.357 mag help!!

[acpjosh]

I am using hornady hp/xtp 158gr, alliant 2400, and fedral sp magnum primers. It was grouping good with 14grs and 1.590 oal, but 2/18 cases cracked. So that worried me. I dont have a hornady book and was wondering if anyone could share load data. Thanks

 

[Shadowrider]

Handgun or rifle? I have the new Hornady manual.

 

[Shooter00]

New cases I would guess? Is your bell too big? This would cause the case to weaken and crack.

Or you're too hot, or the crimp too tight?

 

[Shadowrider]

Well here is what the manual says. Doesn't make much sense but here it is. No it's now a screwup on my part....

Rifle:
C.O.L: 1.590
2400: 9.3gr start 13.8 gr max

Handgun:
C.O.L: 1.590
2400: 10.5gr start 14.3 gr max

Test guns were a Rossi for the rifle and a Colt Python for the handgun. Go figure...

Edit: It's probably the barrel cylinder gap that accounts for a heavier charge in the handgun. I'm awake now...

 

[Shadowrider]

What did your primers look like? How was the extraction?

 

[ldp4570]

Were they brass casings or nickle? Nickle looks pretty, but not real good as reloads.

 

[acpjosh]

Nickel once fired. Primers didnt flatten, extraction was a lil stiff. I think too much crimp is to blame. Gun is a GP 100 4". A experianced reloader said i didnt need to use magnum primers with 2400, anyone else heard that? Thanks

 

[ldp4570]

Nickle case's tend to become brittle with reloading.

 

[Shadowrider]

They used Winchester WSPM's in the Hornady manual. I believe they are magnums. Is 2400 a ball powder? Can't remember. If it is I'd stick with the magnum primers.

You sound like you've solved it. I think it's either your crimp or the nickel cases. It doesn't sound like your too hot. Magnum loads never just fall out, but you shouldn't have to hammer them out either. Sounds like you're about right. Get some fresh brass and watch the belling and crimping.

 

[RustyW]

I shoot about 4lbs of 2400 a year. I've never used a magnum primer. I load for a 1894 .357, sp101, gp100, speed six, security six, .44 mag. Redhawk, .45colt Blackhawk. Even some reduced rifle loads. I've run into split cases using nickle and Remington. I don't like Remington cases in handgun. I only get 3-4 loadings with them. I'll still use them cause I'm a brass rat. If I have to buy brass I buy Winchester or Starline.