Woes with 357 mag. BH

[snuffer#1]

I'm sure that it's operator error. I have a BH in 357 mag. and 45 colt.  The 357 mag for some reason or other won't group worth a crap. I'm using 158gr xtps with 16.5 gr of Lil Gun. It has a 6.5 barrel and I'd like to use it for hunting. I went to the range today and tried it again. It's better, but not to my liking. I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions. I thought about getting some 125 gr and some 140 gr and probably another powder. For the 357 I have 2 powders , HS-6 and Lil Gun. I looked in my Lyman's manual and it seems that alliant 2400 is supposed to be a accurate powder for it. Any ideas?
                                                                                                        thomas

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The bullet weight change is a good idea-----I'd just try some factory loads till you get the bullet weight you want---then fine tune your handloads.

[Kurt L]

I don't have mine anymore but looked in my load log and it liked 2400.
my log shows that I shot 1 3/4  groups at 25 yards 13.5 gr of 2400 with rem 158 jhp
with win mag primers.that was just holding it still on a table no bags props barrel rest etc.
hope that helps ya.Kurt

[BlkHawk73]

  Chage the variables.  Can't just pick a bullet and powder and gr weights and expect it to be the preferred combination.  Gotta play with it a bit and see what the GUN lkes not what you WANT it to like.

[Luckyducker]

I have heard of others having problems shooting Lil'gun powder.  I would try the HS-6 since you already have it on hand but this is not my favorite powder.  I have had the best accuracy with 2400 for full power loads and Alliant Bluedot for a more moderate load.  I don't think you'll find a more compatible bullet weight than the 158 grainers for a 357Mag, but they will shoot other weight slugs well also.  If you want to try Bluedot powder, 10 grains will make an accurate load that will not sting your hand, though I have loaded hotter with this powder for testing purposes and the hot ones weren't much fun to shoot.

[700 223]

My own 357 6 1/2"  BH really shoots well with 140 and 158 XTPs. The powders that have given me the best results are H110 , 296 and AA#9. In fact with the 158XTP using H110 or 296 I have shot some of my most accurate handgun loads and not just in the BH , but my Smith 686 and TC Contender.

[Jerry Lester]

I think I might have answered this over on Marlin Owners? If not, I'll post it here later. Let me know...

[Skeezix]

I've had fantastic results with my .357 Blackhawk (50th anniv. edition) with 140 to 160 gr bullets using VihtaVuori N110 powder.  Worked better than using H110, 2400, or 296.  And it's VERY clean burning.  You can get the starting and max loads off of their website.

[safetysheriff]

i recommend you work with either Win' 296 or H-110, using Win's  small rifle primer.    that's right, use the small rifle primer in the .357 if you aren't doing it now.    use a decent crimp on the cartridge with all of your brass trimmed one time to a consistent length so the crimp will be consistent.   your 16.5 gr's of Lil' Gun is maybe not enough to give consistent ignition.    the max' load is 18 on the Hodgdon website with the 158 gr' XTP.   BUT, i've never tried that powder, being very happy with Win-296 and bulk powder WC-820.   

you may want to put a Hogue monogrip on that revolver.   just make sure you buy the right one.    it will help with consistent positioning of your hand on the grip frame which is very important.   it will help with recoil if that is a problem to you.     

the Ruger SA in .357 is probably the best-buy in a .357 on today's market.    it is bank-vault strong, and has a reputation for reliability.    you should be able to make it 'sing' with proper hunting loads.

one last recommendation:   go with either a 180 grain Remington JHP, or with the 180 grain XTP' for hunting.    it'll penetrate better than the 158 gr' bullet on whitetails and black bear.

ss'     

[hillbill]

any possibility that the barrel could be leaded up by the previous owner. i had a blawkhawk that i fired about half a box of factory 158 grn lead semi wad cutters thru that wouldn't hit a barn till i cleaned the lead out.