I recently picked up a 77/357 and am seeking input/info for some handloads, I'm NOT looking to info on jacketed loads, only lead or plated as thats what i will be shooting through it. I currently have Unique, H110 and Win 231, these will be the powders i experiment with first. I have a few hundred 130gr lead RN from Catus Plains that i try for the time being. My intended use will be paper and gophers lol. The only HP that I have come across so far is Berrys 125gr HP, not sure I want to buy 1000 in case accuracy sucks, Mabey some wad cutters, 148 or 158, any other non jacketed HP options?? Any input would be appreciated.
Reloading for Ruger 77/357 ???
- Thread starter SURESHOT73
- Start date
Below are some light Cowboy Action load data for cast and plated bullets, I use HP38/231, titegroup and trail Boss loads in my Ruger Vaquero.
The Hodgdon's website has load data for the .357 magnum rifles.
The Hodgdon's website has load data for the .357 magnum rifles.
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I'm shooting full power 158gr loads in mine without regard of the bullet type.
18BHN lead works well with 15gr of Alliant 2400 (gas checked or not) and so do 158gr Campro plated bullets after I sort them by weight (in 1 grain groups).
Round nose or the rounded-truncated-cone Campro feed the best from the Ruger mags.
Mind you, I'm getting 1800fps with this load which makes it a potent 100yds hunting round.
H110/W296 for some reason don't yield the expected velocities in my rifle.
Your mileage may vary so start a bit lower and work up in small increments.
I was able to push Hornady FTX 140gr to 2000fps but it's not worth the cost for me.
18BHN lead works well with 15gr of Alliant 2400 (gas checked or not) and so do 158gr Campro plated bullets after I sort them by weight (in 1 grain groups).
Round nose or the rounded-truncated-cone Campro feed the best from the Ruger mags.
Mind you, I'm getting 1800fps with this load which makes it a potent 100yds hunting round.
H110/W296 for some reason don't yield the expected velocities in my rifle.
Your mileage may vary so start a bit lower and work up in small increments.
I was able to push Hornady FTX 140gr to 2000fps but it's not worth the cost for me.
The thing I have found with pistol rounds chambered in rifles is what works in pistols works in rifles. Your velocity will be more in a rifle,there is no magic powder that works exceptionally better in a rifle. As with any gun find a load that works by trying different loads.
hatman1793
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Just like I powder coat my pistol bullets for my handguns, PC would be a superior option for pistol caliber rifle loads. With few exceptions, powder coating bullets means you can drive them faster than most lead bullets, and the base being fully coated, means that there is no lead vapourization. Worth the effort!
How fast are you pushing the Campros?
haven't chronographed them yet (because of the incessant rain) but I expect 1800fps give or take.
I'll let you know the day the rain relents long enough to do a test. I have 100 rounds ready
turbo_bird
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
Speer sells a 158 hollowpoint lead bullet. I've shot them.in revolvers but they seem fairly soft. I would want to test how they expand before using them for hunting anything other than small game, but they should definitely do the job on gophers.
Kristian
Kristian
digitalblue
CGN Regular
- Location
- GTA unfortunately
I'm loading with campro 158gr bullets with near max charges of HS-6 and H110; getting 1400fps and 1720fps respectively out of my 77/357.
Campro states that their plating is thick enough to treat as a jacketed bullet.
Campro's quality can be a bit spotty so I'd advise checking the barrel every 100 rounds to ensure you're not getting any leading from a few poorly plated bullets; you don't want leading/bore obstructions if you're pushing hot 357 loads.
Campro states that their plating is thick enough to treat as a jacketed bullet.
Campro's quality can be a bit spotty so I'd advise checking the barrel every 100 rounds to ensure you're not getting any leading from a few poorly plated bullets; you don't want leading/bore obstructions if you're pushing hot 357 loads.
went to the range today, loaded up some 130gr cast lead bullets, spp, win231 4.5gr -6.5gr, sp mag primers, H110 14gr - 16gr all in .5gr increments, accuracy was terrible lol, the groups got smaller as the loads got hotter, best 5 shot group was 2" @25yds,, shot a couple groups at 50yds but it was pointless, lol, i really wasnt expecting great groups given what i had on hand for bullets, gonna try some campros 125 & 158gr where i can increase the velocity abit incase they shoot similar to what i experienced today, that being said i sure like the gun, feels good, mag loads and feeds good.
They're made for 38spl. Super thin plating. They might be ok but they're definitely not what I would bet my house on for a rifle load.
A premium plated 148gr HBWC bullet with an extra thick plating making it suitable for everything from a plinking load to a full on .357mag major load out of the most modern open gun (or carbine).
These bullets have a plating that is thicker than Berry’s bullet plating. Approx .08” in thick.
These bullets are Canadian Made!
These bullets will work in a Carbine & hold together.
This is from Budget Shooters site, didn't see that on Campros site.
These bullets have a plating that is thicker than Berry’s bullet plating. Approx .08” in thick.
These bullets are Canadian Made!
These bullets will work in a Carbine & hold together.
This is from Budget Shooters site, didn't see that on Campros site.
