|
Post by ezekiel38 on Jul 12, 2015 0:55:32 GMT -5
Been looking for a 357 Carbine as a truck/camp gun for a couple of years. Wanted a Marlin 1894 in 357 but still haven't found one! Decided to stay with USA built gun and a bolt action 357 appealed to me. In the LGS I haunt looking for 2400 powder and my gun salesman enabler tells me the store just received a Ruger 77/ 357 carbine in a composite stock.
A quick NY minute later and I became the proud owner of the aforementioned Ruger. I purchased a 1.5-4.5 Nikon scope and fitted the glass to the weapon. Sight in was at 25 yds and it took 3 rounds to zero the rifle. Load was new 357 brass with CCI 550 mag primer; 17.5 grains of 296 under a 140 Hornady XTP HP. The COAL was 1.59".
Shooting for group and the little trooper put six into one hole measuring .534" not too bad first time out. Trigger needs work or changing as it was heavy and gritty and broke at or about six pounds.
Looking for a heavier bullet load as I would like to use a Sierra 170 bullet in this gun.
My woods sidearm is a S&W Model 69 44M.
So the carbine is dedicated to shooting jacketed 357s. My 357 handguns are for personal protection and I use the Buffalo Bore 158gr 38+P LHPs in them exclusively. Practice with 357s are lead bullets at 1K from the muzzle.
I apologize for being long winded but need some guidance on trigger work for the little carbine and a heavier jacket load of 170 grains for it.
Thank you for your time and help!
Tom
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Jul 13, 2015 14:25:09 GMT -5
Thanks Erich for the like. No one has any experience with this weapon? I'll work with it and let you know the results.
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jul 13, 2015 14:57:54 GMT -5
No experience with that gun, but have several rifles in 357 Magnum.
I only use Lil Gun in my handloaded ammo. In my Marlin 1894 it pushes a 158 grn XTP at 2058 fps.
Have shot it lots and no throat erosion showing. That problem seems to limit itself to the 454 Casull revolvers.
|
|
|
Post by medicdave on Jul 13, 2015 22:11:49 GMT -5
Paull firearms specialties makes a trigger spring for the 77/22 I used on slicking up a 77/44. He sells them on eBay for around $6-7. Makes a big difference.
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Jul 14, 2015 10:16:17 GMT -5
Thank you for the info Encore and Medic Dave. I have lots of Lil Gun that I used to use in a 45 Colt in a Ruger. Encore where did you find reloading data for Lil Gun. I have several manuals and they all list 296/H110 but no listings for Lil Gun.
MedicDave, I will get a trigger spring for the 77/22 and give it a try.
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Jul 14, 2015 10:16:49 GMT -5
Duplicate Post--Moderator please Delete.
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jul 14, 2015 10:58:33 GMT -5
Hodgdons site or annual load manual has the data.
|
|
|
Post by bulasteve on Jul 14, 2015 12:34:52 GMT -5
Maybe consider the Hornady 180gr XTP.
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Jul 14, 2015 21:15:30 GMT -5
Have been on the net and retrieved Hodgsons' data. That Hornady 180 looks intriguing. Thanks for your help!
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jul 14, 2015 21:26:59 GMT -5
I use the 180 grn XTPs in all my single shot guns such as my Uberti Rolling Block and T/C Contenders.
Lucky that long throats allow for use of the rear cannelure for increased powder capacity.
Easily approach 1800 fps with Lil Gun powder. This powder really shows it's full potential in long barrels.
It's the only bullet I use in my 356 GNR. Luckily, I just grabbed 700 more. They aren't always easy to find.
|
|
|
Post by flyfisher66048 on Jul 26, 2015 5:37:14 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Aug 15, 2015 23:19:41 GMT -5
Thanks Flyfisher; just ordered the Volquartsen kit you informed me of in the earlier post. Supposed to be here on the 20th from Midway and the gun will go to my gunsmith for fitting.
Thanks, Tom
|
|
|
Post by flyfisher66048 on Aug 16, 2015 20:09:45 GMT -5
Hope your trigger comes out as good as mine. I doubt if you need a gunsmith to put those parts in your ruger. If I could do it with the help of YouTube, a three fingered monkey could figure it out pretty easily.
Rob
|
|
|
Post by bisleylust on Aug 26, 2015 19:21:31 GMT -5
Love my 77/357! I put a lighter spring in the trigger. It was easy to do and it helped lower the pull weight. It is a bit mushy, but I like a little "pull" in a trigger. My rifle likes the heaver weight bullets (158's and 180's). Last I loaded was 158gr. Hornady XTP/FP with Lil Gun. Notice the FP (flat point). Rifle barrels and warm loads can make hollow points turn inside-out. That is great for varmints, but if you need penetration look for soft/flat points or try cast.
|
|
|
Post by ezekiel38 on Sept 2, 2015 11:29:15 GMT -5
Haven't had a chance to load "specific" for the 77/357 but I found a box of Sierra 170s and a box of Hornady 180s. Too many fires and tinder dry conditions to be shooting outdoors now. Loading with these bullets under Lil Gun and 296 and then wait for rain. Thanks for all the input. Will try FP bullets also.
I'd like to take this gun along in a camper in case of black bear or wolf.
|
|