I'm really frustrated with HSM bullets
It seems to be a big problem trying to find load data for HSM plated bullets. They say to use data for a similar lead bullet but its hard to find a similar bullet.
I'm trying to load for 357 and 38 special with HSM flat nose plated 158 grain bullets. The powders that I have on hand are AA #2, AA #7, AA #9, and Alliant 2400.
The 357 load that I tried first (I had tried to calculate based on other loads) was 14.0 gr of 2400. Those were REALLY hot. I should have realized something was wrong when my load for 44 special was 11.2 gr of 2400 with a 267 gr bullet.
Anybody have any suggestions for a new recipe?
I'm trying to load for 357 and 38 special with HSM flat nose plated 158 grain bullets. The powders that I have on hand are AA #2, AA #7, AA #9, and Alliant 2400.
The 357 load that I tried first (I had tried to calculate based on other loads) was 14.0 gr of 2400. Those were REALLY hot. I should have realized something was wrong when my load for 44 special was 11.2 gr of 2400 with a 267 gr bullet.
Anybody have any suggestions for a new recipe?
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I have limited experience with plated bullets. I don't load or shoot 357's as a rule. 2400 is not a good choice 38 Special loads.
If you have a modern firearm it should stand any starting load for 158 gr bullets cast or jacketed; start with the lower one and work your way up until accuracy falls off. My older books using Hercules 2400 list even more 2400 for jacketed bullets in a 357.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/0 -
How can you NOT find a "similar load" for a 158 flat nosed bullet in 357? Most load data indicates the plated bullets are not meant for top end loads which it seems you started out with.
I treat the plated bullets like swaged or medium hardness cast lead and load appropriately. The plated bullets give me a cheaper alternative to jacketed while producing less smoke and lead fouling than bare lead and reduce the potential for rebound on steel targets.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mobuck
How can you NOT find a "similar load" for a 158 flat nosed bullet in 357? Most load data indicates the plated bullets are not meant for top end loads which it seems you started out with.
I treat the plated bullets like swaged or medium hardness cast lead and load appropriately. The plated bullets give me a cheaper alternative to jacketed while producing less smoke and lead fouling than bare lead and reduce the potential for rebound on steel targets.
I guess I should say that I don't KNOW what would be considered similar in this case. The bullets of the same weight are completely different shapes. Does that make a difference? Or is does it not matter for lead cast?0 -
FWIW Plated bullets have proven to be less accurate than cast in any gun I ever shot them in.
My pet recipe for 158 grain lead cast bullets is 6.0 grains of Unique. It is about 1,000 FPS, powerful yet shootable all day long. I have not used any AA powders in pistols since Unique works so well. Your load of 2400 is my hunting load, it is hot but extremely accurate in my S&W 686.0 -
quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
It seems to be a big problem trying to find load data for HSM plated bullets. They say to use data for a similar lead bullet but its hard to find a similar bullet.
I'm trying to load for 357 and 38 special with HSM flat nose plated 158 grain bullets. The powders that I have on hand are AA #2, AA #7, AA #9, and Alliant 2400.
The 357 load that I tried first (I had tried to calculate based on other loads) was 14.0 gr of 2400. Those were REALLY hot. I should have realized something was wrong when my load for 44 special was 11.2 gr of 2400 with a 267 gr bullet.
Anybody have any suggestions for a new recipe?
Just use the load for the same weight bullet. The shape of the nose makes no difference at all, just the weight.
I load plated ones for 9mm and use lead load info. for the same weight.0 -
I just use Lyman lead bullet load data. I think Speer has some too. 0
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