]

I use W296 and W231 for my revolvers, I would do W296 for your carbine.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I use more Accurate #9 with my Winchester than any other powder. It handles 158 - 180gr bullets very accurately.
I also use H-110 but as noted it is not as versatile in the loading dept.
I like BlueDot For plinking because it is good in revolvers and the rifle especially at less than Max loads.

 

[Cary]

The main diet for my Winchester M94AE with 16" barrel is 180 grain lead bullet pushed by either H110 or All2400. I have worked up loads so either will do the job nicely. Someday I will also pick up some Acc#9 to try as well. WESHOOT2 has been pushing this powder for years on the forums and I want to see what it can do as well. In these times of scarce components it is good to have more than one powder for the job. You don't know what you will find on the shelves of the stores if anything. Cary

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I just loaded 100 rounds of 357mag for my rifle.
50 rounds - 13.0gr of H-110 topped with a 180gr XTP bullet.
50 rounds - 13.0gr of Accurate #9 topped with a 158gr Rainier copper plated bullet.

 

[Cary]

Jimbo357mag
Have you loaded any of the 180 grain bullets using the Acc#9?

Cary

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Jimbo357mag
Have you loaded any of the 180 grain bullets using the Acc#9?

Cary

Yep, I do that often as well. I use 12.0gr of #9 powder with the 180gr XTP.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_7-2-13.pdf
I can't make up my mind which shoots better the H-110 or the Accurate #9. :shock:

As a side note I can load the 180gr XTP to the second crimp groove and put more powder in the case and still have it chamber and go through the action of my Winchester just fine. Kinda a super 357mag.

 

[jackruff]

My 1894C really likes 158 grain Sierra jacketed soft points over a Lyman manual maximum load of 2400. My 6" barreled GP100 likes them also. Even though these are maximum loads (in the Lyman manual - other manuals have higher loads) they are very pleasant to shoot both in the Marlin and in the Ruger. Please note that I had first shot much lighter loads than this in both guns.

 

[phonejack]

I get best accuracy with 2400 and 296 but, not loaded to max. For mine, the faster burning powders are the least accurate.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I load R-P 180g JHPs over 3N37, N350, AA9, N10, and H110.

I prefer 3N37; I get higher velocities with others.
It is also based on the specific launch platform, the pair of GPs, or the 7.5" Redhawk :shock:

 

[Tommy F]

I am working with carbine loads for Marlin and HR357s along with Redhawk and Blackhawk. The 147-174 cast loads are currently using 5 gr W231 for subsonic load. Initial heavy load is 158 JHP & 14.5 2400, all mag cases.

 

[GasGuzzler]

The last one is a VERY good pistol load so I am curious to see how it works in the rifle.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

All my "full house" .357s use 158 gr bullets (both cast and jacketed) over 296 and a Win SP Mag primer, w/ a really snug crimp (see http://www.hodgdon.com for recipes.) They get shot in a 7 1/2" Bisley. They're manageable but less fun to shoot in a 3" GP.

"Cold" here in SoCal isn't what "cold" is to a lot of you guys, so I can only say 296 loads have always worked fine for me when used w/ magnum primers. Dunno if they'd be touchy in "real" cold, though.

A buddy loads all his w/ 2400 and a standard primer, using commercial 158 gr cast or his own Keith style bullets at about 165-168 gr or so (Lyman #358429?), also w/ a rather snug crimp (from http://www.alliantpowder.com). He used both bullets to shoot silhouettes w/ an 8 3/8" Smith 686. He also shoots several other Smiths, and it seems one or two of them doesn't like the Keith bullet (too long.)

Neither of us has a .357 rifle, but I believe either of our choices for 158 gr loads would be a good start for a rifle... can't say w/ that longer bullet.

Rick C

 

[6gun]

Hi,

All my "full house" .357s use 158 gr bullets (both cast and jacketed) over 296 and a Win SP Mag primer, w/ a really snug crimp (see http://www.hodgdon.com for recipes.) They get shot in a 7 1/2" Bisley. They're manageable but less fun to shoot in a 3" GP.



Rick C

This load shoots very well in my SP101 2 1/4" it's all I use for it, only with hollow points and normal crimp.