Sizing/load question … 38 & 357

[h8dirt]

I have cast and loaded 45 ACP, 44 Mag and 45 Colt for years, but never 38 or 357. I just prefer the big bores. But, now I have decided to start loading for the smaller bores and would appreciate any info you may be willing to share. To start, I have a NOE 360477 on the truck headed my way. I will be loading for an Old Model Blackhawk and a S&W Mod19 (pinned and recessed model). To what diameter are you guys sizing your 38's? I know I need to measure the throats but I'm just looking for a nominal starting point until I can do that. Also, any pet loads for light 357's to shoot in friendly backyard target matches? Thanks in advance for your help.

[cbrick]

The same as your 44 and 45 revolvers, a mild snug fit in the throats. Too loose in the throats can cause blow by and sizing larger than the throats only turns the throats into sizing dies.

Curious, why would you think the 35 caliber would/should be any different than the others?

Rick

[Master_Mechanic]

sizing will vary depending on your gun. if your happy dealing with inacuracy and leading you can pick whatever size you want. it may be a safer bet to go on the larger side like .358, i use bullseye for my 38 special loads, dirty but it works.

[RickinTN]

I size .358" for all of my 38's/.357 except for one and it takes .360". There are several folks here more experienced than myself but I don't think I would size smaller than .358". I load a lot of Hodgdon's Clays in 38 special cases for both 38 special and .357 Magnum and it works well and is relatively clean. I've not loaded any in .357 cases but can't see why it wouldn't work just as well.
Good Luck,
Rick

[Bohica793]

I size .358 using the NOE 360477 mold and load on top of W231 and Bullseye for light loads. For heavier, I go with 2400, Blue Dot or 4227.

[Rex]

Dirt,
I use a 358477 Ideal mold that drops around 150 grains. I got some leading in my S&W 686 until I got up to what my Chinese micrometer says is .359. Funny part is .357 was a snug push to pass the cylinder throats. In 38 special cases I use 4.6 grains HP-38 and 357 cases gets either Unique for a mid-range or 2400 for a heavier load. I like the boolit.

[tazman]

My cylinder throats are .357. My barrel slugs .357. I have been sizing to .357 with excellent results. Great accuracy and no leading. I have run some sized .358 through it and the results are the same.

[bobthenailer]

Ive allways sized @.358 for 38/357 with no problems and excellent accuracy.
Try 4.0 to 4.5 grs of Bullseye or Tightgroup powder loaded in 357 mag cases . about 800 to 850 fps has shot excellent for me for over 40 sum years in every 357 revolver, ss pistol or rifle with 158 to 200 gr cast boolets.

[Ed_Shot]

I also size my 357/38 to .358. A sized boolit should fit snugly thru your forcing cone pushed by your thumb. In 357 I find it hard to beat Red Dot/Promo 5.0 gr under any boolit. I like BE or Unique for 38 Spl.

[Char-Gar]

Both the OM Ruger and Smith 19 will do well with either .357 or .358.

For pinking a load of 3 grains of Bulleye (38 Special cases) under you bullet will make you happy and put no wear on your pistols. If you want to use 357 Mag cases, up the charge to 3.5 grains.

[h8dirt]

The same as your 44 and 45 revolvers, a mild snug fit in the throats. Too loose in the throats can cause blow by and sizing larger than the throats only turns the throats into sizing dies.

Curious, why would you think the 35 caliber would/should be any different than the others?

Rick
I didn't think it would be any different. Maybe you missed this part: "I know I need to measure the throats but I'm just looking for a nominal starting point until I can do that."

[h8dirt]

Thanks for the many helpful replies. I appreciate them.

[Char-Gar]

I didn't think it would be any different. Maybe you missed this part: "I know I need to measure the throats but I'm just looking for a nominal starting point until I can do that."

Unless you just have time on your hands and are curious, I see not need to measure those barrel and cylinder throats. Both Ruger and Smith and Wesson are predictable at .357 barrel groove and .357 - .358 cylinder throats. It is possible to get an out of spec sixgun, but they are few and far between.

You can bank on old lockwork Colts being .354 - .355 in the barrel groove and .359 in the cylinder throats.

38/357 sixguns from well known makers (Colt, Smith and Wesson and Ruger)
are much more predictable and regular than 44s and 45s. Those gizmos need to be measured.

I have been using .358 for a long time and before that I used .357 and can't tell the difference between the two. My pal Glen Fryxell who is very fussy about details tells me .357 has proven to be more accurate for him. I would not disagree with him as he has tested, tested and tested again, whereas I just load and shoot. If you had to take my word or his on the subject, take his. That would be the safer bet.