148gr HBWC and 357Mag

[4thebrdz]

I have some Speer 148gr HBWC and want to find a load for my S&W M66 4". I load these inverted (Hollow base forward). On hand I have Unique, 2400, H110, 231 and Power Pistol. Any suggestions for a starting point with what ever you think the best powder would be. I'm trying to get to 1000fps.
Thanks for the help

[686]

I Would Not Try That In 357. I Did Once And It Tore The Bullet In To. The Best Load Is 38 Spl Brass, 2.7 Gr Be Or 2.8 Gr Wst Powder. These Loads Have Wone A Lots Of Ppc Matches .

[Ricochet]

He's talking about loading them backward, hollow cavity forward. That won't tear them in two in the barrel. After they hit, of course, they may blow up.

[centershot]

4thebrdz,

You won't need 1000 fps to make these loads work, you will probably find better accuracy at 700- 800 fps, and that gaping hollow point WILL open up, quite spectacularly! Try 3.0 gr of #231. Remember, those bullets are almost pure lead, and with that huge HP it won't take much to open them up.

Good luck!

centershot

[686]

I USE TO load some for a bank gard. he wanted some thing to open up big anf fast and not go throu. this was before hydro shock ammo. i loased 3 gr be in a 38 slp case. it shoots good even at 25 yards. try one at a gal of water. it will open up to 60 cal.

[azrednek]

I tried it years ago using swaged Hornady HBWC's. Thinking back as it was apx 30 years ago, best I recall the accuracy was terrible and the bore leaded up real quick. I can't even begin to guess the load, most likely I used a published 357 load for a similar weight bullet.

I can't complain about the swaged Hornady boolits. They are extremely accurate when shot as they were intended with the hollow base down and a mild load of Bullseye. Turned backwards though have to admit the soft lead would make a mean expanding load for self-defense especially if loaded up to 1,000 FPS.

[oso]

I'd start with 3 grains of 231. IIRC they won't expand if they keyhole.

[4thebrdz]

Thanks Fellas I will experiment this week end.

[AZ-Stew]

If you'd like to try a Bullseye ppowder load, try 3.5gr. This will work whether the bullet's seated cavity up or down and will not lead the barrel or cause the skirt to separate.

Regards,

Stew

[redneckdan]

I loaded some up with 6.0 gr of red dot. Those suckers were haulin ass, at 25yds it'd turn a milk jug inside out and explode it. I shot this from a contender, no signs of pressure but I'm not sure I would try this in my smith.