Choosing the Hornady Bullet
The Hornady 140 gr FTX bullet is a popular choice for those looking to reload .357 Magnum ammunition. The FTX, or Flex Tip eXpanding, design is a key element of its appeal. This innovative design features a soft polymer tip inserted into the hollow point cavity.
This innovative design offers several advantages:
Enhanced Ballistic Coefficient: The streamlined shape and polymer tip contribute to a higher ballistic coefficient, meaning the bullet resists wind drift and maintains velocity over longer distances. This leads to improved accuracy, especially at extended ranges.
Consistent Expansion: The FTX design ensures reliable and controlled expansion upon impact. The polymer tip initiates expansion effectively, even at lower velocities, creating a large wound cavity and maximizing energy transfer to the target.
Safety in Tubular Magazines: The soft polymer tip eliminates the risk of primer detonation that could occur in firearms with tubular magazines where bullets can come into contact with one another.
These characteristics make the Hornady 140 gr FTX an excellent choice for a range of applications. It excels in self-defense situations, offering quick and effective incapacitation. It is also suitable for hunting smaller game, providing accurate shot placement and sufficient penetration. Whether you’re looking for personal protection or hunting, the 140 gr FTX bullet offers a balance of performance and reliability.
Prioritizing Safe Practices in Reloading
Reloading ammunition can be a rewarding hobby, but it is crucial to prioritize safety throughout the process. Always remember, a mistake can lead to serious injury. Before even thinking about working with the Hornady 357 140 Gr FTX load data, you must be intimately familiar with safe reloading practices.
Always wear safety glasses. This is non-negotiable. Eyes are incredibly sensitive, and any projectile or debris from the reloading process can cause permanent damage. Wear eye protection at all times.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Reloading involves powders that can produce fumes. Ensure good ventilation to prevent the inhalation of potentially harmful substances. Ideally, a reloading bench should be in a dedicated area, away from food preparation and living spaces.
Ensure that you have the necessary tools. Your reloading setup should include the following:
Reloading Press: This is the heart of your reloading setup, used to resize cases, seat bullets, and prime the casings.
Dies: You will need a set of .357 Magnum reloading dies that include sizing, expanding, and seating/crimping dies.
Accurate Scales: Essential for measuring powder charges. Invest in a digital scale that is accurate and reliable.
Powder Measure: Used to dispense the correct amount of powder into each case. A consistent powder measure is critical.
Case Trimmer: Necessary for trimming brass casings to the correct length.
Case Prep Tools: Deburring and chamfering tools and case cleaners are helpful for preparing cases.
Hand Priming Tool: Priming tools make the process easier and more consistent.
Thoroughly clean and inspect your brass casings. Casings should be free of debris, cracks, and any other signs of wear. Inspect the inside and outside of the case. Discard any damaged casings.
Never mix up your powders. Use only the powder type recommended in your chosen reloading manual. Never substitute powders. The type and amount of powder used are crucial to safely achieving the desired performance. Incorrect powder choices can lead to catastrophic failure.
Always measure your powder charges accurately. Use a calibrated scale and powder measure to dispense each charge consistently. Check the scales and powder measure periodically to ensure accuracy.
Understanding pressure limits is critical. Reloading manuals provide load data that takes into account the maximum pressure (PSI) the cartridge and your firearm can safely handle. Exceeding pressure limits can cause the gun to malfunction. Be aware of the signs of overpressure and stop reloading immediately if you see any.
Navigating Load Data for the Hornady 140 Gr FTX
*Important Note:* Reloading data can vary significantly depending on the powder type, primer, and brass used. This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a reputable reloading manual. Always verify any load data with multiple sources and be extremely careful when working with any load data. *Always* start with the minimum recommended load and work your way up cautiously while watching for any signs of overpressure.
*Disclaimer: The following is sample information only. Consult reliable reloading manuals for the most up-to-date and safe load data before reloading.*
Selecting the proper powder is vital to performance. Many powders perform well in the .357 Magnum, but they each have unique characteristics.
Here are some examples of powders suitable for the Hornady 140 gr FTX bullet, as well as some starting and maximum loads (these *are samples only* and *MUST* be verified with your reloading manual):
Hodgdon Longshot
Starting Load: Carefully begin at the lowest recommended amount.
Maximum Load: Use the maximum load cautiously and work your way up.
Alliant Power Pistol
Starting Load: Carefully begin at the lowest recommended amount.
Maximum Load: Use the maximum load cautiously and work your way up.
Accurate #9
Starting Load: Carefully begin at the lowest recommended amount.
Maximum Load: Use the maximum load cautiously and work your way up.
Remember to always consult your reloading manuals for the *most current and safe* load data. Always choose a safe starting load and gradually increase the powder charge while monitoring for pressure signs.
The choice of primer is another important consideration. Always consult your reloading manual for primer recommendations. Small pistol primers are typically used for the .357 Magnum.
Case selection can also influence performance. Using high-quality brass from reputable manufacturers is recommended. Always make sure the brass has been correctly prepared.
Overall cartridge length (OAL) is crucial for safe chambering. Ensure that the loaded rounds fit within the firearm’s chamber. The OAL is listed in your reloading manual. Incorrect OAL can lead to dangerous pressure spikes.
Bullet seating depth is also essential for safe and accurate loads. The bullet should be seated to the proper depth per the reloading manual’s specifications. Seating the bullet too deep can increase pressure significantly.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Reloading can seem complicated, but it is a systematic process. Here’s a brief overview:
Case Preparation
Start by thoroughly cleaning the cases to remove any dirt or debris. Then, resize the cases to bring them back to the correct dimensions using a full-length sizing die. After resizing, it’s necessary to remove the old primer using a decapping pin. Next, chamfer and deburr the case mouth to ensure that the bullet seats properly.
Priming
Insert a new primer into the primer pocket using a priming tool. Make sure the primer is seated flush or slightly below the case head.
Powder Charging
Carefully measure the correct amount of powder using a powder scale and measure. Carefully pour the powder into the case. Always double-check your powder charge before proceeding.
Bullet Seating
Place the bullet on top of the charged case and seat it to the correct depth using the seating die.
Crimping
Crimp the case mouth to secure the bullet firmly. A proper crimp helps ensure consistent ignition and can also improve accuracy. Too little crimp can cause inconsistent pressure and accuracy problems; too much crimp can deform the bullet and increase pressure.
Final Inspection
Inspect the loaded rounds for any defects. Ensure that the OAL is correct and that there are no issues. Verify that the primers are properly seated.
Understanding Potential Pressure Signs
It is very important that you understand the signs of overpressure. Reloading beyond recommended load data or using incorrect components can cause dangerous pressure spikes, leading to severe injury or damage to your firearm. Here are some signs:
Flattened Primers: The primer becomes flattened against the bolt face.
Cratered Primers: The primer shows a crater or a raised area around the firing pin indentation.
Difficult Case Extraction: The cases become difficult to extract from the chamber.
Swelling of the Case: The case may bulge or swell near the base.
Case Head Separation: The case head can separate from the case body.
Gas Leakage: Evidence of escaping gas around the primer or case head.
If you encounter any of these signs, STOP reloading immediately, and disassemble any loaded rounds you have made. Re-evaluate the load data, components, and your reloading technique. Always err on the side of caution.
Testing and Evaluating Performance
Once you’ve reloaded a batch of ammunition, it’s time to test it to assess its performance.
Using a chronograph will enable you to measure the velocity of your loads, providing valuable information about their performance.
Test your ammunition at the range. Start by firing a few rounds to ensure your reloads are safe.
Fire groups at a target. Observe the point of impact and group size to evaluate the accuracy of your loads. Make adjustments to your load data as needed.
Carefully examine the brass for any signs of excessive pressure.
Adjust your powder charge as needed. Remember to always work up your loads gradually and follow the recommendations in your reloading manual.
Additional Considerations
Your firearm’s barrel length can impact the performance of your .357 Magnum loads. Longer barrels typically produce higher velocities. Consider the barrel length of your firearm when selecting the appropriate load data and components.
Always store your reloaded ammunition in a safe, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and potential ignition sources. Label the ammunition clearly, including the load data and the date it was loaded.
The quality of your reloading equipment and components directly impacts the safety and consistency of your reloads. Invest in reliable, high-quality equipment.
Final Thoughts
Reloading for the .357 Magnum, especially with the Hornady 140 Gr FTX bullet, offers an enriching experience for the dedicated shooter. It provides unparalleled control over ammunition performance.
This article offers a glimpse into reloading .357 Magnum rounds with the Hornady 140 Gr FTX. Always prioritize safety and follow the guidelines in your reloading manual. By carefully following proper procedures, you can create custom ammunition tailored to your needs.
Remember, reloading is an advanced process, and it’s critical to approach it with respect and care. Thoroughly research all aspects, gather quality reloading equipment, use reliable load data from trusted sources, and meticulously follow all safety precautions.
*Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any injury or damage from the use of information provided in this article. Always consult reloading manuals, and start with minimum loads and work your way up cautiously. Reloading can be dangerous if done incorrectly.*
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Share your own reloading experiences, tips, and results in the comments below. Your insights can help others in the reloading community. Also, explore additional resources such as reloading forums and websites for even more information.
