Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading .357 Mag Rifle Loads

Have:

-Federal Brass
-Remington 6 1/2 rifle primers
-H110
-Winchester '94 AE Trapper (16")

Looking for:

Any tips or tricks for getting a load using Barnes XPB or other copper monos as close to 2K FPS as possible, or for loading .357 mag for a rifle in general- I haven't played with reloading straight walled pistol cartridges much, so any input appreciated! Thanks in advance.

I’m loading Remington 150 gr core lokts at 2000 FPS out of a H&R I think 22” barrel. 20 gr of H110 with a rem 7 1/2 primer.
If that helps any??

Most loads will clock at least 2000 in a 16 in barrel because all of the pressure will be driving the bullet,no cylinder gap.

Don't have any load data handy but when shooting coyotes and hogs the 158 semi wadcutters i cast have been doing a good job.

You can probably squeeze 2k with the 125XPB Barnes, but not the 140XPB. I was just getting a hair over 2000fps from a H&R Handi 357 Maximum with those 140s. They are about as long as a 180XTP, so they eat up a lot of case capacity.

Those are the only mono .357 I've dealt with. I've used the Lehighs in 32 and 45 cal, but not 35.

While Lil Gun has been labeled as to cause forcing cone erosion is some caliber revolvers, when used in a rifle that issue disappears. Used with magnum primers, it will get you over 2000 fps in a rifle. I get 1900 fps with 158 grain xtp's in my Marlin 1894 with 16.2 grns, several grains under max. If you can find the powder, give it a try in a rifle load.

Thanks for the replies guys, super helpful! One other question- Barnes lists the COAL in their load data as 1.580". How significantly does playing with seating depth effect the accuracy of handgun calibers like this? Any concerns with overpressure if I measure my chamber, determine that the bullet is still off the lands and then seat it a little longer than their recommendation? Their data indicated 1610 FPS with the 140 grain XPB out of a 10" barrel using H110, so I'd imagine I should be able to get at least close to 2K with my trapper.