HP-38 in 357 mag

[ken g]

Hi everyone: I recently got some HP-38, which is supposed to be the same as Win 231. I want to load 357 mag, 158 gr bullets
for cowboy action rifle. Load data says 3.4 to 5.0 grains, depending on what book you look at. What would you recommend? I would
like to stay at about 1000 fps. I appreciate your assistance.

ken g

 

[Alex McK]

Ken:
I usually load 4 grains of HP-38 for .357 cowboy loads, using 158 grain lead bullets. I don't have chronograph data close to hand, so can't quote the exact velocity figures I was getting out of 20" barrels. But, depending on your rifle's barrel length, that should get you reasonably close to the 1000 fps mark. This moderate load has proven to be accurate and easy shooting in my rifles. Lately, I've been playing around with 125 grain LRNFP bullets, over 4.6 grains of HP-38. These too, seem to be working well. Will chronograph these once it warms up a bit. I believe muzzle velocity with these bullets should be well under the 1400 fps SASS velocity limit for rifles. Likely closer to 1100-1150 fps. Hope this helps.

 

[ken g]

Hi Alex: Thanks for the help.

Ken g