Reloading for the 77/357

[MikePerham]

Just got back from the range after trying my first batch of reloads for my recently acquired 77/357. I had fired 200 round of factory 158 grain rounds and the best group at 50 meters was about 1 1/2 inches. I had put a 4 thousand bolt shim in, otherwise the rifle was as before and my reloads are about .75 inch at 50 meters (or better). I am really pleased with this accuracy from this little carbine. Load was Federal brass, WW SP Mag primers, 19 grains H110 and Hornady 140 grain JHP bullets. I worked up to the 19 grains and the groups kept getting better as more H110 was used. Not much to separate the last two loads of 18.8 and 19 grains. Should be getting around 2K FPS with these loads.

I would be interested to know what experience others have had reloading for the 77/357.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
I wish I could help,, but the 77/357 isn't one of my toys,,, yet,,,,!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

When I first started to read your post I thought I was going to suggest some H-110 but I see you read my mind.

 

[5of7]

The hottest loads I ever assembled for the .357 was in a Redhawk 7-1/2" bbl.

I used the Hornady 180 grain bullet, 16 grs. of AA9, CCI #500 primers in Remington brass. The OAL was 1.705" which was possible due to the bullet having 2 cannelures. The velocity was 1482 average of 20 shots from the 7-1/2" bbl. The load was safe in the Redhawk, the brass stretched some, but the primer pockets stayed tight, so it should be safe in the 77/44 also. Expect in the range of 300 fps more velocity due to the longer rifle bbl. You may not have room in the magazine of the 77/44 for a cartridge this long, so if you have to seat the bullet deeper, start at about 13 Grs. of AA9 and work up.

If you don't have a good chronograph, by all means buy one, they are cheap and reliable now-a-days.

For deer hunting you would be better served with the heavier 180 grain bullets....IMO. 8)

 

[Jimbo357mag]

...start at about 13 Grs. of AA9 and work up.

The Max load for a 180gr XTP is 12.0gr of #9 powder loaded to 1,575" according to the online Accurate data. This generates 1202fps at 33,540psi. Granted that is much lower than the old data for 357mag rounds but sill a good load. This is what I shoot a lot or 13.0gr of H-110 with that bullet..
http://www.accuratepowder.com/