Hdy 140 gr FTX bullets in my 357 barrel - range report

[watkibe]

Before I ream the barrel for the Max, I'm doing some baseline checks on how it does with the Mag chamber first.
My cast Lee 158 gr SWCTL bullets have been giving me around 1 1/2" 3 shot groups at 50 yds; velocity is around 1600 fps. In the interests of economy, I mostly do shoot bullets I cast myself, but a factory jacketed bullet does sneak in now and then.
I seated the Hornady flex tip (FTX) 140 gr over a case full of H110 and got the group in the picture. This load went over the Chrony at 1800 fps. I can't wait to try it in Max brass when I get the chamber reamed for it !

[tacklebury]

Just remember you are heading for the maximum FTX bullet as I understand it's limitations.  I believe it's 2100 fps max, so beyond that you might get some fragmentation or explosive reactions in game.  You have already made it past their .357 rifle speeds on their load notes by 150 fps.  

http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/357MagFTXRifle.pdf

[watkibe]

Thanks for the heads up. As for "explosive reactions", we shot a defunct watermelon with this load. It simply vaporized !
Surprisingly, I found the little red flexible plastic tip on the ground after shooting the watermelon.

[tacklebury]

Yep, last spring when I got ahold of the first .45-70 versions, I was shooting through a piece of particle board and into a snow mountain.  Once it melted, we found lots of red tips.  Had some varying levels of explosion depending on my load.  I'm finding that using the FTX, about 45-47 gr. RL7 is max before they start disintegrating or at least de-jacketing on impact.  Had similar experience with the XTP's other than Magnums in my .45 COLT Carbine.  Have fun though, I did like the slightly flatter trajectory. 

[watkibe]

It's interesting to see the data at that link, I was unaware of it. I did notice that rifle velocity for Hornady loaded ammunition with this bullet is 1850 fps, about like what I got, so I felt safe as far as pressure goes.

http://www.hornady.com/store/357-Mag-140-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution

I am rethinking this. The factory ammo data is using the "this is rocket science" LEVERevolution/Superperformance powder technology. Their claim is 100 to 200 more fps with no increase in pressure...   BTW, I read somewhere that both factory powders will be available soon as canister powders.

[quickdtoo]

I got an average of 1811fps with the 140gr FTX ammo in my 357mag Handi....but terrible accuracy, but it shoots handloaded 180gr Speers very good as a Maxi. 

Tim

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

I have two boxes of 180gr Hornady SSP's on the way and can't wait to roll a few up.
Also found a box of 180gr CoreLoc's to play with.
Good luck with your maxi work.
-g

[watkibe]

When I get mine reamed to Max, I'm thinking that the 180 gr SSP's might be just the ticket for making the Max into a "real" rifle cartridge. The 200 gr FTX's look intriguing as well. So many bullets, so little money; and what's worse, gone are the days of getting a 5 gallon bucket full of lead wheel weights for $20, so even casting my own at home costs more now too.