.357 180gr load data - Unique/H110/Blue Dot?

[savage1r]

Looking to use THESE GUYS for reloading. Hoping I can get 1100 or so fps out of a load with the powders mentioned. Anyone got any data?

[imashooter2]

1100 fps in what platform?

[excess650]

I'm hesitant to suggest a powder charge without knowing what you're gonna try these in. I would suggest starting around 11.5-12gr 2400 and working up. With H110 I would start around 14gr and work up. Unique is too fast burning to get close to the velocity you're looking for. I won't suggest Blue Dot at all.

[zxcvbob]

Not enough information. But try AA#7 (it's similar to Blue Dot without the drama, and it measures better) You should be able to get at least 1200 fps from a 6" barrel. Probably closer to 1300. Be careful.

[Blammer]

pistol? rifle?

[savage1r]

Sorry for not elaborating, buddy has a 6" .357. Can't remember the brand, but he says they go for $1300+ish. Like I said, when it comes to loads, I'm not looking for a maxed out barn burner, just something that bangs good, is accurate and not dangerous.

[Chamfered]

Of the powders you listed, I would recommend starting with the H110. Unique wont get you there, and I only use Blue Dot in .357 with light (125gr and less) jacketed stuff. Hadn't had alot of luck (accuracy) with it on heavy cast stuff.

[runfiverun]

6" -1100fps-180 grs with the 357
the H-110 bottle shows 13.5 grs with a jaxketed boolit. for 1300 fps.
but i don't know from what.
the drop down would be @ .31 grains for a start load. so 13.2 to start.

[zxcvbob]

Sorry for not elaborating, buddy has a 6" .357. Can't remember the brand, but he says they go for $1300+ish. Like I said, when it comes to loads, I'm not looking for a maxed out barn burner, just something that bangs good, is accurate and not dangerous.

Do you have the bullets yet? I like 158 grain SWC or RNFP cast bullets and load in .357 Magnum brass with 8.0 grains of Herco and small pistol primers. This is a max load, or close to it anyway.

No offense intended, but do you know what you are doing? If so, it doesn't really come across... Do you know anybody who reloads who can help you? Sorry if I'm misreading the situation.

[miestro_jerry]

If your buddy has a 6" revolver it can one of two or three that were made, and they are really worth a lot these days.

I still have two boxes of the Remington factory loads, they were famous for flame cutting the top strap on the revolvers. I shoot the 357 Max in my Contenders, I use the Lyman mold to cast a 214 grain SWC that works well for me.

The 357 Max makes a really good deer hunting round.

Jerry

[miestro_jerry]

What you actually shoot it in, is very important. And with such a powerfaul cartridge I would know everything to know about what your shooting it in.

Jerry

[zxcvbob]

Jerry, why do you think he has a .357 Max? Maybe he does, but I didn't see any clues

[savage1r]

No offense taken. This is just my first time reloading for .357. My usual fare is 9mm, .45, 7.62x39, x51, x54r. This is also my second run using cast lead bullets and I like using the heavies. My last batch was 1000 147gr 9mm and they have been amazing in my sub2000. A bit snappy for the PF-9 though.

[savage1r]

Just heard from my buddy that he has a 1978 Dan Wesson. Beautiful revolver that was printing 1" at 20 yards.

[MT Gianni]

Of the powders you listed, I would recommend starting with the H110. Unique wont get you there, and I only use Blue Dot in .357 with light (125gr and less) jacketed stuff. Hadn't had alot of luck (accuracy) with it on heavy cast stuff.

Alliant has a warning out not to use Blue Dot and 125 gr jacketed bullets in 357 loads. You will not find data for this combo on their site.

[Bwana]

Just heard from my buddy that he has a 1978 Dan Wesson. Beautiful revolver that was printing 1" at 20 yards.

Then he has the equivalant of a Model 19 and as such I would caution against using other than moderate loads. I have one and the barrel is very thin at the forcing cone.

[savage1r]

Yeah, like I said, I'm not looking for a high powered load here, just one that will be fun and accurate. It's looking like for H-110 I'm seeing 12.5-13ish grains will work ok?

[zxcvbob]

With H110, you can *only* load high powered knucklebusters (and it's a useful powder for that) You also need to use magnum primers or rifle primers. It's a very poor choice for someone just starting to load a cartridge -- other than .30 M1 Carbine.

AA#9 or 2400 will give you almost the same performance and are easier to live with. AA#7 and Power Pistol are pretty high up there too, and are cheaper to use. You can use standard primers with all four.

[savage1r]

Ok, then what would you suggest for AA#7 or Power Pistol?

[zxcvbob]

It would help if you were using a standard size and weight bullet (158's)

In their 2004 load book, Alliant recommends 7.0 grains of Power Pistol as a max load with 180 grain jacketed bullets. So maybe use 6.5?

Accurate lists a starting load of 8.3 grains of #7 and a max load of 9.2 online for 180 grain LaserCast lead flat-points.