what is your favorite .357 mag load? - Page 3

pdog · 10-27-2009, 06:38 PM

I just went out today to try out 2400 for the first time. 158 Mid States cast bullet over 14.0 is 1404 fps, 14.5 is 1340 fps and 15.0 was 1490 fps in a 6 inch Ruger GP100. The 14.0 was the most accurate of the 3, other 2 started getting bigger. 14 at 40 yards was about 2 inch group, 14.5 was around 3/12 and 15 near 4 1/2 inch group.

mrmoore2 · 10-29-2009, 06:29 PM

I've been using a 204 grain Lyman 358315 over 16.5 grains of H110 in my 16" Contender carbine. It's the max load in my Lyman manual and boy, does it thump. I can't wait to get down to the farm and try it on a feral pig. At an OAL of almost 1.9" it's way too long for the cylinder on my GP100, though.

sniper · 10-30-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .357

Powder: blue dot 10grains
bullets: speer 158 grain Jacketed hollow points

i liked the load but i'm looking for one uses a cast bullet.

Based upon the Lyman reloading handbook, I used 10 gr. Blue Dot behind cast 158 gr. SWCs for years, before they issued the warning. I ran out, and never did buy more. I think that is a good load.

I never saw the need for magnum primers with my powders: 2400, Unique, Universal and Blue Dot.

My favorite load for IPSC shooting and general enjoyment is 5.9gr. Unique, 357 brass, standard primers, 158 gr cast or swaged /RCBS 150 gr. SWC.

Dunno what it chronoes, but 5.5 gr Unique and the same components chronos 860fps from a 4 in. barrel.

That'll Do · 10-31-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniper

Based upon the Lyman reloading handbook, I used 10 gr. Blue Dot behind cast 158 gr. SWCs for years, before they issued the warning. I ran out, and never did buy more. I think that is a good load.

I never saw the need for magnum primers with my powders: 2400, Unique, Universal and Blue Dot.

My favorite load for IPSC shooting and general enjoyment is 5.9gr. Unique, 357 brass, standard primers, 158 gr cast or swaged /RCBS 150 gr. SWC.

Dunno what it chronoes, but 5.5 gr Unique and the same components chronos 860fps from a 4 in. barrel.

The warning Alliant issued for Blue Dot applied to bullets of 125gr or less in 357 Magnum, and all bullet weights in 41 Magnum. I still occasionally use Blue Dot for 158gr loads in 357, and I haven't had any problems.

357Mag · 10-31-2009, 08:41 PM

PD -

Howdy !

The best .357Mag load I've found ( for 4, 5 & 6" bbls ) is:

Any Lyman lead SWC of 158 - 172gr over 14.5gr W296 w/ SP Mag primer.

In 34yr of use, have not found a more consistently accurate, and easy clean-up combo iin .3557Mag.

It has " Major Calibre" horsepower, yet is towards bottom of charge wts. allowed for 296 in 357Mag.

I also like 8gr I4756 and SP primer under Lyman 158-172gr SWCs.

I don't shoot gas checks atall.

Best of luck in your endeavors.

Regards,
.357Mag

Prince555 · 11-01-2009, 10:40 PM

Hey .357 Mag,

I just tried that W 296 load after working up & it was Excellent.

Thanks

Snapping Twig · 11-02-2009, 01:09 PM

Three loads, all in a magnum case, all with WSP primers, pure wheel weights air cooled, lube White Label BAC.

Lyman 358156, no gas check, 5g W231. I figure this to be the equal of a .38spl +P.

Lyman 358156, gas check, 15.5g W296. Standard magnum.

Lyman 358429, 15.5g W296. Much smashem downrange.

tackstrp · 11-02-2009, 05:27 PM

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

kelbro · 11-03-2009, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tackstrp

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

Midway has one on the way to me right now. The 44SWC TL shoots well so i took a chance on this one.

looseprojectile · 11-03-2009, 08:00 AM

I have a rifle in .357 Magnum. In a rifle the .357 is a whole nuther cartridge. If you want power with the .357 toss that hand gun away and get a carbine or rifle.
Now I will never shoot a load that develops fifty two thousand pounds of pressure though I have loaded and shot some really wild loadings. It would be foolhardy to load and shoot some of this guys loads in handguns especially the smaller ones. Ruger single actions are very strong but are not rifles. This is just to show you what has been done with the cartridge not something that you should do at home. I do like the heavier boolits in my rifles and regularly use .38 special brass with the long boolits and see little difference as long as the loads are not over maximum for the .357. I have a S&W model 28 and I would not load anything for the rifle that I could not safely shoot in the hand gun.
Look here.

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/pa...literature.htm

Life is good

harvey57 · 11-09-2009, 10:47 AM

Below are some loads for my favorite .357 bullet weight. I use NEI Hand Tools' #160-200gr-RNFP. It seems to work well at 100 yards and beyond. I have used H-110 and Lil'Gun with good results in both rifle and revolver. I have used AA#7-8.5gr with good results. This load is the lower end for a jacketed 185 grain bullet. I have tried IMR-4227 and had ignition difficulties.

Load Data and Range Test Results Below .357 Mag, Freedom Arms, 200 gr. RCBS cast bullets

Trim cases to fit cylinders, Freedom Arms 1.278”. Use your own cylinder length and subtract some. Then trim as needed

Todd Normally tests loads at 100 yards. Due to windy conditions these tests were 10 shots each at 50 yards with a 8" Freedom Arms 357 and Leupold scope and rings from sand bag rest. (50 Yard Load Data Crimp over Front Driving Band)

POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP
WW 296 15.8 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1410 fps 13 .76"
WW 296 15.6 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1396 fps 11 .99"
AA#9 15.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1508 fps 10 1.08"

(Crimp in Crimping Groove)
POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP
AA#9 14.1 gr. FED 205 IMI 1409 fps 8 .92"
AA#9 14.5 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1414 fps 5 1.35"
LilGun 14.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1325 fps 18 1.10"
LilGun 14.5 gr. CCI SPM STAR 1361 fps 18 .75"
LilGun 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1363 fps 14 .59"
H-110 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1313 fps 19 1.25"
H-110 16.2 gr. FED 205 IMI 1367 fps 5 .77"

NOTE: SPM = Small Pistol Mag Primer STAR = Starline Brass IMI = Israeli Military Industries

Yours, Harvey

DesertWolf · 02-13-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tackstrp

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

'been using this for awhile now. It's my go to and favorite boolit now!

Village Idiot · 02-16-2010, 05:27 PM

GP100 6"
15.5 grs H110
Mag primer
Accy is good, don't have velocities on it though

V.I.

.357 · 02-16-2010, 06:26 PM

I just FINALLY found some H-110 looking forward to shooting some out of the 4 inch.

2shot · 02-17-2010, 05:34 AM

Lyman 358429 with a max load of Herco. I bullets drop 173 out of my mold and I get over 1200 fps and shoot these loads in all of my S&W 28's and 66. Crimp to the top driving band and you will not have any problems. Accurate in all of my 357's.

Clark · 02-18-2010, 07:30 AM

I take a 38 special Colt Police Positive:
a) Cut an inch off the butt of the frame.
b) Put on Colt Agent sized gripper grips.
c) Ream out each chamber to 357 mag with a few twists of the wrist with a .380" straight fluted reamer.

I take the Hodgdon 357 mag load of 18 gr LIL'GUN 158 gr XTP:
a) Change the bullet to 158 gr cast semi wad cutter
b) Increase the charge to 26 gr
c) Get the extra powder to fit with double compression

I shoot it:
a) Wear ear plugs AND hearing protectors
b) Wear gloves
c) Get the feet spread out.
d) Get that full house 44 mag feeling

The disillusion:
a) Shoot over a chronograph
b) Notice that the 18 gr load gets more velocity than the 26 gr
c) Realized that the noise and recoil were an illusion of power.

9.3X62AL · 02-18-2010, 07:42 AM

Clark--

Good to see you again. Intrepidity is its own reward.

I use a lot of Alliant 2400 and WW-296 with Lyman #358156. Most of these loads duplicate the 1275-1300 FPS given by my carry loads (W-W 158 JHP) in the Model 686 x 4". These are a smooth ride in a 6.5" pre-Model 27 N-frame, too.

The Bisley Blackhawk x 7.5" does the heavy lifting for me in 357 Magnum. Crimped in the boolit's lower groove, I pour enough 2400 in to achieve almost 1600 FPS. Casings usually fall free from the chambers if the muzzle is raised to let gravity work for you.

That'll Do · 02-23-2010, 09:20 AM

Just wanted to add a load I worked up.

Boolit: Lyman 358429 cast from WW w/ 2% tin added.
Powder: 15.0gr of IMR 4227
Primer: CCI or Federal Small Pistol

I don't have a chrony, but I am shooting 1" groups at 25 yards from my 686 w/ 6" bbl.

I just wish the powder wasn't so darn expensive ($27/lb. in my neck of the woods).

.357 · 05-20-2010, 12:53 PM

Boolit: 195358GC NEI WW + 2% tin
Poweder: h110 12.5 grains
Primer: Remington SPM
Gun: 4 inch Ruger .357

I don't have a chrony but the 1 inch groups off hand made me happy. 13.0 grains started to get me flattened primers and a 13.5 made the little lip on the primer strike i think 12.5 h110 is my new walking in the woods load.

missionary5155 · 05-21-2010, 12:59 AM

Good morning
7 grains Unique with any Boolit I choose to plop in there except HBWC. 150 grain for those hiding hedge apples. 162 WC for fine target work. 180 fn for any other application other than hunting. Up to 8 grains IF I want to thump a bit harder. Groundhogs up close with a 50/50 boolit do not walk away. This is in my DW revolver.
For serious 357 hunting I use a 180 fngc WW over a stout load of 296. THis was my Steel load in my Dan Wesson 10 " and I use it for anything under 50 yards that needs a 36 caliber hole clean through it. The 8" barrels also work well with this load. If this is not adequit it is time for something that starts with a .4 and ends with a 1 or a 5.

10-31-2009, 08:41 PM	#45
357Mag Boolit Bub Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 23	.357Mag load PD - Howdy ! The best .357Mag load I've found ( for 4, 5 & 6" bbls ) is: Any Lyman lead SWC of 158 - 172gr over 14.5gr W296 w/ SP Mag primer. In 34yr of use, have not found a more consistently accurate, and easy clean-up combo iin .3557Mag. It has " Major Calibre" horsepower, yet is towards bottom of charge wts. allowed for 296 in 357Mag. I also like 8gr I4756 and SP primer under Lyman 158-172gr SWCs. I don't shoot gas checks atall. Best of luck in your endeavors. Regards, .357Mag

11-02-2009, 01:09 PM	#47
Snapping Twig Boolit Man Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 142	Three loads, all in a magnum case, all with WSP primers, pure wheel weights air cooled, lube White Label BAC. Lyman 358156, no gas check, 5g W231. I figure this to be the equal of a .38spl +P. Lyman 358156, gas check, 15.5g W296. Standard magnum. Lyman 358429, 15.5g W296. Much smashem downrange. __________________ 1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. 2. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. 3. Keep the finger off the trigger and firearm on safe until ready to shoot. 4. Know the target and what's beyond it.

11-03-2009, 08:00 AM	#50
looseprojectile Boolit Master Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SW Washington Posts: 635	Youse guys aint seen nothing. I have a rifle in .357 Magnum. In a rifle the .357 is a whole nuther cartridge. If you want power with the .357 toss that hand gun away and get a carbine or rifle. Now I will never shoot a load that develops fifty two thousand pounds of pressure though I have loaded and shot some really wild loadings. It would be foolhardy to load and shoot some of this guys loads in handguns especially the smaller ones. Ruger single actions are very strong but are not rifles. This is just to show you what has been done with the cartridge not something that you should do at home. I do like the heavier boolits in my rifles and regularly use .38 special brass with the long boolits and see little difference as long as the loads are not over maximum for the .357. I have a S&W model 28 and I would not load anything for the rifle that I could not safely shoot in the hand gun. Look here. http://www.leverguns.com/articles/pa...literature.htm Life is good

11-09-2009, 10:47 AM	#51
harvey57 Boolit Mold Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	Below are some loads for my favorite .357 bullet weight. I use NEI Hand Tools' #160-200gr-RNFP. It seems to work well at 100 yards and beyond. I have used H-110 and Lil'Gun with good results in both rifle and revolver. I have used AA#7-8.5gr with good results. This load is the lower end for a jacketed 185 grain bullet. I have tried IMR-4227 and had ignition difficulties. Load Data and Range Test Results Below .357 Mag, Freedom Arms, 200 gr. RCBS cast bullets Trim cases to fit cylinders, Freedom Arms 1.278”. Use your own cylinder length and subtract some. Then trim as needed Todd Normally tests loads at 100 yards. Due to windy conditions these tests were 10 shots each at 50 yards with a 8" Freedom Arms 357 and Leupold scope and rings from sand bag rest. (50 Yard Load Data Crimp over Front Driving Band) POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP WW 296 15.8 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1410 fps 13 .76" WW 296 15.6 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1396 fps 11 .99" AA#9 15.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1508 fps 10 1.08" (Crimp in Crimping Groove) POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP AA#9 14.1 gr. FED 205 IMI 1409 fps 8 .92" AA#9 14.5 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1414 fps 5 1.35" LilGun 14.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1325 fps 18 1.10" LilGun 14.5 gr. CCI SPM STAR 1361 fps 18 .75" LilGun 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1363 fps 14 .59" H-110 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1313 fps 19 1.25" H-110 16.2 gr. FED 205 IMI 1367 fps 5 .77" NOTE: SPM = Small Pistol Mag Primer STAR = Starline Brass IMI = Israeli Military Industries Yours, Harvey __________________ Yours, Harvey Pillor Last edited by harvey57; 11-09-2009 at 10:54 AM.

02-16-2010, 05:27 PM	#53
Village Idiot Boolit Man Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NH Posts: 100	GP100 6" 15.5 grs H110 Mag primer Accy is good, don't have velocities on it though V.I. __________________ “There are the Red Coats; they will be ours or tonight Molly Stark sleeps a widow.” - General John Stark Brave souls such as these gave life & limb, in order to free themselves from a tyrannical rule. They created a country where the people were allowed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government was intentionally shackled by the constitution to limit its power over the people. How far we have strayed from our forefather’s original intent!

10-27-2009, 06:38 PM	#41
pdog Boolit Mold Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 11	I just went out today to try out 2400 for the first time. 158 Mid States cast bullet over 14.0 is 1404 fps, 14.5 is 1340 fps and 15.0 was 1490 fps in a 6 inch Ruger GP100. The 14.0 was the most accurate of the 3, other 2 started getting bigger. 14 at 40 yards was about 2 inch group, 14.5 was around 3/12 and 15 near 4 1/2 inch group.

10-29-2009, 06:29 PM	#42
mrmoore2 Boolit Mold Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	I've been using a 204 grain Lyman 358315 over 16.5 grains of H110 in my 16" Contender carbine. It's the max load in my Lyman manual and boy, does it thump. I can't wait to get down to the farm and try it on a feral pig. At an OAL of almost 1.9" it's way too long for the cylinder on my GP100, though.

11-01-2009, 10:40 PM	#46
Prince555 Boolit Bub Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 48	Hey .357 Mag, I just tried that W 296 load after working up & it was Excellent. Thanks

11-02-2009, 05:27 PM	#48
tackstrp Boolit Man Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 108	has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

02-16-2010, 06:26 PM	#54
.357 Boolit Master Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: my area code is 505 Posts: 463	I just FINALLY found some H-110 looking forward to shooting some out of the 4 inch. __________________ Μολὼν λάβε

02-17-2010, 05:34 AM	#55
2shot Boolit Man Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Central U.S.A. Posts: 139	Lyman 358429 with a max load of Herco. I bullets drop 173 out of my mold and I get over 1200 fps and shoot these loads in all of my S&W 28's and 66. Crimp to the top driving band and you will not have any problems. Accurate in all of my 357's.

02-18-2010, 07:30 AM	#56
Clark Boolit Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: On an island in a lake in a rainforest of liberals Posts: 82	I take a 38 special Colt Police Positive: a) Cut an inch off the butt of the frame. b) Put on Colt Agent sized gripper grips. c) Ream out each chamber to 357 mag with a few twists of the wrist with a .380" straight fluted reamer. I take the Hodgdon 357 mag load of 18 gr LIL'GUN 158 gr XTP: a) Change the bullet to 158 gr cast semi wad cutter b) Increase the charge to 26 gr c) Get the extra powder to fit with double compression I shoot it: a) Wear ear plugs AND hearing protectors b) Wear gloves c) Get the feet spread out. d) Get that full house 44 mag feeling The disillusion: a) Shoot over a chronograph b) Notice that the 18 gr load gets more velocity than the 26 gr c) Realized that the noise and recoil were an illusion of power.

02-18-2010, 07:42 AM	#57
9.3X62AL Boolit Master Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ridgecrest, California Posts: 6,244	Clark-- Good to see you again. Intrepidity is its own reward. I use a lot of Alliant 2400 and WW-296 with Lyman #358156. Most of these loads duplicate the 1275-1300 FPS given by my carry loads (W-W 158 JHP) in the Model 686 x 4". These are a smooth ride in a 6.5" pre-Model 27 N-frame, too. The Bisley Blackhawk x 7.5" does the heavy lifting for me in 357 Magnum. Crimped in the boolit's lower groove, I pour enough 2400 in to achieve almost 1600 FPS. Casings usually fall free from the chambers if the muzzle is raised to let gravity work for you. __________________ Admiral (Ret.) and President-For-Life, Owens Lake Yacht Club Last edited by 9.3X62AL; 02-18-2010 at 08:26 AM.

02-23-2010, 09:20 AM	#58
That'll Do Boolit Man Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 118	Just wanted to add a load I worked up. Boolit: Lyman 358429 cast from WW w/ 2% tin added. Powder: 15.0gr of IMR 4227 Primer: CCI or Federal Small Pistol I don't have a chrony, but I am shooting 1" groups at 25 yards from my 686 w/ 6" bbl. I just wish the powder wasn't so darn expensive ($27/lb. in my neck of the woods). __________________ "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." – Benjamin Franklin

05-20-2010, 12:53 PM	#59
.357 Boolit Master Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: my area code is 505 Posts: 463	Boolit: 195358GC NEI WW + 2% tin Poweder: h110 12.5 grains Primer: Remington SPM Gun: 4 inch Ruger .357 I don't have a chrony but the 1 inch groups off hand made me happy. 13.0 grains started to get me flattened primers and a 13.5 made the little lip on the primer strike i think 12.5 h110 is my new walking in the woods load. __________________ Μολὼν λάβε

05-21-2010, 12:59 AM	#60
missionary5155 Boolit Master Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Back in Arequipa, Peru Posts: 2,241	Good morning 7 grains Unique with any Boolit I choose to plop in there except HBWC. 150 grain for those hiding hedge apples. 162 WC for fine target work. 180 fn for any other application other than hunting. Up to 8 grains IF I want to thump a bit harder. Groundhogs up close with a 50/50 boolit do not walk away. This is in my DW revolver. For serious 357 hunting I use a 180 fngc WW over a stout load of 296. THis was my Steel load in my Dan Wesson 10 " and I use it for anything under 50 yards that needs a 36 caliber hole clean through it. The 8" barrels also work well with this load. If this is not adequit it is time for something that starts with a .4 and ends with a 1 or a 5. __________________ God Bless You ! John 10:27 Volcano Misti 12 miles from my flat roof. Unseasonable storm going through.