Author Topic: 180gr XTP in a 357 handi (Read 360 times)

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **on:** August 14, 2005, 02:09:10 PM »

Anyone loading 180gr XTP's in their 357 NOT a Max but a standard 357. I loaded up a dummy round to the 1st crimp grove & it chambers. Not so in my marlin. Does this mead we can add alittle more powder??

So what is everyone doing with their standard 357's thet haven't reamed to a max

I was thinking of using little gun

Paul5388 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2005, 07:42:48 PM »

I'm using the 180 XTP seated in the top cannelure in .360 DW brass (this is in a standard .357 Mag chamber)with 11.0 gr 800X and a CCI 550 primer. Average velocity is 1645 fps, but that's at 15' so MV will be a little higher than that. Muzzle Energy (ME) is 1081 ft lbs. The reason for using this load is accuracy. It's a whole lot more accurate than what I could do with Lil'Gun or 4227.

A 170 gr LSWC Dry Creek Keith type bullet (Lyman #358429) with 13.5 gr Alliant 2400 in .38 Special brass and CCI 500 with do as well on velocity (1698 fps at 15') and ME (1088 ft lbs).

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2005, 02:00:22 AM »

Is it safe to assume we can use .360 data in 357 if we use the bottom cannelure. It looks like the length difference (Case capasity)would be the same extending the bullet out farther,

Paul5388 What is your OAL using the .360 brass & top cannelure. Good way to find out how close we are

Then again I may be all washed up & just buy the 360 brass or buy the 357max brss & ream it

who knows

Paul5388 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2005, 06:35:06 AM »

I don't know that's a safe assumption. I looked and found that I don't even have a .360 DW loaded right now. It really isn't an important load for me, since I use the Keith bullet in .38 Special brass mostly.

My assessment is to forget about getting .360 DW brass, unless you just want it for the novelty. The brass can be used at what I assume are factory lengths, but regular .357 brass allows a longer than factory OAL. That's the reason I can use 250 gr Beartooth flatnose gas check bullets sized at .359" in the chamber.

One combo I haven't tried is the 170 gr Keith in .357 Mag brass. with 15.0 gr 2400. I'm working on so many loads for Handi barrels, I just haven't gotten around to it, but it should be a good load.

My barrel shoots the 180 gr XTP very well, but doesn't like the 158 gr XTP at all.

The 125 gr Sierra JHC with 13.5 gr SR 4756 will clock at 2057 MV with 1175 ME. It's an effective bullet on Texas deer at lesser velocities (1600 fps), but I haven't tried it at these higher velocities. I normally (since 1973) shoot 14.5 gr of SR 4756, so the velocity has good potential for considerable increase.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #4 on:** August 15, 2005, 10:00:59 AM »

My .357 shoots the 180 very well my best luck has been with IMR4227 but AA1680 (mil surplus) and H 110 work well also. I've taken to useing cast bullets only thou, They shoot great and a bit cheaper too.