Archives disappointing. need load help

[JAMESGR]

This is what I have: S&W Model 10-7 38 Spl., S&W 686+ 357 mag 6" barrel, Henry 38Spl/357 mag. rifle.
Bullet from new MP Molds 359640 , cast solids at 168.4 grains on avg. I reeeaaalllyyy like this mold.
I hope to load the following: Non +P 38 Spl, mid to upper 357 mag. in pistol and rifle.
Using: Longshot, Steel, and Green Dot powders. I was surprised that Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook, Lyman 46th-48th and Richard Lee's Book don't have 38Spl loads for Green Dot.
Very little info in the archives for this bullet weight and powders.
Anyone have experience with these powders and bullet weight???

Felix stated that PB can be used for Green Dot, but didn't state whether grain for grain or +/-. so I won't do any subbing.
Thanks
JamesGR

[tazman]

I have an older Alliant manual that has load data for the 38 special and +P as well as for 357 magnum using Green Dot. In every instance, the Green Dot load was listed as .1 grains less than Bullseye for a given weight bullet. Check your data for your bullet weight and a charge of Bullseye and adjust accordingly.
Usable data can be gleaned from the Hodgdon data sight for Longshot. There is data there for 170 grain bullets. Just start a bit lower and work up.
I found nothing for Steel power in any of these cartridges.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks, tazman
I copied your reply into a text doc.
Hodgdon had one load listed for Longshot and 170 gn. SIE JHC bullet. copied it also
Thanks for replying to my other post too.

[rintinglen]

In the 357, 7.0 grains of Green Dot was the starting load for a 158 grain JSP in Speer Manual 11. Alliant lists the same 7.0 grain 357 load at 33,400 psi. I'd try try 6.6 grains with your 359-640, which I also have and greatly enjoy. Mine is used exclusively with the large HP pins, so it runs lighter.
Alliant lists nothing for Steel.
I'm no fan of Longshot. IME it burns really hot and I have read reports of severe flame cutting in magnum revolver loads. It does nothing in either the .327 nor the .357 that other powders don't do better.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Freebies/RM/Alliant/Hercules_1987.pdf

There is some Green Dot data for 158gr. and lighter projectiles.
they look like MAX loads, so drop 10% and work up.
since you are loading the 168gr (MP 359640), I'd use the 158gr loads and drop 15% and work up.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks,rintinglen andJonB
I copied your reply and printed the castpics
Thanks again
JamesGR

[AlaskaMike]

I don't know how willing I would be to load up a relatively fast powder like Green Dot to max pressure levels. Generally speaking I try to avoid that and use them only for light or midrange loads.

I agree with the recommendations for using it in the .38 special loads, but I'd recommend a slower powder for full power .357 mag loads. 2400, Accurate #9, H110/296 and several others would work well.

Just my $0.02.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks, AlaskaMike
You're right about using Green Dot for mid-range loads. Tried 5.0 grns. and 359640 bullet at 25 yrds. 2-3" 6 shot groups with 38 and 357 pistols. The Henry Buckhorn sights went 4.5" with one flier at 7" at 50 yrds. for 5 rounds.
Glad to have your money's worth anytime.
Thanks again
JamesGR