My "load book"

[ScottJ]

I've been a caster now since August 2009.

I decided to collect all the loads I've developed so far to a point I consider successful (no leading, desired velocity, acceptable accuracy and reliable feeding) into a single document. I thought I'd share it here.

All are air cooled wheel weights and as cast unless indicated otherwise in notes.

Cast Loads

Lee 358-140-SWC

8.5gr Accurate No. 5 in .357. 1010 fps out of 2.5 inch barrel.

4.3gr HP-38 in .38. 859 fps out of 4 inch barrel.

Notes: exceptionally accurate

Lee 358-158-RF

4.3gr HP-38 in .38. 786 fps out of 4 inch barrel.

Notes: approach this load level with caution. It is near +P levels according to current Hodgdon online data.

Lee TL429-240-SWC

6.1gr Trail Boss in mag cases. 850 fps out of 6.5 inch barrel.

8.3gr Unique in mag cases. 1025 fps out of 6.5 barrel.

9.5gr Unique in mag cases. 1154 out of 6.5 inch barrel.

Notes: I really like having the three power levels to choose from. The Trail Boss load is exceptionally light recoil with very little muzzle blast.

Lee 429-214-SWC

15.7gr Accurate No. 7 in mag cases. 1319 fps out of 6.5 inch barrel.

Notes: Used convententional lube. I would not trust tumble lube at this velocity. I don't have enough rounds downrange with it yet to test accuracy and leading.

Lee TL452-230-TC and RCBS 45-230-RN

5.0gr HP-38. 800fps out of 5 inch barrel.

Notes: Tumble lube works fine for both. I have to size the RCBS RN to .452 and seat all of both driving bands into the case or my Charles Daly 1911 won't feed them. It won't feed the TC at all and I must seat them until the case mouth meets the base of the cone for reliable feeding in other guns.