Max .357 loads and the Security Six

[Mylhouse]

Greetings,

I just bought a used 4" SS Security Six. I'm somewhat well-versed in reloading for my 7 1/2" Redhawk .44 mag, but haven't started reloading .357 mag yet. I understand the Redhawk, SRH, and GP100 are supremely strong revolvers, but how about the Security Six? I've been eyeballing my reloading manuals, and salivating at some of the loads that will push a 125 gr HP 1,800 fps+ out of a 5.6" barrel. I'd be pretty stoked if I could do 125gr @ ~1,700fps out of my 4" tube! These loads are with powders such as Blue Dot, 2400, AA9, etc, and are below SAAMI max pressures.

So I know the pressures are safe...but is the Security Six tough enough and up to the challenge of these loads?

Thanks!

 

[maxwayne]

The Security Six is a very strong revolver. I dont know of any medium frame that would stand up to a lifetime of the loads that you are talking about.

 

[444]

I think you will be fine. That is one tough gun. I don't see the average guy shooting enough to worry about wearing out a gun; you may be different however. I think as far as double action sixguns go, you have one that is about as strong as they come. Of course a Super Redhawk in .357 is in a class by itself. Check out the loads using Blue Dot and 110 grain bullets at over 2000 fps. from a 5 1/2" barrel. That is my coyote load. http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg...ep=3&cartridgeID=1015&bulletID=24&powderID=10

 

[Mylhouse]

Max and 444,

Thanks for the replies! Just what I wanted to hear!

444, that's EXACTLY one of the loads I was drooling over! If it does about 2,040 out of a 5.6 incher, what do you think it'll do out of 4"?

 

[WESHOOT2]

Hmmmmm........................

As a Redhawk collector, I was not aware of a "357 SuperRedhawk", although I own a 7.5" 357 REDHAWK, and am currently working a guy on a 5.5" version.

My centerfire career started with 4" Security Sixes; suggest while very strong you do NOT subject them to "GP100-style" loads.
You may use (when working up SLOWLY in your gun) maximum published data from Alliant (Blue Dot and 2400), Winchester (W296), Accurate (AA9), Vihtavuori Oy (3N37, N110), and Hodgdon (H110, Lil Gun). Finish with a heavy crimp from a Redding Profile Crimp die.

 

[Poodleshooter]

Remember, those 5.6" velocities you see in load manuals are usually from non-vented test barrels. Revolvers don't have as good of a gas seal and will loose some velocity in comparison.

 

[JohnK]

You're right (as you already knew WESHOOT2), there is no 357 Super Redhawk, I missed purchasing a 357 Redhawk several years ago and still regret that decision.

I also agree that while the Security Six is a fine and very strong revolver it's not as strong as the GP-100 and not even in the same league as the Redhawk. The Security Six should hold up as long as you will shooting max published loads, but I wouldn't go beyond them in that revolver.

444 was that 2,000+ fps load fired in a test barrel or from a 5.5" Redhawk?


John
http://www.handloads.com

 

[444]

I don't get 2000 fps out of that load. I have only chronoed it from my 6 1/2" Blackhawk and did get over 1900. The velocity quoted was out of the Alliant manual. Leave it to WESHOOT2 to correctly point out my error. Redhawk, not Super Redhawk. I will genuflex to the Redhawk collector.

 

[MADISON]

Almost INDESTRUCTABLE?

I place the Ruger Security Six and the Dan Wesson Model 15 in the same class with the old discontinued S & W 27 and 28.

If anybody could blow one up I could. I DIDN'T.