Ordered a Smith 686 Plus Deluxe 3" and have to decide on my first mold for mag loads. I would like to avoid gas checks, but will go with them if that's what it takes to shoot full house loads. I haven't measured lately, but think that my lead stash is about BHN 12. It seems like 296 is a popular powder for .357 - glad since I have a couple of lbs that I've been using for my .44 Mag.