158gr Hornady XTP HP load in .357 mag

envisaged · Post by **envisaged** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:59 pm

I normally load 180 gr laser casts with 14.6gr of 'lil gun powder with magnum primers. I decided to try the 158 gr Hornady's with 17.0 gr of 'lil gun for the lever action - this is 1gr under max suggested load.

How will my Ruger GP100 in .357 shoot this load? Big fireball since it only has the 4" barrel? I may just shoot this load through the rifle and use my Titegroup powder for the handgun. Any input?

Been awhile since posting on the old forum. TIA.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:02 pm

Welcome back!

I'm not sure how it will work, but it sounds like this has all the makings of an excellent range report!!!

meanc · Post by **meanc** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:16 pm

I run 18gr of Lil gun under the Remington 158gr JSP and they shoot excellent out of both by 4.5" & 6.5" Blackhawk and even better out of both my Trapper 357s

Fireball... Like you wouldn't believe !!!!

I've never seen it at night, but can only imagine, because of how it looks during daylight.

envisaged · Post by **envisaged** » Thu May 22, 2008 10:27 pm

Glad to hear it will be a good load for the revolver as well.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:00 am

meanc wrote:I run 18gr of Lil gun under the Remington 158gr JSP and they shoot excellent out of both by 4.5" & 6.5" Blackhawk and even better out of both my Trapper 357s

Fireball... Like you wouldn't believe !!!!

I've never seen it at night, but can only imagine, because of how it looks during daylight.

Gotta luv the fireball it's part of the shock & awe of the 357 magnum caliber

!

Post by **Hobie** » Fri May 23, 2008 8:17 am

Worked fine in my Speed Six (I used the full 18 gr. load).

envisaged · Post by **envisaged** » Fri May 23, 2008 10:50 am

Thanks for the feedback - I thought maybe the 'lil gun powder would be too slow for the 4" barrel. Sounds like it should be either a very early morning or towards evening shooter.

:flameball:

Post by **Hobie** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:11 am

I did not notice a particularly large muzzle flash. There was however noticeable recoil as expected for a load that moves the 158 gr. faster than factory loads.