Author Topic: Accuracy in a 357 maximum (Read 848 times)

Reloader · « **on:** April 11, 2003, 11:50:50 AM »

I've got some 180 grain Speer bullets loaded up for my 357 Maximum 14" barrel and I'm getting 2-3" groups at 50 yards with a 2.5 x Thompson scope off a real solid bench. Is this normal accuracy for this type of combination or should I be looking for more?

Thanks

DLH · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2003, 12:03:30 PM »

:shock: I have had 3 of them 2 -14" & 1- 10" The worst one would shoot 1.5" groups at 100yds. and the best one and I still have it! will shoot 1" at 100yds.
I prefer a Hornady bullet 180g either a XTP or a single shot pistol bullet, my powder is a hard to get one. Winchester 680, but boy does it shoot!!!

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2003, 12:03:32 PM »

If your a good shot, and you can see your target well enough you should be getting sub 1" at 50yds. If your like me I can't see the target well enough with that low power of a scope. And I end up with about 2" groups. But if I switch to a bigger scope I can cut that way down to most rounds touching at 50yds. It may just be the load your using. Your barrel may not like the combo you put together. Try some different loads and see what happens. KN

MF · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2003, 01:05:05 PM »

You didn't mention what type of powder you were using or how many different loads you have tried. Try some IMR 4227 or H-110. The IMR 4227 seems to be a favorite for accuracy. I'll second the Hornady 180 grain single shot pistol bullets too.

Pie-bald · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2003, 01:30:38 PM »

H-110 and Hornady 180 XTP will shoot 1"@ 100yards all day long!!! 1-ragged hole @ 50. PLUS it's a "SUPER DEER-KILLER" combo!!!

Reloader · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2003, 04:39:23 PM »

Thanks for the information guys. I'm shooting 20.0 grains of IMR 4227 in this load. It is actually my first try at reloading for this barrel. The scope leaves a bit to be desired, illuminated post and cross hair with a dot in the middle. I could go up another grain and 1/2 according to the Speer manual, which I probably will do with the next batch of ammo. As far as my shooting ability, I am definately a novice with these Contenders although I do have a 14" 223 barrel that has gone sub 1" at 100 yards for three shots which was amazing to me. Just wondering what is possible if I do things right and have found that folks on this site usually steer me straight. Will be sure to try the Hornadys also. :eek:

glenwood · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2003, 02:20:49 AM »

To DLD:

Which of the three guns were more accurate. Was the 10 more or less than the 14.

DLH · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2003, 11:30:52 AM »

:-D The 14s had the edge, I don,t know if it was the weght , or the extra barrel inches but the 14s were more acc.

PaulS · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2003, 08:36:04 PM »

Reloader,
try using ww296 or Hodgdon H110 to get better accuracy. I use the same bullet in my 14" with H110 and get excellent results.

PaulS

quicksdraw45 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2003, 05:35:55 AM »

Reloader
I HAD a 10 inch 357 max barrel that the best I could ever get from it was 5 shots into 1 1/2 at 50 yards ,I tried a alot of powders and bullets and was never happy with the results . I can shoot pretty well with other barrels so I dont think its me , I got to the point were i even considered having it rechambered but they may not even be the soulution .I ended up trading to a 7tcu .