Pet loads requested for .357 Magnum

[ShrinkMD]

I am curious what the sweet spots are for light, medium, and heavy .357 magnum loads are with 158 gr lswc bullets? I am interested in Bullseye, Unique, and 2400, in magnum cases.

I am searching for prior threads here and elsewhere, but since people's 44 mag advice was so good I thought it would be good to start the thread here.

[chboats]

ShrinkMD - My favorites are 3.5gr of BE, 7gr of Unique, and 13gr of 2400. All are on the light side but they give me good accuracy. In my Ruger BH 3.5gr of BE gives me around 900fps, which is faster than the books say I should be getting and it is a fun load to shoot.

Carl

[quilbilly]

For targets and a light working load I like 4.6 gr of Bullseye. It is a little hotter than a 38+P but still very pleasant to shoot. The MV from my Taurus revolver is 950 fps with 150 gr RN boolits.

[smkummer]

with a plain 158 SWC cast from water dropped wheel weights. 1100 plus FPS out of my 6 in. Python and little leading that is easy to clean after 100 rounds. A light .357 that is comfortable to shoot all day(even out of medium frame 4 in. guns such as troopers), doesn't make fellow shooters on the line flinch but is more than any 38 plus P for when one wants more.

[bobthenailer]

In the 357 mag case my alltime favorite light load for the past 30 years is 4.0 grs of bullseye @800 fps , since then ive found that 4.5 grs of tightgroup @ 870 fps . is also very accurate . with any cast bullet that i have tried from 158 , 180 & 200 grs
These loads have been super accurate from every 357 ive ever shot them from , probley around 10 different pistols , you should have no problem getting around 1 inch groups at 25 yards ! I have shot 1 inch groups at 50 yards with a scope. with all bullet weights

[odis]

In the 357 mag case my alltime favorite light load for the past 30 years is 4.0 grs of bullseye @800 fps , since then ive found that 4.5 grs of tightgroup @ 870 fps . is also very accurate . with any cast bullet that i have tried from 158 , 180 & 200 grs
These loads have been super accurate from every 357 ive ever shot them from , probley around 10 different pistols , you should have no problem getting around 1 inch groups at 25 yards ! I have shot 1 inch groups at 50 yards with a scope. with all bullet weightsI'm guessing that there is not much difference in old and new BE. The reason I ask is because I had not been doing much reloading and shooting for many years but started again a couple of years ago and am just about done with my hercules powders and was wondering what I'll be up against when I pop the tops on my jugs of alliant.

[bobthenailer]

I have been able to duplicate the accuracy that ive gotten with Bullseye with Tightgroup ! in most cases with the same powder charge or just twekeed a 0.5 gr.
Tightgroup is cleaner burning than BE ! the interior & exterior of the handgun stays alot cleaner.

[357shooter]

For a 158 SWC, 3.5 grains of HP38 or 3.5 grains of 700X are booth very accurate. For heavy loads I prefer a heavier bullet.

A 158 over 5.3 grains of Unique shot well in my lever action, but I didn't try it in the revolver. It might work.

The Lee TL-358-158 SWC is my favorite, FYI.

Other 357 pet loads, looking for max accuracy, are at: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ar4xSLouy2aUdElzVEZPbDMzOExacFBVbi1tUkZVZ UE&hl=en_US&authkey=CKzluvMC#gid=0

I expect that 13.5 grains of H110 for a 180 grain Keith bullet will get added to the favorite loads once it's fully tested. It's extremely accurate in the lever rifle, already. It is a NOE 168 grain Keith, lapped to get a full .360 diameter with soft alloy.

More info is in the blog in my signature.

[Harter66]

8.0 Unique w/ 150 gr swc or 158(161-162 actual)RNFP LEE's gives me 1040 or 980 from my 6"Sec 6 and 1410 for the RNFP from my 1894 Marlin. The Marlin is easy find a load the pistol likes shoot lil groups 400ft faster.

[GH1]

I use a 158 gr RNFP on top of 13.5 gr AA#9, small pistol primer. I don't generally use light loads but when I do it 6.0 gr of Bullseye.
GH1

[loader]

Try Clays instead of Bullseye..... hardly any smoke with Clays.

[Rusty Shackleford]

My pet 158 gr LSWC load:

Lee TL 158 gr SWC from WW's lubed with LLA, over 6.0 gr Unique.

[ShrinkMD]

I was looking at my Lyman manual (the newest Cast Bullet handbook) and all of the 357 loads listed are for Linotype bullets. Aren't they a bit harder than 16bhn? I use the Dardas cast ones, and his are 16, which is close to Lyman #2 alloy (bhn 15). According to a quick web check, the linotype might be closer to 22.

How do I need to modify any of these loads to be safe? I am looking for medium to below max loads, no max for me. That is what the 44 is for!

Thanks

[357shooter]

I was looking at my Lyman manual (the newest Cast Bullet handbook) and all of the 357 loads listed are for Linotype bullets. Aren't they a bit harder than 16bhn? I use the Dardas cast ones, and his are 16, which is close to Lyman #2 alloy (bhn 15). According to a quick web check, the linotype might be closer to 22.

How do I need to modify any of these loads to be safe? I am looking for medium to below max loads, no max for me. That is what the 44 is for!

Thanks
Not sure I got your question fully. I think you are concerned that using softer alloy than what Lyman used will make the recipes unsafe, at maximum loads.

You can use the Lyman recipes with softer alloy. The safety comes in when you slowly work up to the max loads, looking for pressure signs. That's true if you Lyman #2, or WW or a softer alloy. Always work up to the maximum.

I shoot BHN 7-8 all the time in 357 magnum, including full house rounds. In my guns, I shoot max loads of H110 with no pressure signs. Often the most accurate load isn't exactly at the max, with the slow powders is often close to the max. With fast powders there can be a few sweet spots, sometimes down to very light loads.

Hope that helped.

[Wally]

I used 158 grain bullets & heavier in my Ruger Blackhawk & Model 27. As WWs became far more difficullt to get, I started using ligher bullets and found that they do quite well for most of my shooting situations ie plinking. My favorites are all Lee bulets--102 RN, 105 SWC, 125 RNF, & the 140 SWC---using 4.5 to 6.0 grains of Red Dot.to keep the MV at or just below 1,150 FPS. Economical & accurate in both pistols.

[Thumbcocker]

I have been playing wiht the lee 125 rnfp and 5.0 pf 231/ It is showing promise in a Marlin and a BH.

[frnkeore]

For a heavy load, try 14.0 gr Lil' gun and a 200 gr cast bullet. I use the 35875 mold (a rifle mold) it casts 208 gr, loaded long and cripped over the first band. It give a OAL of 1.68 so, it won't go in short cylinders.

Frank

[para45lda]

Last time I loaded hot lead boolits for my 357 it was a 158 SWC GC over a stupid amount of 2400. Well over 13 grains.

Course, I was younger and dumber then too!

[357Mag]

Shrink -

Howdy !

Gotta be 14.5gr WW296 ( H110 by another name ) over a SP Magnum primer; and any Lyman .357" cal SWC of 158-172gr.

#2 is: Same bullets over 7gr I4756 and regular SP primer.

Regards,
357Mag

[StrawHat]

...Like most other handgunners, I have loaded more .38 Specials than any other caliber. Unlike most others, I have eschewed the popular full wadcutter bullet and the ultra-light loads with which it is usually associated. The two .38 molds that do most of my work are the Lyman 357446 and their 356156 which is almost identical except that it wears a gas check. Both bullets are cast 1 to 15 tin-in-lead and sized .357”.



As accurate as the wadcutters at close range, these bullets cut just as clean a hole in the target and maintain accuracy and killing power at much longer distances.



For heavy duty .38 Special and .357 Magnum loading the 358156 gas check shoots much cleaner than any plain base bullet. It is possibly the most accurate cast bullet I have used, and is an excellent game getter. The HP version offers spectacular expansion, and the solid gives the utmost in combined penetration and shock in its category, being particularly satisfactory for taking small table game without unwanted meat damage.



The 358156 has two crimping grooves. The upper is used when loading .357 cases and standard velocity .38 Special loads. When seated out to the lower crimp groove in .38 Special cases, more powder space is gained, and a very powerful load of 13.5 gr. of 2400 may be used in these cases, giving around 1150 fps. I emphasize that these heavy .38 Special cartridges should only be fired from .357 Magnum revolvers or from .45 frame .38 Special sixguns such as the Colt SA, Colt New Service, or S&W .38-44. While I have fired this round from K-frame Smith & Wessons and Colt Officers’ Models on occasion with no visible ill effects, these lighter revolvers were not designed for such heavy loads, and I definitely do not recommend the practice. Since I commonly carry this round for everyday use in my .357 guns, I have taken more game with it than any other individual handload, up to and including antelope, turkey, and javelina.



Some loading manuals list the 358156 HP bullet with as much as 16 gr. of 2400 in .357 cases, a top load which gives about 1600 fps velocity. Although well below the acceptable factory pressure level, this load is a bit hot, and I prefer 15 gr. of 2400 for better accuracy, less recoil, and longer case life...

Skeeter Skelton wrote that and I remember reading it in Shooting Times. I got the 358156 mold and found that what he wrote was true. With 13.5 grains of 2400 in a 38 Special casing, it was a very accurate load in my S&W M27-2 and my S&W 28-2 (when it was chambered for the 357 Magnum round.) I never loaded that bullet in 357 cases as I had many thousands of the Special cases available. I no longer use a 357 but may load some up (in the 38 Special case) and see how they fly from a S&W M686.

[ShrinkMD]

I finally got to the range with my new 627 PC 5" V-comp. It was great fun shooting it, I think I may have a new favorite. Anyway, here is some data:

Starline brass (new), 158 LSWC (Dardas bhn 16), Federal SPP

These are only 10 shot samples because I was running out of time and had to get home for barbecue!

13.0 gr
High: 1196
Low: 1111
E.S.: 85
Ave.: 1142.2
S.D.: 25.4
95%: 20.2

13.5 gr
High: 1234
Low: 1151
E.S.: 83
Ave.: 1190.6
S.D.: 20.4
95%: 16.2

Can I shoot the 13.5 gr load all the time, or is it too hot? It was really, really loud with that comp on. I was doubled up for hearing protection with plugs and muffs and it was still loud. I really enjoyed shooting it, though.

Funny, the most accurate load was the same bullet in 38 special cases and Bullseye 2.8 gr. Here is the data for that:

High: 689.9
Low: 659.1
E.S.: 30.8
Ave.: 672.5
S.D.: 6.4
95%: 2.7

I know that low SD doesn't always mean better accuracy, but this load was incredibly accurate and easy to shoot. Like a bigger 22lr, but lots of fun. I enjoy the magnums as well, but I think alternating between these powder puffs for pure accuracy and the 13.5 2400 magnum load would make for a pretty fun day at the range.

I think my bottom feeders may sit in the safe a while. This gun is amazing...

[MtGun44]

Here are a couple.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/picture.php?albumid=161&pictureid=929

Same powder charge on this one.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/picture.php?albumid=161&pictureid=928

These are fairly hot loads, near max. Similar results with these loads in my Ruger
Security Six with a 6" bbl.

Note that super hard alloy and GCs are not required for accurate, no leading full power
loads. Good design, good fit and good lube will do the job.

Bill

[zxcvbob]

I am curious what the sweet spots are for light, medium, and heavy .357 magnum loads are with 158 gr lswc bullets? I am interested in Bullseye, Unique, and 2400, in magnum cases.

I am searching for prior threads here and elsewhere, but since people's 44 mag advice was so good I thought it would be good to start the thread here.

I like 8 grains of Herco. Good economical "medium" load.

AA#7 is also really good for near-full-power loads but I don't recall exactly how much I used. Might be 11.0 grains but I'm not sure. Don't trust me on that; look it up.

Lately I've been shooting lots of 148 grain DEWC's with 7.0 grains of WSF, but that's not what you asked about.

[maglvr]

The man forgot more about the 357 than most of us could ever hope to remember.


.357 Medium Loads
Bullet (Grs.) (Type) Velocity(fps)

Lyman 158-gr 358156 13.5 2400 1200

Lyman 150-gr. 358156 HP 13.5 2400 1250

Lyman 150-gr 358156 HP 7.0 Unique 1250

Lyman 170-gr 358429 6.0 Unique 1150

Lyman 158-gr 357466 5.0 Red Dot 1000


.357 Heavy Loads
Bullet (Grs.) (Type) Velocity(fps)

Lyman 150-gr 358156 HP 15.5 2400 1500

Lyman 158-gr 358156 15.0 2400 1450

Lyman 150-gr 358156 HP 15.0 4227 1400

Lyman 158-gr 158156 8.0 Unique 1400

Lyman 150-gr 358156 HP 14.0 Sharpshooter 1600

Lyman 158-gr 357466 14.5 2400 1450

Lyman 170-gr 358429 14.5 2400 1400

Lyman 170-gr 358429 13.5 H2400 1350

START LOW AND WORK UP!!!

[ShrinkMD]

Maybe I switched the box or something an shot the 13.5 load twice, or I screwed up somewhere. I reshot some of the leftovers from last time and added in some new ones. It was about 85 or so degrees out today, about the same weather as last time.

13 gr
High: 1161
Low: 1095
E.S.: 66
Ave.: 1117.8
S.D.: 23.6
95%: 18.8

13.5 gr
High: 1217
Low: 1172
E.S.: 45
Ave.: 1193.6
S.D.: 12.9
95%: 10.3

14 gr
High: 1219
Low: 1167
E.S.: 52
Ave.: 1188.8
S.D.: 13.5
95%: 6.7

14.5 gr
High: 1292
Low: 1231
E.S.: 61
Ave.: 1257.4
S.D.: 16.3
95%: 8

So unless I made an error picking out the rounds to shoot, or dropping the powder
charges incorrectly, how on Earth can the 14 gr load shoot the same or slower than the 13.5 gr, but then the 14.5 load jumps up nicely to 1257?

Does this sound right? Again, as in the post above, these are Starline brass (new), 158 LSWC (Dardas bhn 16), Federal SPP, and the same lot of 2400. Fired out of the same gun, 627 PC 5" with V-comp.

[MtGun44]

Sounds like an error somehow. Should be a fairly predictable smooth change in velocity
when you are not at the extreme limits of a powder's useful range in the cartridge.

Bill

[ShrinkMD]

Just had a thought: these loads are with 0.357 sized lead bullets, and not 0.358 (I ordered incorrectly the first time). Could that explain the lower velocities?

[RMc]

H4227 Extreme and the Beartooth Bullets' 185 FNGC:

Temp: 78F

Distance to chronograph screens 10 ft.
Six round velocity test.

S&W 686, 4 inch barrel, .357 Magnum

185 BTB FNGC, Sized .358,
13.0 grains of H4227,
New Starline .357 Magnum brass,
Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primers:

1103 FPS average, 27 fps extreme spread, Low 1091 FPS , High 1118 FPS.

Bullet length .728" and 1.566" oal seated in 1.278" Starline cases.

This is an accurate, less that maximum and comparatively soft recoiling load that leaves surprisingly little powder residue. This has become my favorite .357 load.

Hodgdon's 2010 Basic Reloading handbook, shows a maximum charge of 13.7 H4227 under a 180gr Nosler Partition.

Hodgdon has discontinued H4227.
Current lots of IMR4227 are identical per Hodgdon.

[nitro-express]

On another sight I posted this:

"357 mag load with Red Dot. For my SAA NF

I was browsing the net, looking for load suggestions for my 357. The 357 is not what I'd like to categorize as a cowboy caliber, and the SAA NF with a 7 1/2" barrel doesn't fit the typical combat revolver definition. I was searching for a load that would help define my SAA NF, a fit, a gun that shots like it looks.

My search led me to a Skeeter article and in it he listed a medium load using Red Dot. I just happened to have about 2 pounds of Red dot that my brother gave me. He was talking to his neighbor about shooting, and how his brother (me) reloads for him, and his neighbor says that he used to reload and gives him some powder in a coffee tin. It has a label on it that said "Red Dot". Considering the circumstances, I'd normally just dispose of this powder, but I examined the powder and it had the "Red" dots in it, and there was about 2 pounds of it.

Bottom line, I loaded up some "Skeeter" ammo, with the Speer SWC HP instead of the Lyman 357466. We (my son and I) fired off a box, and I'll be loading some more. Clean burning, no leading, accurate enough to be a keeper and inexpensive to load. We went through a box in no time at all. I went 5 for 5 on the gong at 35 yds, although it didn't really ring it like a rifle does, soft(ish) lead at slow speed.

Before loading this load I checked other sources, to confirm it was a safe load. I referenced a 1978 Hercules manual, Speer #9, and Lee #2. It is not a top load, Skeeter wouldn't have listed it if it didn't have some merit, a 1000 fps load in a list of 1200 fps loads.

See the article @ http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=30

This load defines the gun, a gentle but powerful load (it meets or exceeds a 38 special +P or FBI load) and our local Sporting goods store stocks the bullets, Red Dot is available ( the 2 pounds will take some time to "burn" at 5 gr. a pop) and small pistol primers are also available. I'm presently using a CCI 500, and will probably try some others, Skeeter did not specify which primer he used, it suspect it didn't really matter.

I like the Speer SWC HP, it comes in a box of 500, they are well made, perhaps less than a dozen were misshapen or odd looking and they are 0.358 in diameter with a tough coating, similar to what is on 22 LR lead ammo. Very good product for those of us that don't cast our own bullets. I haven't tried them on game but they do a number on jugs of water and rip the **** out of the 2x4"s we use to attach our targets to. I don't as a rule endorse products on forums, but these are good."

http://www.coltforum.com/index.php

[Ed_Shot]

Red Dot/Promo 5.0 gr under any cast 140 to 160 gr boolit is an fine and economical plinking load.

[zxcvbob]

4.5 grains of Red Dot (Promo), 148 grain cast wadcutter, any small primer, 1.35 or 1.36" OAL.

[detox]

4 gr of Bullseye under RCBS or Lyman 158 Cowboy boolit (800 fps). 1 lb Bullseye goes a long way, but hard to meter in my standard RCBS powder measure (i must throw short then trickle remainder). I need a smaller pistol powder measure for better results.

Tin Star is a verygood powder with low velocity spreads and meters well in my standard RCBS powder measure. 5.2gr under 158 Cowboy boolit 800fps. Its a bulkier n320 that takes up more case volume. Very little reloading data for this powder.

Trail Boss is another goody that meters well and takes up more case volume..

[pmeisel]

I have been using 6 grains of Unique, and 14 grains of 2400, under 158 grain LSWC for quite some time. Both more accurate than I am. The Unique load is fairly mild in my Python. The 2400 load, while not as hot as I could load it, has plenty of punch and shoots very well.

I am thinking of trying 8 grains of Herco once I find some Herco!

[Rex]

After years of trying to find a load that made up for old eyes and shaky hands, 99% of my shooting is done with 6 grains of Unique in a .38 special case and 1% with 14 grains 2400 in a .357 case. These with cast bullets from 358477 or 358665 molds.
Having said that I am finding that 7 grains of HS-6 in a .38 special case with the 150 grain 358477 is very good as well. My one and only handgun is a 4" S&W 686.

[Char-Gar]

I have been around the 357 Magnum for many years and Skeeter's loads were floating around before they were Skeeter's loads. He just put in print what was out there. He did not do any load testing or development, he just accepted and printed fairly common loads of the day.

That said...Those 2400 loads he wrote about are hotter than the hinges of hell! Folks would be well advised to back those down. They are red line for sure and for certain.

I shot Bill Jordan's "Combat Magnum" (1959)with a load of 16/2400 over 358156 HP and I know other Border Patrolman that used the same load. I don't know how many loads of that a K frame can take, but it going to be in the thousands. Those handguns were designed for the occasional use of full snort Magnum ammo, but regular practice use with the 38 Special. The bottom line is, just because somebody did it because it might be a life or death situation, does not mean we should go to the range with boxes of that stuff on a regular basis.

When I got my own Model 19 in 1965, I never went about 13/2400 in that K frame. I did run the N frames hotter, but would not do that today.

With a 150 to 160 grains SWC, I would under no circumstances go above 14/2400 with 13 being more to my liking. In the 38 Special case 11/2400 would be top end with 10 being allot more reasonable.

Now, I know some of you boys have done the Skeeter thing and still have all your eyes and fingers. I have done it as well, but it sure isn't smart.

Before some of you start thumping the "Lawyer Drum", this isn't about liability, it is about PRESSURE, hot gas don't you know! It isn't about Hercules vs. Alliant 2400, it is about using good sense. If you want to drive a bigger nail, use a bigger hammer!

[pmeisel]

6.5 Unique for light practice, 14 2400 for field use. Getting ready to try 800X and Lil Gun as well.

[1Shirt]

Lots of good recommendations for lite/med loads. My preference is for Unique as many suggested. For full power loads I long ago settled on 358429 over 13 gr of 2400.
1Shirt!

[MT Gianni]

I looked at a copy of Handloader recently. Mike V had an article on heavy loads in the 38 special. Some he did not shoot as he did not consider them safe in a titanium J frame only in a heavy frame 38. The J frame was chambered in 357. What firearm 357 loads are shot in makes a lot of difference. When the 357 went on Safari with Maj? D. Wesson after it was introduced it killed Moose and Elk. Many of those 35,000 + cup loads would be perfectly safe in an N frame as they were then or a Blackhawk. They may not do as well in a light framed Taurus.

[Echo]

Well - Dang - I hate to be this way, but I load Magnums to magnum specs. If I want to shoot popcorn in my BH, I shoot 38's. My load is Skeeters load - 15 gr 2400 under a 358156 (or Lee equivalent) GC'd.

[Harter66]

For gee wiz info the original 357 SAMMI spec was 45K . Don't beat me yet I saw this mentioned in I believe the 5th edition Speer book and several references on the ultra reliable WWW. Knowing that allows for some of the HOT loads of yester-year vs the mild loads we see today. Which is why as responcible handloaders we keep our old favorites right next to a new current reference. Its also why we don't shoot +P+ 257 Roberts in 93 an 95 Mausers but its ok in M77s. Slightly off track for demonstration reasons.

Char-Gar, You nailed your reference dead on regarding the top loads.
Mt Gianni, Your reference is also practical in real application.

The Pre-80' 357s will likely run forever on 35kpsi loads but the cute little scandium/titainium pocket guns would be short lived w/1974 full tilt 45kpsi loads. Backing the 16gr Skeeter loads down to 13gr is just good sense especially if you're loading for the lighter frames or post 2000 yr model guns. Always happy to muddy the waters.

[Char-Gar]

For fun, I pulled out my old Lyman No. 41 loading manual and checked the top end 357 Magnum loads with 2400 powder. With Lyman 358156 (solid) the top charge if 15.5 grains and 16 grains for the hollow point version

I can't believe we really did that! Now if I had a NM Ruger Blackhawk with a long barrel.....nah, not even then.!

[UncleSarge58]

My 1894 Marlin Really Likes the Lee 158gr RNFP (50/50 Lino & WW) tumble lubed w/ LLA over 6-8gr HS-6 in Rem .357 Brass w/ Rem SP Mag Primers.
Super Accurate (3/4in @ 54yds), No Leading & A Pleasure to Shoot (Light Muzzle Blast/Flash & Zero Kick).
Lighter Loads are Great for Plinking & Small Critters (Rabbits & Squirrels, etc.)
Heavy Loads are Suitable for Larger Game out to 50yds (Coyote & Small Deer)
Just for Fun I Load Sub Sonics w/ Same Boolit, Brass & Primer over 3gr Trail Boss. Sounds Like a 22 Long & Real Hoot to Shoot.
(Great for Feral Cats, Rats & Other Yard Varmints)
UncleSarge58

[sniper]

Well, I tried Skeeter's "medium"load on my 586, and didn't like it one bit! I backed down to 11.5gr, which is much more pleasant to shoot, accurate, with reasonable velocity. I've used 5.5 gr. Unique in a Model 19, Dan Wesson, and 586 4" , 357 brass, 150-158gr cast swc, standard primers. It chronoed 860fps from the 4" barrel, and it is accurate and pleasant to shoot.

[Forrest r]

I like to use 8.0gr of:

herco
power pistol
long shot

with a 158gr 640 style cast hp. Any of those powders will get at least 1200fps with that bullet with a 6" bbl. They are all accurate loads & actually do a pretty good job thumping bowling pins considering they are all medium 357 loads.

[roverboy]

I've shot some warm loads with 2400 and H110 in my Security Six and its not always fun. I shoot mostly lighter loads of Herco and 2400 in .38 Spl. cases. The heavy loads I've killed a couple deer with and work good. But, not for every range trip.

[robertbank]

14.5 gr of 4227 works for me under my RCBS 160 gr RN out of my Ruger GP-100

4.5 Gr of Titegroup under the RCBS 160 gr RN boolit runs well in the same gun.

Another load I have used with some success is 14 gr of 2400 under my Lyman 358156GC out of my Ruger GP-100.

Take Care

Bob

[shoot-n-lead]

My new absolute favorite .357 load is 125gr Lee RFN over 6.0grs of W231. This load is very accurate and will penetrate Ga deer and med sized hog heads...with very little report or recoil. Great plinker as well....

[detox]

"Surprisingly !" The RCBS 9mm-147-FN Part # 82077 will outshoot any of my other cast bullets @1000fps using my S&W 686 revolver. Bullet drops from mould @ .358" using #2 alloy. I size nose first in Lee sizer to .357", but bullet springs back to .3575 after sizing. I then lube in RCBS Lube a Matic with mixture of 80% SPG and 20% Lyman Molly stick lube. Bullets are seated using Hornaday inline hollow stem seater in Starline 357 magnum cases and then roll crimped onto front scaper band (1.600 cartridge length). I used 5.5 gr of Tin Star powder and standard CCI small pistol primers for a velocity of about 1000fps. Other powders will also work with this sleeper bullet.

I can also seat bullet out farther so that front band will be close to touching forcing cone of cylinder (1.850" cartridge length), bullet is crimped in front grease groove. Be careful so that nose of bullet does not protrude front of cylinder. I have not tried shooting them at this longer length.

The online Alliant Reloading manual page 64 list several Cowboy loads with this bullet in the 38 Special. http://www.alliantpowder.com/resources/catalog/alliantpowder-reloadersguide/

The two 9mm bullets are on far left in picture. Bullet is seated out far to 1.850" length in 357 case (not tested yet). I have only shot at 1.600" seated length with bullet roll crimped onto front drive band.

[6bg6ga]

My wife purchased a new S&W 686-6 yesterday and requested that I load her some nice light 357 loads. I have a 158gr SWC and 160gr RN for cast bullets. I have on hand 231 powder. I cannot seem to find a reference to a 231 load in my old Lyman's 46th edition. Does anyone have a recommended load for this with 231 or should I just use 38 special loading data?

[robertbank]

I have used 4.6 gr of 231 in 38spl cases and it seemed to work ok using a 150 gr boolit. The load should work ok in 357 cases as well. I prefer Clays in 38spl cases/ 2.8 gr is very soft shooting in my GP100 under my 158 gr RN boolits. Burns a lot cleaner than 231. The latter I fond quite sooty in light loadings.

Take Care

Bob

[zxcvbob]

My wife purchased a new S&W 686-6 yesterday and requested that I load her some nice light 357 loads. I have a 158gr SWC and 160gr RN for cast bullets. I have on hand 231 powder. I cannot seem to find a reference to a 231 load in my old Lyman's 46th edition. Does anyone have a recommended load for this with 231 or should I just use 38 special loading data?

I would look for ".38 Special +P" load data. Whatever the maximum says, use that in .357 brass.

You can also go to data.hodgdon.com and look up .38 Special data and .357 Magnum data, using 158 grain lead bullets and 231. Then split the difference (in .357 brass)

[6bg6ga]

I'm looking for some sub +P loads light loads for the wife to shoot. I don't hink she will like +P 38 loads in the 357 still too hot to start her out with.

[zxcvbob]

Then get some DEWC's. You can load those down to mousefart levels, or in .357 brass you can load 'em up to about 9mm +P performance.

I have loaded some 158 grain cast bullets with 2.8 grains of Promo (or Red Dot), the same load as I use with wadcutters, and it was a milder load than the wadcutters but still accurate. It was a lot dirtier though, and didn't punch as nice a hole in the paper (but at least they didn't tumble)

[6bg6ga]

This is what I have 158gr SWC and 160 RN87134

[Rainier]

Hodgdon's reloading site under the .357 gives a starting load of 3.4gr and a max load of 5.0gr of Win 231 for the 158gr LSWC.
For an interesting "hot load" I recently tried the Lee TL 158gr SWC with 15gr of VV N-110 and a small Win rifle primer. The chrony said it averaged 1332 fps. I did get a bit of leading at the end of the barrel but nothing serious.

[6bg6ga]

Hodgdon's reloading site under the .357 gives a starting load of 3.4gr and a max load of 5.0gr of Win 231 for the 158gr LSWC.
For an interesting "hot load" I recently tried the Lee TL 158gr SWC with 15gr of VV N-110 and a small Win rifle primer. The chrony said it averaged 1332 fps. I did get a bit of leading at the end of the barrel but nothing serious.


The Hodgdons sites load of 3.4gr and a max of 5.0 gr of 231 is about in the ball park for the listing I have for 38 special in my old loading manual.

[Rainier]

Interestingly enough the .38 special load data Hodgdon gives for the 158gr LSWC starts at 3.1gr with a max of 3.7gr. Makes a man wonder if the lawyers got their fingers in things...
The 49th edition Lyman handbook for the .38 special, 155gr (358156) starts at 3.5gr and a max of 4.7gr. Lyman doesn't give any cast data for Win 231 in the .357mag

[Airman Basic]

Found a pre-warning NM 6.5 in. Blackhawk 357 a few months ago on Gun Broker. Used up all my loaded up 296 rounds, then went to Unique. I've got 8 lbs of it. Went up to 8 grains. Very accurate. But sticky extraction in the Ruger. Backed down to 7.5 and sticking went away while accuracy stayed. Kind of rough chamber walls had something to do with that, I think. Anyway, after a poor boy's trigger job, (thank the group for that) the 7.5 load with RCBS 150 gr SWC is now loaded in quantity. Rings the steel targets with authority. Good stuff.

[Army03CRNA]

Old thread, but I'm gonna bump this to the top cause I know these questions come up now and again. I finally have a 357 (a Ruger match champion) and I'm researching moulds before buying. This is an interesting solution, one I like since I load for 9mm too.

Thanks detox for posting!

"Surprisingly !" The RCBS 9mm-147-FN Part # 82077 will outshoot any of my other cast bullets @1000fps using my S&W 686 revolver. Bullet drops from mould @ .358" using #2 alloy. I size nose first in Lee sizer to .357", but bullet springs back to .3575 after sizing. I then lube in RCBS Lube a Matic with mixture of 80% SPG and 20% Lyman Molly stick lube. Bullets are seated using Hornaday inline hollow stem seater in Starline 357 magnum cases and then roll crimped onto front scaper band (1.600 cartridge length). I used 5.5 gr of Tin Star powder and standard CCI small pistol primers for a velocity of about 1000fps. Other powders will also work with this sleeper bullet.

I can also seat bullet out farther so that front band will be close to touching forcing cone of cylinder (1.850" cartridge length), bullet is crimped in front grease groove. Be careful so that nose of bullet does not protrude front of cylinder. I have not tried shooting them at this longer length.

The online Alliant Reloading manual page 64 list several Cowboy loads with this bullet in the 38 Special. http://www.alliantpowder.com/resources/catalog/alliantpowder-reloadersguide/

The two 9mm bullets are on far left in picture. Bullet is seated out far to 1.850" length in 357 case (not tested yet). I have only shot at 1.600" seated length with bullet roll crimped onto front drive band.

[robertbank]

Do you play IDPA? If so get yourself a 158 gr RN for starters. I have had good luck with the Luman 358156 GC, a Thompson design and the Lyman 358477. I recently bough Lyman's 358430, a 200 gr bullet and have had excellent accuracy out of it using both 357 and 39spl cases.

Take Care

Bob

[Army03CRNA]

Do you play IDPA? If so get yourself a 158 gr RN for starters. I have had good luck with the Luman 358156 GC, a Thompson design and the Lyman 358477. I recently bough Lyman's 358430, a 200 gr bullet and have had excellent accuracy out of it using both 357 and 39spl cases.

Take Care

Bob

The wife and I do, and I have a couple of HKs for that. :smile: Not that I wouldn't consider using a wheel-gun just for kicks. I know it's whole other barrel-o-monkeys, but round nose bullets are the worst out of all the 9mms we own (but not an issue out of my .45s), so that's why I've not looked hard at them. Good to know they work out of a revolver.

[robertbank]

When you shoot revolver in IDPA it is all about reloads. Every stage is Limited. That is why RN bullets are used in the main. Accuracy is VG as a bonus though I think the LSWC are a better choice. Any Thompson or Keith design should serve you well. Flexall's load of 14.5 gr of 4227 under a Lyman 358429 is a very accurate load in my Ruger and Uberti.

Take Care

Bob

[robg]

lee 158wnfp plain base 7gr true blue,158lswc gc 13.5g 2400,or 8.5gr true blue .180silgc 11.5g 2400. shoot well in my win94

[charles.k.terry]

I'm new to the list so I apologize if I missed the information I'm about to ask for. I have a GP100 match champ, love the gun, and I want to start making my own cast boolits. I have a used mold on the way 158gr PB. I want to eventually get a heavier boolit mold from Mountain or another manufacture. But I am struggling to find reloading data that I am confident in. I have the Lyman 49th, the Hornady 9th, and the Lee data that comes with the dies. Problem is that the data is very different from manual to manual. Can anyone help me find the more reliable data for what I have and what I will eventually go to (180gr or 200gr) cast boolits.

Thank you and again if I missed this somewhere please point me in that direction.

Keith

[marshall623]

A Lyman 4th addition cast bullet book is well worth the money . It has a load of good info and data for some of the other boolits mold makers boolits as well.

[robertbank]

5.3 -6 grains of Unique under the Lyman 358430 bullet shot well out of my 4.2" GP-100. Bullet as cast using WW alloy were 201 grs.

12 - 14.5 grains of 4227 under the Lyman 358429 bullet also shot well out of my 4.2" GP-100. Bullet as cast using WW alloy were 170 grs.

These loads were shot in .357 Cases

All loads were shot over an F 1 Chrony.

Take Care

Bob

[Hi-Speed]

…keep it going…pls forgive me folks!

Mid Range Loads:
6.0 grs WW231 155 gr 358477 (seated OAL 1.545”)
6.0 grs Unique 155 gr 358477 (seated OAL 1.525”)

Magnum:
13.5 grs 2400 158 gr cast SWC (12 BNH sized .358) (1,250 fps chronographed in Ruger 4 5/8” BH)
11.0 grs 2400 168-170 gr Keith 358429 (1,135 fps in Ruger 4 5/8” BH) (OAL 1.553”)
11.0 grs 2400 168-170 gr Keith 358429 (38-44) (1,170 fps in Ruger 4 5/8” BH) (OAL 1.532”)

[Kosh75287]

9.2/AA#5/158 gr. FMJFP gives 1197 f/s from my 6" S&W M28. Nice long-range accuracy, SERIOUS penetration.