Picked up some 158 gr. .357 FP/XTP's at a reasonable price the other day. I noticed that some manuals (Lee, Hodgdon) List loads for XTP's seperatly from other JHP's but don't use the same powders so I can't compair directly.

Compaired the XTP to a Winchester JHP, and the XTP does have a longer bearing area than the Winchester.

Looking for a accurate load for the 158 gr XTP for my Marlin with an 18.5 in barrel. Prefer using W296 'cause that's what I have on hand.

W-296 From 10.2 grains to 17.0 grains
CCI-550 Primer

My favorite 357 bullet is the 158 gr XTP.
I like H110/W296 or LIL'GUN.
The LIL'GUN load that Hodgdon lists for that bullet is 18 gr at 25 kpsi. Hodgdon tells me that is all the powder they could fit. I can fit more [up to 26 gr], but I have not chrono'ed to see if it is just louder and kicks harder.

I'd try 14.6 up to 15.8 grains of 296. I'd recommend a small pistol magnum primer and a firm roll crimp. It's not recommended reduce the charge of a slow powder like 296 too much. Above 15.8 grains, start watching for pressure signs.

Ditto what Ricciardelli said. I get an honest 1370 fps from my S&W 686 6" with WW 296, and 158 grain Hornady JHP/XTP.

17grs. 296
CCI 550 primer
158XTP,
Jay

Thanks for the info....

Range Report

Got a 1" 3 shot group at 100 yds with

15.7 Gr W296
WSPM Primer
158 Gr Hornady XTP/FP
Winchester Brass

Groups were larger at 15.5 and 16.0

Stop right there, don't change anything. That's good shootin!! The XTP/FP does shoot good in my Marlin rifle too. Does yours have the micro-groove barrel or regular rifling? Now the trick is to load more that will duplicate your first test.

rg1

My Marlin has the regular or "Ballard" rifling. Don't have a chrono so I don't know what the velocity is, but guessing in the 1800 fps range.