357 Magnum & WC-680...

[BCB]

I presently am shooting 13.0-13.5 grains of SR-4759 (Lot # UNK) in my Marlin 1894C—357 Magnum (358429 @ 170± grains) for a muzzle velocity of 1555 fps. It is an extremely accurate load. Well, I didn’t purchase several kegs of the surplus SR-4759 at the time and now I wish I had—another reloaders lament!!!

But, I do have 8 pounds of WC-680 that I purchased for my 445SM which proved to be somewhat of a nonsuccess. So, I was wondering if anyone has used this powder with the 357 Magnum cartridge and a bullet of similar weight as the 358429. I can not find any data for AA-1680 which is what is indicated to be used with my lot #47269 of WC-680.

I realize that it is probably too slow for optimum performance but it is only a bit slower than H-110, 296, or the SR-4759. I can get 16+ grains of it into my shortened cases used in the Marlin with just the bullet touching the powder—no compression. Probably could get 18+ with a bit of a compressed load.

My concern is not velocity, but accuracy, even with a bit of sacrifice in powder burn. As previously mentioned, 1555 fps or a tad faster has proven excellent in this little lever gun. Zero leading, even when shooting pure lead as I have been doing some hollow-pointing and experimenting with Saeco 0 (BHN 3+) hardness.

Any thoughts other than “just give ‘er a try”? Thanks…BCB

[felix]

I don't think the amount of powder in the case will work. Remember, the powder feeds on itself as it builds pressure. 18 grains seems a little light for this "fire" progression to work as hoped. Offhand, I'd say 25 grains would be minimum for this one particular powder. Maybe 18 grains in the 35 bore would be good enough, but ignition is going to suffer if the powder is compressed at all. The granule size is too small, cutting out too much flame-powder contact. Never hurts to try, though, keeping in mind that less powder, stronger primer might help. Who knows, try various combinations. Say 5 rounds each. ... felix

[Ricochet]

Try it and see. It's popular in the .454 Casull, and I'll bet it'd be great in the .357 Maximum. Ought to work reasonably well with a heavy bullet in the .357 Magnum.

[Misfire99]

If it was me I would put a heavy crimp on them to give as much resistance as I could.