Unique Loads in the .357 mag?

[Bula]

Hello all,
I've searched but not found much recent data on mid-level load data for .357 mag loads. I'd think the burn rate of Unique would be about perfect for 1000-1100 fps or so with 158g to 173g boolits. Even my Lyman cast Load manual doesn't have any load data? Neither does the Alliant website. Anyone out there in the interweb having success with any cast pills and Unique? My plan is start at 6g, 6.5g, 7g and 7.5g with some Lee 158g RNFP and go from there. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,
Bula

[brassrat]

I think I like 7.4gr. with my new 9mm mould at 130 gr.

[telebasher]

I've been playing with 8-81/2 gr HS-6 in the 357. Meters great, shoots clean and very accurate. FYI

[jeepyj]

There is 4 out of a older Lyman book. I've used several with great luck for that very reason. Mid range loads.
Hope this helps,
jeepyj

[Bula]

JeepYJ,

Perfect! Thanks brother. Much appreciated. Saving pic now...

[MaLar]

My fav load for the 357 and cast 158's is 6grs Unique. Out of my B92 I get 1125fps. shoots minute of grouse heads.
I once was in our LGS and told the fellas that I shoot fool hens with my 357. They laughed at me and asked if there was any thing left when I shot them, I told them I always shoot them in the head they just looked at with a disbelieving eye. I didn't tell that I was using a rifle.

[TCLouis]

I would do a web search for Skeeters loads in 357.

Somewhere and I have no idea where, there is a write up of several pages listing mild, medium and Magnum level loads.

The link has now been posted five posts below.

[Kraschenbirn]

Sunday afternoon I finished loading all my empty .357 brass (900+ pcs) with 158 gr. SWCs over 6.2 gr. Unique. Load chronos right at 1100 fps from my 4" GP-100 and 1156 fps from my 6" 586...6-shot string for both guns

Bill

[tsubaki]

Speer #11 lists Unique with a 158gr Semi-Wadcutter from 5.5gr (970fps) to 6.0gr (1034fps).
Test firearm was a 6" Ruger Security Six.

[1Hawkeye]

My pet 357 load is 6.1 grs of unique under a 158 gr LSWC . Very accurate and just enough recoil to be interesting.

[Bula]

Thanks All!

Looks like I'll be starting at 6g. Appreciate the help gentlemen.

Bula

[woodsie57]

I've been using my 0.7 cc Lee dipper for years w/ 158 gr SWC's- seems that is now considered a bit warm, as it translates to 6.4 gr. Unique- my rugers like 'em, though, and I'm staying with it.

[Thomas Traddles]

The Skeeter Article on the .357 which lists light, medium, and heavy loads can be found here:
http://www.darkcanyon.net/MyFriend_The357.htm

[bigted]

Awesome thread!!!!!

[VinceG]

4.5 grains of unique makes a nice target load for the .357 mag with 158 grain boolet.

[Shepherd2]

My standard .357 Magnum load is 6.0 grains of Unique and a 158 grain SWC.

[smkummer]

I am loading around 7 grains with Lee's 158 TLSWC for I believe 11-1150 FPS. It's my bulk loading .357 on a progressive press. I get a small amount of leading with the water dropped bullets that is easily cleaned. When I say bulk loading, I approximately 3/4 full a 30 cal. ammo can with .357 ammo. So that is about as fast as I want to run the bullet if I shoot box more than 50 at a time. I don't need almost twice the amount of powder like 2400 if I don't want to shoot faster.

[Bula]

Awesome thread!!!!!

Agreed! Thanks all!

[bigted]

Just bracket loaded with Unique this weekend ... Began with 4 grains (10 of these) followed by 4.5 also 10 ... 5 grain loads, 5.5 grains also 10 pieces. These loads are under the Lee 158 grain semi wad cutter lubed with Lee,s alox tumble lube.

Will shoot them thru my Colt SAA revolver with 5.5 inch barrel.

[PDshooter]

My standard .357 Magnum load is 6.0 grains of Unique and a 158 grain SWC.

Me too .