.357 deer load

[kmittleman]

Hey Guys,


I'm loading some Hornady 158 gr XTP's for my Handi Rifle. How fast would you load them for deer? Currently, I'm playing with 2400 which should give me around 1700 fps.

-Kevin

[jedman]

  My Hornady loading manual lists 2 -  158 XTP's, a HP and a FP.     The HP is rated for a lower velocity use such as handguns and the FP for upto 1800 FPS.
It doesnt take a near max load to get near 1800 in a rifle,  2400 is a good powder I would find a load thats the most accurate in your rifle and not be to concerned with the velocity.
I would stick with the XTP flat point for a rifle.                                               Jedman

[cwlongshot]

I agree Jedman!

I have shot many with these two loads.

In a handgun I prefer a 140HP. I have used the Speer but not the XTP for this. I am certain the XTP would preform at least as well if not better. For powder my gun likes a max loading of H110 and a CCI 550 primer.

For my Marlin carbine THE bullet is the 158 XTP FP bullet also with a max load of H110 powder and CCI550 primer. Shoots THRU shoulders at realistic distances. I have had a number of DRT shots with this combo.

I Avoid HP bullets for big game in a rifle. They tend to over expand and under penetrate. XTP are an exception to that rule.

Another good bullet choice is the excellent Speer 170 GDSP bullet. It really stays together and penetrates deeply. It's on the cusp of too heavy even from a rifle for my liking. I also do not like the 180s in the magnum on game. If I was forced to use them I would use the XTP behind the fastest most accurate powder.

IMHO your absolute best bet is the afore mentioned Hornady 158 XTP FP bullet.

CW