Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Using Li'l Gun in 357?

I'd like to use Hodgdon Li'l Gun under 158 gr cast bullets in my S&W 357s. I can find load data for jacketed bullets on the Hodgdon site but not cast. Can anyone help?

WW

I can't help with the data. You might want to re-think your powder choice.
I used lil gun in 357 a couple of times and it burns very hot. The gun gets much hotter, much quicker than 296 / H110. This may be why there is no cast bullet data for lil gun.

Ernie

There was quite a bit of chatter a couple years back on the smith-wessonforum about LilGun wrecking the forcing cones on revolvers because of the temperatures involved. I don't recall the details as far as loads/speeds/bullets, etc. or if cast bullets were involved.

Keep a roll of solder handy and you can fix water pipes!

Jacketed is much better for fast 158g loads IMO. Tried the fast 158 cast deal in 357 once, it was a no go with lots of scrubbing to remove the lead. Much better suited for lower Vs IMO.

FWIW, LG works great for running jacketed pills hard. I tend to go with BD a good bit as well, but don't see the MVs of LG loads.

300-MP sure seems to give LG type speeds from the data I've seen, but I haven't even seen it on the shelves around here.

A properly sized and lubed cast 158 gr bullet can be driven over 1500 fps out of a strong 357 mag, with no leading problems. IMHO and experience, cast bullets are by far the best choice of bullet in revolvers.

Use 2400 or H-110/W296, they are tops for accuracy and velocity in the 357.

Thanks all, that's sure helpful. I've been trying to investigate the erosion problem with LG, but can't find anything definitive. I used it with jacketed bullets in my Marlin 357 carbine, perhaps I'll just save it for that and go with H110 for the Smiths.

I'm really not looking for a stomping maximum load, just a good strong useful load. Any recommendations with H110?

Thanks!

You can't load H110 down below 15.0 gr with a 158 XTP for a claimed 1418 fps.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

If you want a lighter load than that, I'd suggest 2400 or Blue Dot.

If you can wait a couple of days I will pm you with my load for 158 cast and 296 / H110.

Ernie

SotG: Good point, but that claimed 1418 fps is developed with 28k CUP, so that shouldn't be bad at all. I've certainly toyed with the idea of using 2400, but since I don't have any on hand, I think I'll stick with H 100.

EWY: Thanks for the offer, I'd appreciate it.

WW

Hodgdon max load for LIL'GUN 158 gr. XTP 357 mag, 1.58" OAL, 15 gr.

I reamed a Colt Police Positive from 38 special to 357 mag.
With a 4" barrel I chronographed some loads.

1) factory 38 special ammo 158 gr. JHP, 830 fps
2) 18 gr. LIL'GUN 158 gr. XTP 1.59", WSPM, 1173 fps
3) 23.5 gr. LIL'GUN 158 gr. XTP 1.59", WSPM, 1155 fps
4) 26 gr LIL'GUN 158 gr 1.59" WSPM kicks like a mule

What does it all mean?
Beyond some inflection point, more LIL'GUN makes the velocity go DOWN, but recoil and noise keep getting worse.

I would try something else, especially in .357. I did some experimenting with Lil Gun in .44 Magnum...I thought that was
too hot, temperature wise. Try IMR 4227 or H110. Leave Lil gun to the .410 shotgun. My 2 cents.

I understand that Freedom will not honor the warranty if Lil'gun is used.
But you bring up 4227 and that is wrong for the .44 mag. Gun heat will increase pressure and velocity with that powder. I shot IHMSA and the powder drove me nuts. I went to 296 and cured it all.
4227 is accurate ONLY from a cold gun.

+1.....