Slow .357s

[scout34]

I loaded up some .357 Mags last night to see about some close in hog loads.  13.5gr of H110 behing some Oregon Trail Laser Cast 180gr  Flat Points.  Winchester Small Pistol primers.  These are for a 686+ with 4" barrel.  Manuals all state around 1300fps, but I was clocking 1010.  I know the shorter barrel will lose some velocity, but that much?

There were no signs of excessive pressure, in fact the primers were not flattened at all.  Normally I would start increasing the powder charge at this point, but none of the manuals show any load higher than 13.5gr with this bullet weight so I am somewhat hesitant to do so.  Is this powder just too slow for this barrel length?  Should I abandon the thought of increasing the charge? 

Does anyone have experience with a similar gun/load combination?

[Gregory]

but none of the manuals show any load higher than 13.5gr with this bullet weight so I am somewhat hesitant to do so.   Should I abandon the thought of increasing the charge? 

Yes, don't exceed the listed max loads.  I've got a 25/06 that is 300 fps slower than listed MV for that caliber, I just assume I've got a "slow" barrel.  You may want to try a faster powder like 2400, and see how it performs. 

[scout34]

That's what I figured.  Still, I read on here alot that the .357 used to be loaded much hotter.  C'est la vie.  Perhaps this is the perfect excuse to find a gun with a longer barrel. 

I suppose that the question should also be asked, is this load sufficient for hogs/deer within 50 yds? 

[PaulS]

That's what I figured.  Still, I read on here alot that the .357 used to be loaded much hotter.  C'est la vie.  Perhaps this is the perfect excuse to find a gun with a longer barrel. 

I suppose that the question should also be asked, is this load sufficient for hogs/deer within 50 yds? 

Scout,
using the 357 for hogs (depending on size) is questionable. At close range you can kill a hog with a 357 but I would prefer a larger caliber against anything dangerous. If your hogs run under 100 pounds then you will probably be fine out to 50-75 yards but only if you can shoot very accurately at that range. Those are the same ranges that the 357 is good for a comparable weight deer. Your load uses a heavy bullet with a maximum load - if it is an accurate load then don't hesitate to use it on 100 pound hogs and down. If your hogs run bigger than 100 pounds then you need to consider a larger gun. Hogs are tough animals with built in body armor and they can mess you up if they get a chance. They can also run a long ways before they die and losing a wounded animal is never a good thing - for the hunter, the animal, the sport, or the next hunter that runs into him. Be fair to yourself, the animal and the guys that are hunting around you.

[Castaway]

Barrel length doens't have any bearing on what powder you are choosing.  Powder is burned in less than the first inch of the chamber/cylinder.  As stated, you might want to try a faster powder, but again don't exceed the "book" for any charge.

[superhornet]

A lot of the published chrony data from manufacturers is done in a universal receiver or other device that will lock up and allow no escape of gas...You cylinder gap will account for gas and velocity loose.  The bullet you are using is a good one...Remember, hogs can't count past 100, so 1010 in a close up shot will probably suffice if you do your part.  I like the .357, but it is marginal on some game, but have shot some smaller pigs with good results....IMHO of course.