Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns GP 100 loads

I picked up some Sierra 125 gr HP .I usually shoot 158g for some reason this 125 don't group at all I tried some 296 win 21.5 gr 19.5 and 20.5 not good
I next had some 2400 started at the top load and worked down a little still no good next some herco a couple different loads not much better I had some leftover 158 gn had loaded with 17 gr of 296 win and couldn't miss anyone have a load I can try

Did I read that right? You're starting at the TOP and working DOWN?

Sounds bassackwards to me too.

Yup sounds backwards working top down. But went back to 89-91 loading log to find where I messed with 125's.

9.5 grains unique was the best.
10 grains HS-6 was close to unique
Had a note by 19.5 grains 296 that said "sucks"

Haven't messed with them since, In fact I still have an un opened black box of XTP's with a price tag of 7.95

I've never found H-110/W-296 to perform well with light for caliber bullets. Those powders seem to need medium to heavy for caliber bullets to provide some resistance so the powder will burn consistently.

Now for 180-200 gr bullets in a .357, they are my favorite powders.

I've tried several different 158 gr. loads but my 4" stainless GP shoots 125's a lot better than 158's......which is just fine with me.

Try 16.6 grs. of 2400, with a nice firm crimp, under your 125's and I think you'll like it.

This is true.

Look at a burn rate chart. See what is available in your area. Keep your burn rates at or faster than 2400. Work UP your loads. A good crimp and properly sized case is better no matter what bullet/powder your using.

Thanks for the feed back, my GP has 6 inch barrel ,as for loading at the top and working back .
With the 158 grain with 17.5 is listed at the top and my GP loves em , like that just like my .44 black hawk loaded up or watch em wander .
I crimped my loads as much as I can with out squishing them ,looks like a good day on my side of the mountain today I think I will try a few more loads and see what I can do

I suggest you try a different 125 grain bullet. I'll recommend Speer Gold Dots since they have worked best for me.

20.5 gr of H110 is the sweet spot in my Blackhawks, I do not own a GP.

I have not had to use more than a modest roll crimp, perhaps over crimping is contributing to your issues?

The above is hard on forcing cones, but it takes a good deal of shooting before repair is needed.

It works really well up to 100 yds for coyotes and down. At least one of my 357s will always be set up for it.

I've had good results with Hornady 125 gr. XTP hollow points in conjunction with H-110. 20.0 gr. is the sweet spot for my 4" 686; it's hot but it's not something I shoot a lot of. Averages 1389 fps from the 686. Also does pretty good in a 4 & 5/8" Blackhawk but haven't chrono'd it yet from the Blackhawk.