Hornady XTP or Nosler 158gr in 357mag

[kselkhunter]

Does anybody have any experience with reloading (or factory ammo) for 357mag with 158gr Hornady XTP or the Nosler 158gr JHP?  Curious about inputs between the two rounds, specifically on accuracy and if anybody has done any impact/ballistic testing. 

Double tap loads the 158 Noslers at good velocity, and BB has a 158gr load also at strong velocity.  Figure I'll pick up a box of each and try, but want to try reloading as well.   I'm increasing my practice frequency, so want to give the Nosler and Hornady a try with more stout loads than the normal practice 158s that I use (ie Magtech, American Eagle, etc.).

Thanks for any inputs, but please keep them specific to 357mag.

[theleo]

For just practicing purposes those are not very economical bullets. They'll give you accuracy but necessarily any more than any other jacketed bullet. 

[HighlandLofts]

I have a bunch of 357 revolvers and am starting to reload for them, Most will be loaded in FMJ for plinking.

I have a Ruger 77/357 rifle, a 7 1/2" old style 357mag Ruger Redhawk ans a stainless 6" Ruger GP100 357mag that I will be loading up with 158gr XTPs and 180gr XTPs. When I load these up I'll start at the minimum and do all of the increments up to the maximum load in groups of five. I also bought a handgun rest that I'll use to test these rounds to see what powder combo is the most accurate.

Most of the guys I've talked to use the 158 grain XTPs for deer hunting, only a few used the 180 grain XTP and no one used the 110 grain XTPs for deer.

When I bought my Hornady Lock & Load Classic reloading kit I got 500 free bullets and picked the 110 grain XTPs, so I'll load them up for the rifle only.

I'm curious as to the accuracy between using the 158 grain XTP and a 158 or 160 grain FMJ with the same powder and amount of powder. Once I get the XTPs dialed in I'll load the same charge for the FMJ and see where in goes.

[TheSkyBuster]

There are 2 different versions of the 158gr XTP the original which is part#35750,  and the XTP FN part# 35780.   To me the FN looks like a better hunting bullet.   I am going to load up a box in a couple weeks,  I will report back on accuracy.  Probably won't hunt with it but , I have had excellent results on deer with a 240gr XTP out of a 6.5" .44 mag.

[kselkhunter]

Thanks for the responses folks.  I would like to hear the results of your XTP vs. FMJ testing in the rifle and handgun.  I've contemplated those 180 XTPs as well.   I'm trying to test factory ammunition first before buying larger quantities of bullets to reload.  Do either of you plan to try the Nosler 158s?

[carpsniperg2]

I run the 125 and 158 xtps in pretty much all my 357's. I have found them to be super accurate. I have taken a few critters with them as well and they have been great. As much as I love nosler I cant love their handgun bullets. I have never had any luck with them shooting well.

[kselkhunter]

Thank you carpsniperg2.  That is the type of information I was looking for.  I love Nosler for my rifle bullets, just never experienced them in pistol.  And I haven't seen much feedback on the Noslers online on various forums. 

As I'm just starting reloading, I've only shot factory ammo which limits the choices. So am trying to get feedback before I purchase any significant quantity of bullets.  Obviously my first purchase is just cheap plinking bullets to practice reloading and shooting with before I try reloading more premium bullets for field use (rifle, although may give them a try in my PC627, at least a round to add to the BB 180gr HCLFN already in the moonclips). 

[SeaRun1]

I have been reloading those Hornady 158 grain XTP-FP for a lever gun.  I have also used them in a variety of pistols too.  It is an excellent, albeit expensive bullet.  I dialed in a load and would use it for hunting.  For plinking try a coated lead bullet and cutdown on your costs.

SR1

[HighlandLofts]

I am going to see where to buy the cheapest 158 or 150 grain plated bullets for plinking. Once I find them I'll buy them in the 500 piece packs of maybe bulk out of Kessilrings

[SeaRun1]

I can recommend Missouri Bullet Company and Bayou Bullets for coated lead bullets.  Good luck.

SR1