Hello to all! I just picked up my first "real" handgun. It is a Ruger GP-100 .357 Mag in stainless. I was wondering if anyone had any good recipies for reloading this caliber? I bought some Hornady 158gr XTP bullets, Hodgdon H110 powder and some CCI magnum Primers to get started. I have not reloaded any yet. A friend of mine said I screwed up buying that powder because it is erratic and unstable in low temperature. What are your experiences?
I would like to take a deer this season with it and need a lot of practice before the season. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.

H110 (identical to Win296) works just fine with those 158gr Hornadys. I'll have to double check my data, but I believe my best load-out for 158gr XTPs out of my 4" Ruger Security Six is 16.0gr (but let me double check that before taking it as gospel). It's a "kicker", with lots of flame - very impressive to watch!

For a hunting load, I think I'm using 14.0gr of 296 with the 180gr Speer Gold Dots with the filled lead center (again, I'll verify that charge once I get home).

I will say that the H110 (296) is not a real good choice for lead plinking loads though. 7.0gr of Hodgdon Universal Clays is my load for 158gr LSWCs - with Win231 also giving good accuracy results at a lower powder charge. In fact, 231 is a pretty good choice for both .38Spcl & .357Mag loads with all bullets & weights.

BTW..................give those .357 loads a GOOD crimp when you load them.

Mark Whiz, thanks for the only reply, I really appreciate it.

C'mon you others, surely someone else has some more advice to give

My old model 28 loves lead cast 158-gr on top of 5-gr HP-38. If you're shootin a lot these, be sure to keep the M.V. below 1000 fps to cut down on barrel leading. My buddy ruined an otherwise pristine model 19 by feeding it a regular diet of high velocity "man-killer" loads. He insisted that Smith & Wesson designed the gun to withstand this kind of treatment. The split forcing cone proves him wrong.

H06,
Check out reloadersnest.com they have many different loads for .357. I hunt with a 7.5" Bisley and I shoot a 180gr XTP over 15gr W296 which is pretty hot so you'll want to scale it back at least 10% at first. I'll have to agree with Mark Whiz...it's hard to beat W231 for plinking loads. And oh yes, with the W296 or H110 you'll have to put a pretty aggressive crimp to insure complete burn.

Thanks alot for the information. I can't wait to get started, if only I had more free time! This part of my life called WORK seems to get in the way of all the things I WANT to do!

H06,
I feel you there! I haven't reloaded since summer school started. Taking 2 upper level engineering classes with 3 hours of homework apiece each night doesn't leave much time for anything else. I can't wait until June 28th and I'm out. If I have time I'll try to get you some of my load data.

Hardhitn06..................

OK I can FINALLY confirm the previous load #s on the Win296 loads...........16.0gr for the 158gr XTPs and 14.0gr for the 180gr Speer Gold Dots.

Also for Win 231, the best loads were 6.6gr with the 145gr Win SilvertipJHP and 6.9gr with the 158gr XTPs.

And if you want to play with .38Spcls with Win231 - try 3.6gr with the 158gr XTPs or 3.2gr with 158gr Gold Dots.

Thanks for the information! I still haven't had a chance to "play" yet Maybe this weekend will provide some time.

HO6,
Sorry I haven't got that load data to you yet...I haven't forgot. BTW, what kind of equipment are you working with? I have a Lee Pro 1000 progressive which on a good day can chuck out 250+ rounds per hour. It's not as good as some but for the price (~$120 from Cabelas) it can't be beat. Also, a great place to get brass and other components is Ebay. Natchez Shooter's Supply also has reasonable prices and a huge selection. Hope this helps and I will try to get that load data to you pronto.