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Thread: Cast 140 gr. .357 mag load suggestions

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy

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    Cast 140 gr. .357 mag load suggestions

    I have a few Rim Rock 147gr. SWC boolits (actual weight is 141gr.). Looking for a load that will be warmer than a .38 Special but not full rip snorting Magnums. Mild - Medium strength with ideal velocity in the 1000-1150 fps range No interest in boomer powders like H110 or W296.

    Any suggestions ?

    Thanks,

    Divil

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
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    I designed a 140gr bullet and had Accurate cut a mold for me. I use a somewhat light charge of Unique with very good results. I'm hesitant to list the charge weight because it is an unpublished load.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Based on Alliant load data, you would want to be in the area of 6 to 7 grains of Unique.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master kmw1954's Avatar
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    Western has data for a 140gr lead in the 38Spl for most of their powders and I believe if used in a 357mag case length the 38Spls max load would be a safe starting point.

    I recently obtained a S&W 38Spl and have been looking at the 140gr and 150gr LSWC from Lee to use in it. So please post back your results.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master


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    I don’t like posting loads.

    But where it me I’d start with Unique or BlueDot. Both have always done everything Inever needed in a Magnum revolver with cast.

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  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    Your 141 gr. boolit is the same weight as the Lyman 358495 WC. I get superb results with Red Dot/Promo 5.0 gr. in a .357 case with 120~160 gr. boolits and it will match your desired velocity of 1000 ~ 1150 fps.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I'm with Ed_Shot. About 5gr of Promo under that weight gets me a good target load and Promo is pretty cheap.
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  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by megasupermagnum View Post
    Based on Alliant load data, you would want to be in the area of 6 to 7 grains of Unique.
    Right ... 6 to 7 grains Unique .
    My pet load with a 150 grain SWC , Lyman # 358477 , is 6.5 grains of Unique .
    This load is right at 1100 fps from my 6.5 " Ruger Blackhawk and has been an old favorite for years .
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  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    Other powders that should work well would be Universal, BE-86, Power Pistol and maybe Accurate #5.

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master
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    One of the first molds I ever bought was a Lee 140 grain SWC single cavity. 5.5 grains of 231 shot well in my .357’s, while 4.0 grains of Red Dot did me right in my 38’s.
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  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy

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    Thanks for the replies gents. I think I will give the 6-6.5 gr. Of Unique a whirl and see what happens.

  12. #12
    Boolit Buddy
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    5 to 6 grains of fast powder has worked well for me, for mild loads. Also consider green dot, shooters world Cleanshot or Ultimate (my current load) win WST, or American Select if you happen to have them available. Red dot and unique seem to be the classics. I am shooting a 140 conical flat point hi tek coated.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check