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11/4/2011 5:44:48 PM EDT
I'm getting ready to load some 140gr Hornady FTX in 357mag.  As I was checking the Hodgdon load data I was surprised how different the data was between the XTP and the FTX bullets.  The starting loads for the FTX is 12gr where the XTP starts at 17.1gr.  The velocity is different between the loads as well.  Is the primary difference between the two loads how deep they are seated?  I'm just curious if anyone has had experience loading both bullets and which shot better

11/4/2011 5:55:08 PM EDT
[#1]
It has to due with less case capacity, due to trimming cases shorter for the FTX bullet.

Read the last paragraph on page 922 of Hornady 8.
11/4/2011 7:22:48 PM EDT
[#2]
Yes the case trim length for FTX bulltet loading is shorter. For the 140 FTX in 357 magnum cases the trim length is 1.240". Hornady 8th only tested N 105, HS7, AA#7 and AA#9, and Enforcer powders. ONLY use data specifically for the FTX  bullets.
11/5/2011 8:33:38 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Yes the case trim length for FTX bulltet loading is shorter. For the 140 FTX in 357 magnum cases the trim length is 1.240". Hornady 8th only tested N 105, HS7, AA#7 and AA#9, and Enforcer powders. ONLeY use data specifically for the FTX  bullets.


Thanks for that information.  It wasn't detailed on the hodgdon site.  Why would a different case length be necessary?  I think i'll work up a load with standard trim lengths.
11/5/2011 8:44:22 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes the case trim length for FTX bulltet loading is shorter. For the 140 FTX in 357 magnum cases the trim length is 1.240". Hornady 8th only tested N 105, HS7, AA#7 and AA#9, and Enforcer powders. ONLeY use data specifically for the FTX  bullets.


Thanks for that information.  It wasn't detailed on the hodgdon site.  Why would a different case length be necessary?  I think i'll work up a load with standard trim lengths.
I have not used the Hornady FTX/XTP, but maybe phone call to Hornady is in order, they have 800 number so the dime's on them, for the official explanation, because rolling your own ammo is inherently dangerous, it is best to question the "why" part before preceding.
11/5/2011 9:51:19 AM EDT
[#5]
Overall length for the 140 FTX is 1.585".  Hornady says you have to trim to the shorter case length because of the different  longer ogive of the FTX. I'd trim to the 1.240" length.
11/5/2011 8:20:28 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes the case trim length for FTX bullet loading is shorter. For the 140 FTX in 357 magnum cases the trim length is 1.240". Hornady 8th only tested N 105, HS7, AA#7 and AA#9, and Enforcer powders. ONLeY use data specifically for the FTX  bullets.


Thanks for that information.  It wasn't detailed on the hodgdon site.  Why would a different case length be necessary?  I think I'll work up a load with standard trim lengths.


Bullet is so much longer with the pointed nose, something has to give.

In this case, Hornady recommends that the case be trimmed shorter.

Try seating a bullet and chamber in your revolver.

Cylinder won't close........now you know why.
11/6/2011 3:48:50 AM EDT
[#7]
I didn't have any problems loading these with standard cases and they functioned fine in my 686.  The Hornady web site states that you need to trim the cartridges to 1.24" for clearance reasons.  The load work-up started at 12.5gr of H110 and ended at 15.5gr.  The final chrono results were 1250fps from a 5" barrel.  It was really windy so I didn't get a feel for the accuracy yet.  I'll load up some more and get better data.

For those of you who use H110 - what is your opinion on standard vs mag primers?  I'm using standard small pistol primers for now but would be willing to try the Mag primers if it makes a difference.
11/6/2011 4:38:56 AM EDT
[#8]
With H-110, I have always followed the recommendations to use mag primers. 357 and 44 mag.

Never had a primer problem doing so.

Glad your loads worked for you.
11/6/2011 4:54:03 AM EDT
[#9]
H110 likes mag primers (the 454 uses small rifle), heavy for caliber bullets and to be slightly compressed.
11/6/2011 5:05:14 AM EDT
[#10]
Thanks for that response...  I was hesitant to move up to a compressed load which is why I stopped at 15.5gr.  I'll pick up some mag primers and see what happens.  Of course I'll have to work up again when I switch but that's all part of the fun.
11/6/2011 6:45:20 AM EDT
[#11]



Quoted:


H110 likes mag primers (the 454 uses small rifle), heavy for caliber bullets and to be slightly compressed.


It also likes a crimp on the heavy side.



 
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