Author Topic: Loads for 170 gr. Keith .357 (Read 928 times)

barber · « **on:** June 21, 2003, 07:19:41 AM »

I have a GP100. .357 need loads for keith 170 gr. hardcast from Dry Creek. using A2400 or H110. I want a fairly hot load, for woods carry, possible bear defense. thanks

Graycg · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2003, 09:45:01 AM »

I use 15.7 grains h110, very accurate and very fast.

regards,
Graycg.

richp41 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2003, 10:26:45 AM »

14.0 grs of 2400 is tops for the GP100. You can go up a little at a time to 15 grs for the S&W 27. Rich P

barber · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2003, 05:38:34 AM »

I'm new at this, so I have to ask questions. Isn't the GP100 stronger than the S&W? So wouldn't it take the same loads? Thanks for the replies.

securitysix · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2003, 05:39:02 AM »

Check some older manuals that have 40k psi loads for the .357 Mag, they should give you what you want. You will, of course, need to work up slowly, but there's no reason the GP shouldn't be able to handle anything an N-Frame Smith can. Also, you might consider Hogdon Lil' Gun. It should get you in the ballpark as well.

richp41 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2003, 07:03:15 AM »

Barber- if you get a chance to inspect the cylinder of a S&W Model 27 that will answer your question in a most obvious manner. The cylinder walls are appreciably heavier and the M-27 was the original .357 revolver and has a superb record of peformance and strength. For practical purposes though your Ruger will do anything, within reason. that the S&W will do. Rich

Hcliff · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2003, 09:34:55 AM »

Follow the manuals. The extra feet per second is mopre hazardous to you than it is for the bear. 50fps second more in ber protection won't matter at point blank

JohnK · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2003, 07:36:28 PM »

Alliant lists 15.3 gr of 2400 as max under a 158 gr LSWC. The Dry Creek 170 gr Keith has a very long nose and actually uses no more case capacity than a typical 158 gr bullet, and has a longer loaded OAL as a result.

15.5 gr of 2400 load under a 170 gr Keith shoots just fine in my GP100, 1,386 fps from a 4" gun. 17.0 gr of Lil'Gun will get you a little more velocity with less pressure though and isn't over max according to Hodgdon.

In my GP 15.0 gr of H110 does 1,307 fps, 16.5 gr hits 1,400 fps, OAL 1.62".

What Hcliff is true though, the bear isn't going to notice 50 fps one way or another, being able to hit is far more important.

Steve P · « **Reply #8 on:** June 26, 2003, 03:46:44 PM »

Hotter is not necessarily always better.
Especially when you cannot put them where you need them.
Work up a load that is comfortable for you to shoot AND hit what you are amining at. THAT is YOUR hot load.

Steve