358156 without GC in 357 mag?

[Jal5]

I want to load these without GC using Alliant 2400. Question is how far should I go with the load without leading? This is for the S&W M66 using 357 mag brass.
I loaded some on the lower end of the range in the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 and to see how they do but I wonder whether its asking for trouble beyond a certain point. Sized to 357 dia. for that gun.

I remember reading something here about this but couldn't find it using the search feature.

Thanks,
Joe

[GP100man]

They`ll work fine until a certain point then the more pressure , the more accuracy suffers & leading begins !

Look in cast pics under members articles BareBottomed 358156 I had Buckshot dehorn my HP mold & it shoots fine , better than I can anyways !

[Jal5]

Thanks that was a good explanation. I will try it at the lower end of the range and work up till the accuracy falls off.

Joe

[adrians]

:evil:[smilie=s::evil: i use 4.5 /unique in my wifes ruger lcr 38+p with good results ---no leading yet!

[SciFiJim]

I was wondering the same thing except in the other direction. I want to use an unchecked 358156 in .38special brass for low powered rabbit and squirrel loads in my Marlin rifle. Would 2400 be best to use for that or a faster powder like Bullseye?

[lwknight]

Unique is in the middle. I think that bullseye is a little fast to benefit much from the longer barrel.

[btroj]

I was wondering the same thing except in the other direction. I want to use an unchecked 358156 in .38special brass for low powered rabbit and squirrel loads in my Marlin rifle. Would 2400 be best to use for that or a faster powder like Bullseye?

I would go with Bullseye or maybe unique for this. Another good choice is trail boss. Trail boss is good as it allows good charge density while giving low velocity.

As for a has check bullet without a check, try it and see. Your gun may like them, it might not. It only matters what your gun tolerates, not what theory dictates.

[SciFiJim]

I think that bullseye is a little fast to benefit much from the longer barrel.

That was kind of my intent. I want enough pressure to seal the brass, but maybe get in the 700 fps range.

[btroj]

In the 700 fps range I would definitely go Trailboss. Start at around 2 grains and make sure they exit the barrel. 3 gr in my 32-20 give me 750 with a 120 gr cast. I can hear the hammer spring twang thru the stock. It is amazingly accurate.

[Bret4207]

There's a great big whole section down the page labeled GAS CHECKS that covers this stuff. It was created because people were asking your question 3 and 4 times a week. Check it out.

[Jal5]

thanks Bret there was more than enough info on that page for me!