can anyone help to clarify this in my head : recommanded standard cast bullets load

vince514

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New reloader here with a few questions. I ve about only 1500(9mm and 45acp) bullets completed yet.. no problems all went bang.
Everytime im trying to reload a new caliber(357 mag here) a new problems begin because of the reloading supplies available at my club.

Recently i ve been putting my hands on X-Metal Hi tek bullets.. which all recommands STANDARD CAST BULLETS LOADS......

problem is everytime i try to find a load i cant find one that lists my bullets/cast.

Right now i have some :

h110
federal small pistol magnum
x-metal hitek SWC 158 grs
Coonan 1911 .357 magnum semi-auto

Heres Hodgdon load with 158 gr Hornady XTP(only one load available with h110 and 158gr)

Min : 15.0 gr - 1,418fps - 28,600 CUP
Max : 16.7 gr - 1,591fps - 40,700 CUP

Lyman 49th Edition h110 and 158 gr JHP

Min : 16.3gr - 1178fps - 31.700CUP
Max : 17.0gr - 1309fps - 38.400CUP

SO with these two loads.. Min and max difference is 2.0 gr... starting minimum there is a 1.3 gr difference IMO this is a lot... I dont want to have problems.. I just want to save money...(more money,more guns/bullets less problems)

In the lyman 49 th edition there's some other bullet types that looks similar to my SWC called "linotype?"

No 158 grainers only 150,155 and 160?

Loads appears to be softer...

What should i look for as a "safe reference" to start with when lookings for cast standard loads??? does such thing exists?

If i would have bought some JHP bullets everything would have been so much simple.

HELP please.!

Thank you
 
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For any 158gr bullet accept a solid copper one, i use 15 gr of h110/w296 in my 357mag with any magnum primer. Don't get hung up by a few grains in bullet weight. pick load data with a heavier bullet then what your using, start low and work up. I suspect your main issue will be getting a bullet that feeds good in your coonan.

Linotype is a very hard lead alloy used (or used to be) in the printing industry. its great for hardening up a batch of pure lead to wheel weight hardness.
 
In the lyman 49 th edition there's some other bullet types that looks similar to my SWC called "linotype?"

No 158 grainers only 150,155 and 160?

For any 158gr bullet accept a solid copper one, i use 15 gr of h110/w296 in my 357mag with any magnum primer. Don't get hung up by a few grains in bullet weight. pick load data with a heavier bullet then what your using, start low and work up.

I agree: I would personally start with a couple of reloads at the lowest 160gr listed in the Lyman book. The Coonan will require a fairly exact load to gain lowest recoil with full, proper cycling of the action... if that is what you wish.
 
Start with the Lyman manual for 160 grain . You have a good starting point. If you plan to shoot a lot of cast bullets get the Lyman cast bullet handbook. The reason that the loads look soft is that you can only push a cast bullet so fast before you start to get leading.
 
My goal is to shoot 357 magnum will full proper cycling, fireballs are optional and more than welcome... while saving money without having problems.

I dont mind/care shooting the full house loads.. there's many guy that want to shoot the hottest load possible in there revolver but that's another story. I think the Coonans are built strong but i have absolutely no idea how much compared with the biggest revolvers. I wouldnt say as strong.. Even if i dont know much about revolvers..

I was planning to start with the "safest starting load" and work my load from there.

So i will use the starting loads from the 160 gr in the lyman book.
 
If you want to save money, switch to Titegroup and only use 5.0g of powder with 158g bullets. I have hot loaded up to 7g, but you learn to tone it down after that.
 
Start with the Lyman manual for 160 grain . You have a good starting point. If you plan to shoot a lot of cast bullets get the Lyman cast bullet handbook. The reason that the loads look soft is that you can only push a cast bullet so fast before you start to get leading.

Depending on the hardness, size of the bullet, and gas check or not. There are guys pushing 30 cal rounds to 2900fps with cast.

I cast for my 9mm and use 4:1 pure:wheel weight then powder coat and size. I have had those (they are softer then recommended for 9mm) to just over 1200fps with no leading.
 
I've used Campro 158gr FCP-TC (Full Copper Plated - Truncated Cone) with the same H110 powder as you. Your XMetal Hi Tek is polymer coated and that coating is supposed to be about as tough as a copper plating. Your bullet has the same weight and more or less the same shape as the Campro (SWC vs TC): there's no hollow point cavity in the nose of either and they both have a flat nose.

With that H110 powder, Campro suggests a load of 15.0 to 16.7gr. XMetal will likely fly a little faster than the Campros because of its coating, but the charges given for the Campro should be safe to use with the Xmetal, I'd say. Just keep an eye on pressure signs when you get close to that 16.7gr max charge.
 
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