My old Lyman Reloaders Handbook #42 from 1960 gives 12.0 to 16.0 grains of 2400 with a 158 grain Cast Gas Check Thomp. Sol. Pt. #358156. I'm not sure what "Thomp. Sol. Pt." means but I assume it refers to some type of solid point bullet. The 16.0 grain load states a velocity of 1455 fps.

Contrast that with the current Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition, published in 2010. It gives a max charge of 13.5 grains of 2400 with the 158 grain Lyman #358665 bullet for a speed of 1275 fps and a Pressure C.U.P. of 40,800.

The old LRH #42 frequently has charges with higher maximums than those currently listed. I do use it especially for cast bullets which are not covered in current manuals but I stay away from max charges.

 

Books are OK and a great guide but the ammo tells the story. While the book says my load was probably OK the primers and case extraction told me a different story.

 

Well at least you killed that Zombie.

 

True but the accuracy was not that good for 15 yards. Here's a primer:

I reloaded the ammo with 11 grains of AA #7 so we will try that.

 

That is a hot load, thel load is tellng you it is too hot which you found out shooting them. Good call to pull them down.

 

I generally run my hard cast liquid alox lubed 158 SWC 357 ammo at 1000-1100 FPS. Mild and flat enough for 100 yards and if I raise the front sight a bit, 200 yards. I believe coated bullets can be run faster but I’m guessing if you slowed down that load, you might get it to group. Were you using magnum primers? At one point, Alliant said it didn’t need magnum primers with its pistol powders but magnum primers are also harder than standard pistol primers.

 

I generally run may hard cast liquid alox lubed 158 SWC 357 ammo at 1000-1100 FPS. Mild and flat enough for 100 yards and if I raise the front sight a bit, 200 yards. I believe coated bullets can be run faster but I’m guessing if you slowed down that load, you might get it to group. Were you using magnum primers? At one point, Alliant said it didn’t need magnum primers with its pistol powders but magnum primers are also harder than standard pistol primers.

All my powder is Hercules. Have some Alliant but have never opened it. I bought a lot of Winchester primers before they offered a Magnum version. I guess I only know what I know but I sure spent a lot less.

 

Daddy used to load 14 grains of 2400 with a 158 grain Hornady flat point for my Colt Trooper MK III that I used for a duty weapon. Can't remember the primers he used. Never had the first problem with that load. Practiced with it usually once a month. Was very accurate, no problem ejecting the empty shells. Used it for years and felt very confident with it.

 

Probably over loaded accidentally. Glad you didn't hurt yourself or the gun. Triple check weights and look in each case with a light.

 

I don't think it was too much charge. I weigh powder frequently. Maybe the brass was just not right because it was 14 grains of 2400.

 

As I recall 2400 was reformulated and the Hercules powder is a bit different from Alliant. You may want to start low and work your way up.

 

Mine is all Hercules - I stocked up when it looked like there would be a President Dukakis. My data is all that old too so nothing says Alliant.

As it turned out stocking up on powder and primers was a great idea even if Dukakis lost.

 

Always best to start low and work up rather than vice versa.