357 Magnum powder

[robg]

Ramshot true blue meters well and clean burning very similar burn rate to unique 7 gr with 158 gr boolits work well for medium loads.

[sniper]

Can somebody explain about the powder bulk density, and how it relates to reloading?
Thanx

[dragon813gt]

Can somebody explain about the powder bulk density, and how it relates to reloading?
Thanx

High density means you can fit a higher charge in the case in relation to a low density powder. Say the high density powder allows a ten grain charge. A powder that's half as dense will allow a five grain charge. These are made up numbers but I'm hoping it paints a picture. And I think I have high and low the right way.

Typically a powder burns more completely and efficiently when the case is almost full. So people will use a powder that gives you this while still being the correct burning rate.

[varminter66]

I have had great groups using Alliant 2400 in the .357mag... caste or jacketed, it's versatile enough for both, with very good accuracy. That said, I use 2400 for full power caste, and Hogdon's Lil Gun for Jacketed...

[357Mag]

Sniper-

Howdy!

Normally I’d have recommended 14.5gr WW296.

Given your desire for lower vel, I’m going to recommend an old Skeeter Shelton load:
8gr IMR4756 and regular SP primer, under a (Lyman) SWC of 158gr. Boolit weights up to 172gr shoot well also, in my experience.

I’ve heard 4756 is on it’s way out, and it is a tad sooty; but still..... a lot of fun can be had from just one can.


With regards,
357Mag

[gpidaho]

I'm also a VV N-110 fan. And I've burned a lot of Blue Dot in 357mag and 41mag. The only problems I've had with the BD is the stinging sensation you get in your shooting hand when you burn a heavy load in one of those light weight 357 snub nose revolvers. Gp

[jdt81]

1+ on the 2400.
I’ve had the best results among the various powders I’ve tried in 357 mag with 2400 powder. I use 190 gr cast. Very accurate, but I do think it may be less tolerant of variations in charge wt as I occasionally notice flat primers in what should be a safe load.

[P Flados]

I actually load a LOT of 357 with a stiff load of Promo (red dot equivalent).

Promo is king of the lowest $/bang ratio.

It is also bulky. From the chart referenced in post 19, only Hodgon Clays is bulkier.

You can use at least 5 gr with any boolit up to 158 gr. With a 5 gr or more load, a double charge will almost fill the case. With the least little bit of care, the chance of a double charge is next to zil.