This .357 load works great!

[Star1pup]

After a lot of experimenting, but using published recipes, I have a load that works great in my 1894C.  I'm loading a 125 gr. Hornady HP-XTP over 11.5 gr. of Blue Dot.  The only problem I've had is making sure that my Lee dispenser drops the exact charge.  It's almost always right on, but every so often it is just a tad light.  I'm getting good groups out to 100 yards, but haven't fired over my Chrony yet.  The last time I did with a very similar load I was getting over 1,800 fps.

I really enjoy this gun!

[Jerry Lester]

If you really want to see some tight groups, switch those 125g XTP's in for the 140g XTP-HP's.

Of course you'll need to work back up accordingly.

[Star1pup]

I'll give it a try.

[Star1pup]

For some reason my accuracy is gone!  Not sure why, but my same load was all over the target this morning.  Haven't had time to check my scope mounts, etc., but I think they are still solid.  I really want to get a decent load worked up for this gun out to 100 yards if I can.  I don't expect it to be a tack driver, but I'd sure like to keep them in the same zip code.  Any suggestions?

[Jerry Lester]

Well, for starters, I'd highly recommend that you get a better powder measure. I know I'll catch some grief here about that, but trust me, if you get a good measure, you won't be sorry.

Second, are you trimming each time you load? A lot of fellows don't bother trimming pistol rounds, but when you're looking for the best accuracy in a pistol caliber rifle, trimming can make a lot of difference. It's the only way to get a truly consistant crimp, which means more to consistant velocity/accuracy in an 1894C than a pretty sizable variation in charge weights.

If you're wanting a tack driving full house load in that rifle try this combo...

140g XTP-HP's
CCI 550 primers
16.5g of Winchester 296

You can substitute H-110 if you have to.

It is possible that your scope has rattled loose, but if it did, it must have been pretty loose to start with. These rifles, even with full house 180g loads are still mild in recoil.

[Star1pup]

Just to be sure that I got consistant powder drops, I weighed each one so that's not the problem.  I also checked the scope and it's on tight.  I did not trim the cases, but was very careful to measure the finished round.

I give the W296 a try if I can find the bullets and primers locally.  I've had a hard time finding magnum primers of any brand.

[Star1pup]

And I scrubbed the barrel so dirt should not be a problem.  Now, if the rain would just stop so I could try again...

[spinafish]

H-110 and Win 296 are one and the same powders!!!

[Jerry Lester]

H-110 and Win 296 are one and the same powders!!!

I agree that "personally" I haven't seen a big difference, but they "do" come in different cans, from "two different" manufacturers.