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Post by shooteruk on Mar 28, 2017 11:00:18 GMT -6
I am currently working my way through a dozen half full cans of various powders. Some actually go back to the 1980s. Nobel Pistol No.3 anyone?
Have been using Blue dot and AA (accurate number something).
Anyway anyone have any recommendations for powder? I have been looking but there is a bewildering range nowdays. Any advice appreciated...
Mostly using 158gr L (Hard lead, SWC types) over Federal primers. Would like to see 900/1000 fps?
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Post by Alpo on Mar 28, 2017 11:33:06 GMT -6
For something that slow I'd use Unique, or maybe Accurate #5. It's almost the same as Unique, but being a ball it meters better.
I used to use 6.0 of Unique with a 158 swc, but that was just trying for 38 power in 357 brass. Seems like that was the minimum charge. Probably around 850 or so in a 6" pistol, so in that 20" rifle it might go a thousand.
My Goblin loads (as Col. Jeff called 'em) are 14.0 of Winchester 296 (or Hodgdon 110 - exact same powder) under a 158 lead swc. Magnum primer, though. 296 needs the hotter spark. I don't know what those Federals you listed are. All my experience is CCI and Winchester.
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Post by shooteruk on Mar 28, 2017 13:20:26 GMT -6
Sounds good. I dont want slow, but am reluctant to run lead too fast. Having said that .357 out of a carbine is new to me. I think I can get the Hodgdon 110, will check tomorrow. Have to check out magnum primers, never needed them before... Primers are interesting. I use a hand primer with a tray, you get a good feel of it being seated. Some makes go in smoothly while others need a bit of help. Good bit of kit.
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Post by armedandsafe on Mar 28, 2017 15:28:02 GMT -6
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Post by armedandsafe on Mar 28, 2017 16:29:48 GMT -6
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Post by shooteruk on Mar 29, 2017 1:27:00 GMT -6
Thanks for the info Pops. I have a Hornady reloading book which is a good guide, plus several old, old reloading booklets. Sadly they seem to have the pages stuck together and tore when I tried to separate. No, dont be silly.... I guess they got damp sometime.
Alpo, just a note on goblin loads, I have always, anywhere, whether working or or not stuck to factory for such things. This is personal, and I am sure many load to such a standard they are prepared to bet their lives or the lives of others on their work. Not me. Not sure what Col. Jeff would say. The last time I drove up to visit him he had just passed away. I was going to introduce my son to him as well. Shame.
Gas checks are an issue, I have never used them and while I can see advantages, velocity, less leading etc I just never had a problem with a hard lead over powder. I can see the need if driving lead fast, possibly with a high twist rate. Keeping in mind loading .357 for a carbine is new to me, whereas I used to load for a revolver almost weekly.
Reloading is big here (another thing that will no doubt surprise some shooters on your side of the pond) with many different powders, bullets and cases available. Actually it happened again the other day. An American was surprised we still had guns. I hope by now at least those on the forum will know we still own and shoot, and clubs are busy. Yes, we have to have a licence, but then we need one to drive a car so no big deal. Handguns are out, which is unnecessary and a great shame. But we seem to manage with rifles and shotguns. And if you must own a handgun, black powder handguns are fine.
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Post by Alpo on Mar 29, 2017 2:29:16 GMT -6
I don't know if the Colonel used reloads for goblins, or even if he reloaded at all. But my first Rossi 92 was a 20" 357, based on an article he wrote where he said a 20" lever in 357 or 44 magnum would make an excellent "goblin gun". Better than a box-fed gun because you could top it off. Even recommended it for a cop patrol car.
I loved the term, and took it for my own.
Took a few years after reading to get a 357 lever, and then some more years to get it the way I wanted - smooth, reliable, better sights (the original sights were terrible).
Then when I had it just the way I wanted it - I gave it to my daughter.
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Post by shooteruk on Mar 29, 2017 3:40:58 GMT -6
Alpo, I cant think of a better person to give a fine gun to.
I have been shooting since my early teens, over 45 years. Lever guns were rare in the UK for most of that time, they just never caught on. That all changed with changes to gun laws. First the ban on self loading rifles and next the ban on handguns. Both pushed lever actions up in popularity. I was at the range last Sunday and three out of eight shooters on the line were using lever guns. Some pistol calibre's, like mine and at least one in a rifle calibre. I am sure the shooters who had several bags would be hiding a couple more.
I had shot lever guns before, even had a Winchester once, but never took to them. Thats changed.
Re the Col's point about topping up, I get that and think the lever as a self defence gun is underestimated. On intense drills I remember being better with a pump 12b than an auto. Instructors put it down to the slight delay in multiples encouraging more careful aiming. Maybe the same could be said of lever guns against self loaders. In self defence anyway, where less rounds and more care might be needed.
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