Long range 357 magnum - bullet weight?

[boff180]

Just thought I'd update this little project.

Finally managed to acquire some H110 and some Small Pistol Magnum primers, the latter being quite hard to find.

I chose to use loading data from my Lyman 49th Edition over Hogdon's own, the Lyman data listed higher velocities however I must stress their max charge is much more than Hogdons.

Because the 1873 has a weak action I borrowed the club Ruger 77/357 for this round of tests, it's very light and has a horrid heavy trigger so its accuracy potential is limited.

Unfortunately I cannot give you any velocity data as the club Chrono doesn't like to work when in dull British skies so wouldn't read the round passing through it!

Anyway results.... I've been convinced an 1885 Low Wall in 357 magnum is the way to go. From the "crack" when the rounds found their target I'm happy the loads are staying out of the transonic region at 100m, I did get one reading off the lower charge of 1625fps, must of been a bright patch!

I tried two loads, 16.3grn and 17grn (Lyman Max), the 17grn seemed to give the better group. The latter holding the 9 ring on a PL7 target. The groups on the former were slightly larger.

Obviously the cost of this ammunition will be more to produce, my local RFD does FMJ 158grn bullets for £10/100 and I'll only get around 411 rounds out of a tub of H110.
Excluding cases (which I have plenty of) a load for this new gun will cost me around £0.23 a shot. My current .357 target load at 50m costs me £0.14 a shot and I get 1500 rounds out of a tub of N320. I will however save on the time, expense and hassle on having to acquire kit for yet another calibre which will make it all worth it.

I hope this little project has been of interest to someone, now to save for my new gun. I hope to order/acquire it in the next 12 months or so... will update this thread when I finally get it and find out what it can do at 100m.

Ta

Andy

[airgunnut]

Have you thought about a 357 maximum?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.357_Remington_Maximum

[boff180]

Yes however as far as I am aware neither Uberti or Pedersoli produce an 1885 high/low wall in 357max

[clive_J]

I'd just like to add a little to this thread.

Of the top four people that shot in the 5702. 100y/200y/300y GRCF competition at this years Phoenix 3 of the 4 shot using Balzer .357 mag 158gr JHP rounds in the gold and blue box, at about 1650 fps. That's the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placed shooters and with only 5 points separating the top 4 shooters with scores of 107, 105, 103, and 102.

No reloading allowed over here in Ireland so we have to use factory ammo.

[tacfoley]

I'd just like to add a little to this thread.

Of the top four people that shot in the 5702. 100y/200y/300y GRCF competition at this years Phoenix 3 of the 4 shot using Balzer .357 mag 158gr JHP rounds in the gold and blue box, at about 1650 fps. That's the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placed shooters and with only 5 points separating the top 4 shooters with scores of 107, 105, 103, and 102.

No reloading allowed over here in Ireland so we have to use factory ammo.

Mornin', Clive.

tac

[clive_J]

Mornin', Clive.

tac

Mr. Foley, We can't keep meeting like this.......

[tacfoley]

Yes however as far as I am aware neither Uberti or Pedersoli produce an 1885 high/low wall in 357max

It would be a Low Wall, and you are right. What a sweet gun that would be, eh? I have an Uberti High Wall is .45-70 Govt - it's the most graceful-looking long arm I've ever clapped eyes on.

tac