How much powder.....

Henry0Reilly

June 05, 2005 05:48

...gets wasted in a 2 1/2" .357 when the rounds are loaded hot? It sure seems to me that an optimum load for a gun like this would be a lot closer to .38 special parameters.



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  surbat6

  June 05, 2005 07:41

  Depends on the load. A fast-burning powder won't show appreciable loss of velocity in a short-barreled revolver, slower-burning powders won't burn up in the short barrel, throwing unburned powder out the muzzle.
  For practical purposes, if you need a short-barreled .357 for handiness or concealment, get it and don't worry too much about velocity loss. Try a variety of loads in the shorty and go with whatever works best for you in power and accuracy. If you don't need a short-barrel, get the longer one primarily for its longer sight radius.
  
  "I think of my gun as a tool for converting worthless human garbage into valuable fertilizer." John Dollar in the novel "Bridge City" by Fred Rexer

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  gunnut505

  June 05, 2005 08:49

  Henry, if you're using Blue Dot as a benchmark, and are loading 125's for defensive rounds; 14.7grains will leave a lot of unburned powder.
  If you switch to Unique; 9.7grains will get you within 150fps in velocity, and leave less residue.
  When we switch to Red Dot; a load of 7grains will get you close velocity-wise, but the flash is so much brighter.
  If you really want to burn all the powder; use 700-x. It burns really fast, and a load of 6.0-6.3grains will be going around 1000fps.
  REMEMBER HOWEVER, that powder position in semi-empty cases can cause a pressure wave that may injure you, your gun, or others. I always use the powder that most completely fills the case for the specific weight projectile I choose; this adds to the uniformity of ignition.
  
  Besides, if you miss; the powder might just burn a hole in your target.[:D]
  
  "Qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit" --OVID

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  rldowns3

  June 05, 2005 13:20

  If you're using factory loads, you won't notice much of a difference in velocity and unspent powder blowing out the muzzle. Factory loads are pretty well rounded for their use in different barrel lengths. But, with short barrels I usually just take the guesswork out of it and throw in some .38spl +p's. It's easier on my ears too if I have to use it on somebody.
  
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  kingjoey

  June 05, 2005 13:22

  I got a 2" .357 and I don't get much residue with factory loads, but I'm betting 50% of the powder burns in front of the barrel rather than in it[:0]
  
  Love them Beavers
  

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  TRAP55

  June 05, 2005 13:26

  Henry, if you shot one those in the dark it would answer your question! When you see a fireball 2ft around and 3-4ft long you know it's not burning "in" the barrel!
  
  
  "Aim small, Miss small"

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  rldowns3

  June 05, 2005 14:53

  Concealability, maneuverability. That's the only point.
  
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