Ruger Forum

blbolin · September 14th, 2012, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawgface

What I am looking for is a bigger BOOM to wake up fellow shooters at the indoor range.

OK, here's where I'm at in reloading .357mag. I have been using Titegroup for my calibers, 9mm, 38/357 and I am happy with the results. Also I use standard small pistol primers and want to stick it them if I can. I stay away from the tightest AOL just to stay on the safe side.

Is there a different powder that I can use to get the results I'm looking for, if so which one?

Even with the hottest Hodgdon 125g or 158g bullet/Titegroup specs, they do not match the BOOM of Federal 158g FMJ factory target loads. This is just for a little fun and my wheel guns are 4" GP100 and 3"SP101.

Thanks for any/all guidance!

I don't mean to insult you but I am glad you don't come the range where my friends and I shoot. I have seen many members become friends while shooting at our range, but never by annoying their fellow shooters with how much noise they can make.

1mathom1 · September 14th, 2012, 05:55 AM

I have loaded and shot MANY pounds of 296 in the last 25 years. Few notes:

Do not use loads lighter than listed. It gets eratic unless at near max.
296 seems to like heavier boolits better.
Makes a huge flame...keep an eye on your top strap.
Crimp 'em good.

snuffy33 · September 14th, 2012, 05:21 PM

If you want loud and flashy try Power Pistol.

Dawgface · September 18th, 2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blbolin

I don't mean to insult you but I am glad you don't come the range where my friends and I shoot. I have seen many members become friends while shooting at our range, but never by annoying their fellow shooters with how much noise they can make.

No offense taken.

In the original post I should have stated that I haven't been able to match factory target ammo like 'Fed 158gr JSP' in accuracy/velocity using Titegroup'. That would have eliminated the 'flashy/noisy aspect of shooting .357 mags.

I can't afford buying factory rounds when I can reload my own at 1/3rd, or less, the cost for both my GP and SP.

EDIT: When I do shoot a factory round many of the other shooters want to know what I was shooting and most jump at the chance to shoot a few as I always present the offer.

leftofcentre67 · September 20th, 2012, 06:13 PM

Anyone having problems on realoaded ammo (.357) where the bottom of the brass seems a little too tight for the cylinder? My GP-141 seems to not like it, where as my friend with a Smith is finding they load just fine.

Should I get the cylinders polished or something? Do Ruger revolvers have a problem with reloaded ammo?

Sr40ken · September 20th, 2012, 06:30 PM

IS it the bottom of the brass or do you have fouling from shooting .38s that needs to be cleaned out?

Sr40ken · September 20th, 2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawgface

No offense taken.

In the original post I should have stated that I haven't been able to match factory target ammo like 'Fed 158gr JSP' in accuracy/velocity using Titegroup'. That would have eliminated the 'flashy/noisy aspect of shooting .357 mags.

I can't afford buying factory rounds when I can reload my own at 1/3rd, or less, the cost for both my GP and SP.

EDIT: When I do shoot a factory round many of the other shooters want to know what I was shooting and most jump at the chance to shoot a few as I always present the offer.

I've recently bought 2 lbs of 300MP. It puts out a roar and a fireball indoors anyway but, seems to be very accurate. Quite pleased so far. I certainly wouldn't use it for SD because at night it may blind you. I guess if you didn't hit the bad guy w a bullet you would at least set him on fire!!!LOL

Mark IL NM · September 21st, 2012, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftofcentre67

Anyone having problems on realoaded ammo (.357) where the bottom of the brass seems a little too tight for the cylinder? My GP-141 seems to not like it, where as my friend with a Smith is finding they load just fine.

Should I get the cylinders polished or something? Do Ruger revolvers have a problem with reloaded ammo?

Might ask this on a separate thread, might get more attention that way, and I'd be interested in the answers.

smithnframe · September 21st, 2012, 03:26 AM

Get a BFR 45/70 and load it with 70 grs. of 2Fg with a 550 gr. bullet! That should get some attention!

Salmoneye · September 21st, 2012, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftofcentre67

Anyone having problems on realoaded ammo (.357) where the bottom of the brass seems a little too tight for the cylinder? My GP-141 seems to not like it, where as my friend with a Smith is finding they load just fine.

Should I get the cylinders polished or something? Do Ruger revolvers have a problem with reloaded ammo?

As pointed out, you may have an issue with carbon buildup from shooting .38 Specials...

If that is NOT your issue, then I'd say that the reloaded cases are getting wide at the base, and need to be checked carefully bfore loading again...

I have 2 rugers (Blackhawk & GP100), and neither will chamber a .38 S&W (and they shouldn't)...I also have a Smith & Wesson 686 that WILL chamber and fire .38 S&W (and it shouldn't!)...

The more 'generous' chambers of your friend's Smith may be what you are seeing, but that does not mean the reloaded cases are safe...

I would mic the questionable loads above the rim, and see if they are .379" or greater...

ADDING:

You DO have your decapping/sizing die screwed all the way to the shell-holder I assume?

leftofcentre67 · September 21st, 2012, 11:30 PM

It's reloads from a local company. It might be build up from .38 Specials. I tried a different solvent when I cleaned out the cylinder and noticed I was getting more residue off than I saw before. Maybe I just won't fire .38 special any more. But yes it was the brass at the bottom that seemed to not go in properly. The company exchanged the ammo, and I'm going to try and see how the new stuff fires.

Lesson learned that I shouldn't use an all in one cleaner/lubricant.

Or lesson if I'm getting reloads of .357, make my own.

Thanks for the input. Sorry to thread-jack.

cranedriver · September 22nd, 2012, 06:51 AM

I would suggest you use a magnum powder. I specifically prefer 2400 and the best thing about 2400 is that it works fine without the use of a magnum primer.

Yurko · September 24th, 2012, 04:13 PM

125 gr JHP over 16 gr of 2400, with an OAL of 1.600.
I've found it's more consistent with MAGNUM primers, but it will work with standard.

This load is NOT real heavy in the recoil, but has a GREAT man-sounding boom.
Over my chronograph they run 1150+fps.

good luck.

Dawgface · September 24th, 2012, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the info folks but 2400 is not available at either of the two LGS that carry reloading supplies here in my town.

Yurko · September 24th, 2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the info folks but 2400 is not available at either of the two LGS that carry reloading supplies here in my town.

Sorry to hear that. You're missin' out on a good powder.

You might check a burn rate chart (just google "burn rate chart")
Look for one that's very close to 2400 & then check that mfg's website for load data.