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Zee
Posts: 28,371 Senior Member
Range Report - 200gr FTX in a .357 Mag TC Contender
Zee
Posts: 28,371 Senior Member
Well, I loaded 3 rounds today. As you might have seen in the other thread, I had some die and seating issues. So, I only loaded three round with the starting load.
For this testing, the control consisted of Remington 110gr SJHP rounds. Seen here with the 200gr Hornady FTX bullets.
The starting load consisted of:
TC Contender w/ 10" .357 MagBbarrel
200gr Hornady FTX Bullets (tips removed)
Remington Brass
CCI-Small Rifle Primers
12.0gr H110
1.387" OGL (1.920" COAL)
3-Shots
25 Yards
I fired 3 rounds of the Remington Factory ammo first.
Then, I fired the 3 test loads.
I am quite pleased!!!! They fired without a hitch and were surprisingly accurate!!!! The small rifle primers worked as planned and the resulting primer strikes looked exactly like the factory primers. Recoil was a little more than the 110gr bullets, as you can see in the videos, but not bad at all. I was using a relatively light grip on the gun for bench purposes. Not free recoil.......but not a death grip either.
I'm very happy so far!
Once I get the die issue worked out, we will be up and running on the rest of the loads!
On a side note, here is my GoPro set-up.
For this testing, the control consisted of Remington 110gr SJHP rounds. Seen here with the 200gr Hornady FTX bullets.
The starting load consisted of:
TC Contender w/ 10" .357 MagBbarrel
200gr Hornady FTX Bullets (tips removed)
Remington Brass
CCI-Small Rifle Primers
12.0gr H110
1.387" OGL (1.920" COAL)
3-Shots
25 Yards
I fired 3 rounds of the Remington Factory ammo first.
Then, I fired the 3 test loads.
I am quite pleased!!!! They fired without a hitch and were surprisingly accurate!!!! The small rifle primers worked as planned and the resulting primer strikes looked exactly like the factory primers. Recoil was a little more than the 110gr bullets, as you can see in the videos, but not bad at all. I was using a relatively light grip on the gun for bench purposes. Not free recoil.......but not a death grip either.
I'm very happy so far!
Once I get the die issue worked out, we will be up and running on the rest of the loads!
On a side note, here is my GoPro set-up.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Replies
I remember from the other thread the fore end wouldn't fit. Were you at all concerned the accuracy could be affected by resting the barrel directly on the rest? Or is the range short enough that it shouldn't be an issue?
NRA Life Member
The range is shorter. The barrel is shorter. The pressure is light on the barrel.
Maybe if I was bearing down on the rest with the barrel, it could effect the accuracy. But, this is how I shoot revolvers as well. Though, I try to get as close to the frame as possible.
No clue on the velocity. Once I get a max/accurate load, I'll check it's velocity.
They do look kind of cool with the tips removed. Probably lessens what BC they have going for them, though. At least a little.
Was I supposed to wear the coat? I had the naked thing going. Forgot the lab coat, though. Guess that's why the folks at the range moved down the line.
"The Un-Tactical"
It turned out pretty good. After the frustration with the loading dies, it was nice to have a success and see the rounds actually work!! Not shotgun the target, but actually print a descent group. I hope the higher loads do as well.
This is a loading I'd probably be willing to trade a little accuracy for velocity. Being that it will likely be a MAX 100 yard load and more likely less...........if like to get the velocity as high as possible for terminal performance. Even if that means a little less accuracy.
We will see.
The funny thing...........and the real reason the folks at the range moved further down the line, is this.
They asked why I was filming the gun and I said, "In case I blow my hand off. I want to get it on film."
They were somewhat skeptical. But, it's true.
Dad 5-31-13
Sons of Anarchy. When did Chucky get prosthetics? I haven't watched in two or three years.
That is funny Chris.
Dad 5-31-13
CPJ's head in a pot of chili, nuff' said. You are poking the tiger:popcorn:.
Anonymity is a good thing.
Let me check with another buddy here locally. If he doesn't have some, i may hit you up. I'll let you know. Thanks!!!
Why useless?
If we can get decent velocity and I can get the bullets to expand.................NOT useless!
This I agree with. But, not the useless part. It's not useless if I learn something in the process and I already have.
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
Compared to most bullets fired out of a .357 Mag...................these have the BC of an ICBM!