oley55
03-02-2021, 04:00 PM
I have been contemplating the use of the Lyman 35891, 150gr wadcutter in 357mag. The numbering on these vary 358 91/35891/358091, but appear to be the same mold. My mold number appears as 358 91 and as cast is 146-147gr. Although discontinued, Midway lists the 358091 for 357mag use: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010235131
However finding 357mag load data for full wadcutters is a bit scarce. Neither of my Lyman Reloading manuals (46th or 49th) list full wadcutters. I did find this: "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .357 Magnum", https://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Caliber%20Specific%20Load%20Data/Complete%20Reloading%20Manual%20for%20the%20357%20 Magnum.pdf. Page 45 provides load data for the Lyman 358495/141gr, pictured below.
Further searching found a thread where the difference between the two (358091/358495) seems to be the 091 has a beveled base vs the 495's flat base. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?330035-Lyman-358495-vs-358091-loading-them-with-Unique-for-defense Unfortunately the discussion does not mention 357, so I assume they are talking 38spl, and difference in weights is not mentioned.
My wadcutters will be PC'd and pushed thru 2"-4" revolvers and possibly just for fun in a 24" Rossi R92 (but that's way down the road). Considering the powders listed from the Complete Reloading Manual for 357, I have 7#s of IMR4227 and only 1.2#s of Unique. Since I have the greatest quantity of IMR4227, I am inclined to start with it. Although I have not generally done well with IMR4227 in the past.
As for intended purpose; self defense and practice. I prefer my practice loads to closely match recoil and feel of actual use ammo.
Does anyone see an obvious reason the starting loads listed for the Lyman 358495 won't work for my 358091. Is 4227 a poor choice for short barreled revolvers? Also is the 5-6 grain bullet weight difference a consideration?
However finding 357mag load data for full wadcutters is a bit scarce. Neither of my Lyman Reloading manuals (46th or 49th) list full wadcutters. I did find this: "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .357 Magnum", https://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Caliber%20Specific%20Load%20Data/Complete%20Reloading%20Manual%20for%20the%20357%20 Magnum.pdf. Page 45 provides load data for the Lyman 358495/141gr, pictured below.
Further searching found a thread where the difference between the two (358091/358495) seems to be the 091 has a beveled base vs the 495's flat base. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?330035-Lyman-358495-vs-358091-loading-them-with-Unique-for-defense Unfortunately the discussion does not mention 357, so I assume they are talking 38spl, and difference in weights is not mentioned.
My wadcutters will be PC'd and pushed thru 2"-4" revolvers and possibly just for fun in a 24" Rossi R92 (but that's way down the road). Considering the powders listed from the Complete Reloading Manual for 357, I have 7#s of IMR4227 and only 1.2#s of Unique. Since I have the greatest quantity of IMR4227, I am inclined to start with it. Although I have not generally done well with IMR4227 in the past.
As for intended purpose; self defense and practice. I prefer my practice loads to closely match recoil and feel of actual use ammo.
Does anyone see an obvious reason the starting loads listed for the Lyman 358495 won't work for my 358091. Is 4227 a poor choice for short barreled revolvers? Also is the 5-6 grain bullet weight difference a consideration?