.357 Magnum, bbdewc?

[sniper]

Has anyone got a favorite load, using Unique with a 158 gr. DEWC, bevel base? My go-to load is/was a 150 gr. RCBS 150 gr SWC over 5.5 gr. Unique, chronoed 860 fps, 4" barrel A very pleasant and accurate load, about .38 +P level in 357 brass.

The full wadcutter I have has a crimp groove just below the bevel, and seated that much deeper than the SWC, will affect pressure, I think.

I am shooting () for about 800 fps. Should I reduce my load to 4.5-5 gr to make up for the decreased powder space? With 3.5 gr Unique under a 158 SWC, and ~10 gr. Cream of Wheat, (lead-cleaning load) the boolit exits the barrel, so no problems there, so far. I have not found any information in my reloading manuals that address my specific need. Or, should I just go with .38 Spl. data, working up, and call it good?

I shoot these in my Smith 586, which is no skinny chick at 42 ounces, which dampens recoil nicely, but may buy a lighter gun...like maybe 20-25 ozs. for SD and carry, which will be a whole different ballgame.
Thanx

[runfiverun]

try the 5gr load.
your getting down to the area where switching powders will give better results.
but I'd start there and come on back up a bit at a time.
your gonna have to get the speed back up from the lower load [and more weight]
I'd look for accuracy and not worry about 20 fps.

[rintinglen]

I think 4.5-5.0 grains will get you where you want to go velocity wise, but I can only echo the Wisdom of runfiverun and say find what load in the ballpark you're seeking shoots best, load 'em up by the bunch and enjoy.

[TCFAN]

In my S&W 28-2 I am using 3.4 grs. of Bullseye with a DEWC that has a bevel on both ends a Lyman 358063.Never have run it over the Chrony but I would be surprised if it went 800 fps.I am using Starline 357 case and the revolver has a 4 inch barrel. It is a very accurate load with very little recoil and make the steel plates ring nicely.

[Larry Gibson]

Like TCFAN I found Bullseye to be and excellent powder with DEWCs in 357 cases just as it is in 38 SPL cases. I've also used 231 and 700X with equal results.

I used 3.2 gr Bullseye in the 357 case.

Larry Gibson