OT- Using 2400 in .357

[Big Bore 94]

I see quite a difference in published loads in recent manuals using 158 grain jacketed bullets. Maximum charges from 13.8 to 15 grains and minimum from 9.3 to 14 grains. This puts the starting load over the max load. What are your thoughts

[Tycer]

14 has been an accurate load for me. Cases get kinda sticky in my Model 19 around 14.8.
Don't forget a firm crimp.

[J Miller]

Big Bore 94,

Variables. Lots and lots of variables.

>No two gun component companies use the same things.
>Different lots of the same brands of components produce different results.
For instance:
Company A makes 158gr JHP bullets, so they dig up a quantity of WSP primers, a batch of Win brass and some 2400 powder. They load the ammo on their Dillion 550B machine with Dillions dies. They use their test barrels, their pressure test systems, their technicians.
Company B also makes a 158gr JHP bullet and they acquire the same brands of components, but none are the same lots. They load theirs on a Hornady progressive machine with Hornady dies. They test their combinations in their test barrels with their pressure test machines and use their technicians.

On paper these are the same loads because they use the same components. But in reality nothing is the same, everything is different. That is why the major differences in load data. That is why it's always best to use the components as listed in what ever data source you're using, and back up 10% or to the starting load and work up from there. Nothing you have will be the same as what they had.

It's just the name of the game.

Joe

[Big Bore 94]

Thanks! I'll start low. I do not every recall coming across data quite like this. I called Sierra and they said Alliant 2400 is made at a different location and using different raw materials. Hopefully I can find a nice load that will work in more than one 357.

[Rusty]

Many moons ago I used 13 grains with a 140 grain HP and it was plenty warm for me out of a 4" Python.

[J Miller]

BB94,

I use a lot of 2400 in my 357s. My favorite load, and it seems to work in most guns of this caliber, is 13.5grs with cast, plated, and NyClad bullets from 158 to 173grs, and 14.0grs with 158-160gr jacketed bullets. Neither are max and both work for me.

I believe it's the cellulose that's different. Years ago they used cotton to get it, now they use wood. Once processed into the cellulose it works the same, but like the other variables it's not the same. Alliants been doing this now for over 10 years so it's nothing to worry about.
From the shooting I've done I honestly cannot tell the difference between the old Hercules 2400 and the new(er) Alliant 2400 in my loads.
I give it a good tight neck tension with a good crimp and it's a good clean, accurate load. You just gotta keep it's pressure up to the sweet spot. Too low and it's dirty as heck and inconsistent. Too high and ... well too much pressure ain't good at all.

Joe

[Rimfire McNutjob]

The most recent Alliant guide has 14.8 grains of 2400 using a Speer GDHP for 1265fps. They show their new 300MP powder at 18.6 grains using the Speer UCHP for 1690fps ... in the revolver / pistol section. No telling how fast that thing leaves a rifle barrel.

[AJMD429]

It IS somewhat disconcerting to see a 'never exceed' or 'maximum' load from one company, which is LOWER than the 'recommended' load from another.

Often they don't even specify ALL the components, depending on the manual...

Then when you consider we're all supposed to "approach maximum loads with caution", and that "supposed 'pressure signs' are not all that reliable", I guess we all need to go out and purchase piezoelectric pressure-testing equipment, extremely over-built guns, or just do our best, and say our prayers daily.

I choose the latter, but I still read the reloading manuals, and if I don't see a load I want to use listed as acceptable in at least TWO printed manuals from major manufacturers, I won't use it.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

The most recent Alliant guide has 14.8 grains of 2400 using a Speer GDHP for 1265fps. They show their new 300MP powder at 18.6 grains using the Speer UCHP for 1690fps ... in the revolver / pistol section. No telling how fast that thing leaves a rifle barrel.

In case you don't have the Alliant Guide handy, the 2400 load is using a CCI #500 primer and Speer case. The 300MP load is using a Federal #100 primer and Federal case. And I still can't find any of the 300MP powder yet. I'm not sure if it's hit the distribution channel. They sure are advertising it heavily though.

[firefuzz]

I've used quite a bit of 2400, both Hecules and Alliant, in my .357 jacketed bullet loads with 14.0grs being my max with a 158gr bullet with very good results. It's not a max load but I will use it in any of my .357's from a 3" "J" frame revolver (nasty recoil on that one) to my rifles without worry. Like was said earlier, a good tight crimp gives better results. For my cast bullets I usually use a more economical powder.

Rob

[stretch]

I like that load, Firefuzz. It's what I use in my 686 and it is VERY accurate.

I am using standard Winchester small pistol primers, as recommended in the Speer
manual. They seem a bit more accurate than the magnum ones, but this could also
be the shooter. Speer say that pressures are lower and more consistent with the
standard primers and "modern" 2400 than they are with magnum primers.

14.0 gr. is not, by any means, a really hot load for the 357 with 158gr. bullets. I'm
guessing - an educated guess, mind you - that pressure with that load and magnum
primers would be just fine.

There's an article at gunblast.com (can't get to it at work for some reason today),
on loading the 357. It's an excellent discussion, and the writer is also fond of the
14.0gr load pushing a 158 or 160 gr. projectile.

2400 is a very versatile powder, and that may be one reason that there's such
a spread in the loads. The pressure curve must be very even, smooth, and predictable
to get that kind of versatility, methinks.

Your mileage may, of course, vary!

-Stretch

[firefuzz]

I am using standard Winchester small pistol primers, as recommended in the Speer
manual. They seem a bit more accurate than the magnum ones, but this could also
be the shooter.-Stretch

I quit using "magnum" primers, except for certain powders in large capacity rifle cases, years ago. Like you I like the Winchester standard primers, but I'm having a hard time finding them right now.

rob