Original:
New and improved:
I got my Ruger 57 out to the range for the first time last weekend and brought some test loads with me as well as factory. As stated above, the goal was to find a load that works with the large hoard of 55gr bullets I and many others are sitting on. Many forums say that blue dot is the best powder to use as it is similar in properties to the powder used in the factory ammunition, but I chose titegroup for a few reasons:
- It's usually available
- It's available in large containers
- I already use it for all my pistol cartridge loads
- It meters well
As my starting point I looked at 9mm load data because 5.7 and 9mm have nearly the same case capacity. Using that as a basis point, you can do some math and get a general idea of pressures, calculate surface area of the rear of the bullet vs weight of the bullet vs a known safe 9mm load blah blah blah. Without knowing precisely the properties of the powder, you are taking on a lot of risk trying to arrive at a safe load this way, but it was a start.
So I loaded 100 cartridges, 10 sets of 10 with the powder in .2gr increments, starting at 3.5gr. COAL was 1.628" using campro 55gr bullets seated to the cannelure with no crimp. I used lee dies and lubricated the cases with pam. I've used pam as my case lube for years and the oily film left behind seems like it would be ideal for the 5.7 case. My starting case length was anywhere from 1.141-1.145. My cases were bought from another gun nut who had fired them in a FN P90. I did not do any trimming or any other case prep.
On to the results:
I fired the rounds loaded with 4.1gr, 3.9gr, 3.7gr and 3.5gr of powder. I fired the 4.1gr first, one shot only, and was surprised the pistol went to slide lock. The case went about as far as the factory loads. Each load mentioned would cycle the gun to slide lock, but after the action I noted that the 4.1gr load's fired case came in at 1.15. All ten of the 3.5gr load came in with no noted case stretch. I also noted that the brass flew a few feet shorter than the factory ammunition, while still cycling the gun reliably and locking the slide back. I'll be loading more and have something to say about accuracy later.
New and improved:
I got my Ruger 57 out to the range for the first time last weekend and brought some test loads with me as well as factory. As stated above, the goal was to find a load that works with the large hoard of 55gr bullets I and many others are sitting on. Many forums say that blue dot is the best powder to use as it is similar in properties to the powder used in the factory ammunition, but I chose titegroup for a few reasons:
- It's usually available
- It's available in large containers
- I already use it for all my pistol cartridge loads
- It meters well
As my starting point I looked at 9mm load data because 5.7 and 9mm have nearly the same case capacity. Using that as a basis point, you can do some math and get a general idea of pressures, calculate surface area of the rear of the bullet vs weight of the bullet vs a known safe 9mm load blah blah blah. Without knowing precisely the properties of the powder, you are taking on a lot of risk trying to arrive at a safe load this way, but it was a start.
So I loaded 100 cartridges, 10 sets of 10 with the powder in .2gr increments, starting at 3.5gr. COAL was 1.628" using campro 55gr bullets seated to the cannelure with no crimp. I used lee dies and lubricated the cases with pam. I've used pam as my case lube for years and the oily film left behind seems like it would be ideal for the 5.7 case. My starting case length was anywhere from 1.141-1.145. My cases were bought from another gun nut who had fired them in a FN P90. I did not do any trimming or any other case prep.
On to the results:
I fired the rounds loaded with 4.1gr, 3.9gr, 3.7gr and 3.5gr of powder. I fired the 4.1gr first, one shot only, and was surprised the pistol went to slide lock. The case went about as far as the factory loads. Each load mentioned would cycle the gun to slide lock, but after the action I noted that the 4.1gr load's fired case came in at 1.15. All ten of the 3.5gr load came in with no noted case stretch. I also noted that the brass flew a few feet shorter than the factory ammunition, while still cycling the gun reliably and locking the slide back. I'll be loading more and have something to say about accuracy later.
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