357 loads

[illhunter]

Is there any loads for 357 mag and reloader7

[9.3X62AL]

I know of no loading data using Reloder-7 in 357 Magnum. That is NOT to say that it won't work, though--I have used RL-7 at slight compression (100%+ loading densities in 32-20 WCF loads with 115 grain castings--44-40 loads with similar powder column support for 200 grain bullets--and this practice produces 1873-level velocities in single-action revolvers and lever rifles that use those lower-pressure loadings. The rationale given for use of powder column support is that bullets like Lymans #311008 and #427098 lack a crimp groove to hold bullets back against tubular magazine spring tension, and in times past used a column of mildly compressed black powder for bullet support. Use of the slow-for-application RL-7 in these calibers allows use of smokeless powder with its ease of firearm and brass clean-up, at reasonable pressures that won't strain older guns, and still provide bullet base support as the cartridges shunt their way down the mag tube. RL-7 has burned fairly cleanly in my leverguns and single actions at these pressures, but does leave a few unburned powder kernels behind.

I have a lot of 50 357 Magnum cases I need to tumble and refill. Your question prompts me to try an experiment with this brass and RL-7, just for grins.

[DrCaveman]

In my 357 handi rifle, i loaded a 200 gr boolit long, with 18 gr of rx7 behind it. Accuracy was fantastic, velocity just around 1400 fps. No pressure indications.

Im not sure that a short barrel would work as well, but at least you wont get into pressure trouble

Add: i used small rifle primer, FWIW

[texassako]

Speer #11 has one load for rifles: 180gr Speer FN over 18 gr min/20 gr max of RL 7 with a CCI 500 primer.

[jmort]

Here is data from Paco Kelly. He do push the envelope:

"STRONG RUGER SINGLE ACTIONS, FA SINGLE ACTIONS, AND MODERN MODEL 92 LEVERACTIONS.


15/Rel 7 200 grain Cast RN 1660 fps 20 inch 92


15/Rel 7 180 Cast RN 1670 fps 20 inch 92"

http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/357_magnum_and_the_literature.htm

That 20 grain load from Speer seems real hot.
Not the ideal powder for a .357 in my opinion.

[texassako]

Interesting, they only got 1400-1500 fps out of a Marlin 94. Their results also seem in line with DrCaveman's. Paco got a whole lot more with less powder. Speer did not give pressures.