TexasCHLforum.com

Tom,

Yes, one sort of special-purpose load for a 3" .357 Model 13. It is 6.5 grains of Green Dot with a 125g JHP. Gets about 1150 fps - not that fast, but no drama at all.

Evolution was: I had been loading 17-18 g of VV N110 for full-power .357 mag loads, and this printed well and went about 1,500 FPS from a Ruger Vaquero (about 5-1/2" barrel), a little over 2,000 fps from a Marlin lever gun, but only about 1150-1180 fps from the little Smith.

The modest velocity was understandable from a 3" barrel, but the shock and noise (presumably from relatively slow powder burning after the bullet had left) was really disconcerting, and unacceptable to me.

I thought a faster powder might achieve this same modest velocity, but without the dramatic hollywood effects. Turns out, a less-than-max load of Green Dot did just that.

The max load listed is like, 7.3 grains I think. I did not pursue anything over 6.5 - once I matched the velocity of the stout load, with one that was a soft-shooting pussycat load, I left well enough alone.

If you have any other special loads I would like ot read about them. Thanks!

Regards,
Andrew