Longshot in .357 Mag with CB

[oldhenry]

I have a small supply of Longshot & would like to try it in .357 Mag. with cast boolits. My Lyman books that have CB loads are dated & do not list Longshot. My 2018 Hodgdon book only shows Longshot with jacketed bullets.

My molds for the .38spec,/.357 tend to be on the heavy side. Here's what I have to choose from:

Lyman & MP version of #358429 (both versions weigh .172-173gr, with my alloy)
MP-359 Hammer (solids weigh 173, PB wide HP weigh 158 & penta HP w/GC weighs 166.5 sized, lubed & checked)
Lyman #358423 weighs 160
SAECO #382 (supposed to weigh 158,but weighs 165 with my alloy)
RCBS 38-162-WC (GC) weighs 169 sized, lubed & checked
Arsenal 360-162-RF weighs 162 with my alloy.
Lee 150RN (weighs 150)

The Hodgdon book shows the following for jacketed.

158gr, Hornady XTP: 7.3 gr, for 1258fps start load & 8.4gr. for 1394fps max.
170 gr. Sierra JHC: 6.8 start load @ 1182 and 7.9 max. @ 1322fps

I'm thinking trying 6.8 with the RCBS 38-162-WC & the MP-359 Hammer penta HP w/GC

Any input will be appreciated. They'll be fired in a Ruger BH.

Henry

[44MAG#1]

I would not hesitate at all. I like Longshot.

[JAC43]

I'm thinking trying 6.8 with the RCBS 38-162-WC & the MP-359 Hammer penta HP w/GC

Any input will be appreciated. They'll be fired in a Ruger BH.

Henry

I think you're pretty close. In the latest issue of Handloader, Pearce mentions a 38 Spec +P load of 6.2 grains Longshot under a 358429. Maybe start there, I'm pretty sure that Hammer seats deeper than a 358429.

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/bullets-brass-26

[ddixie884]

Pearce said that 6.2 was SAAMI .38spl +P rated with the 358429 20,000psi. I don't think the 6.8 would be too strong with that set up. JMHO-YMMV.......

[GooseGestapo]

LongShot is close to BlueDot in burning speed, however it is a bit denser and charge weights run a bit lower.

I too, like LongShot. Especially in 9mm, .40S&W, .45Colt. 20ga, and 12ga.
Consult Hodgdon.com for data.
The have a 165gr cast bullet listed. Velocities are only a little below H110/296 or LilGun.

[44MAG#1]

Here is my country simple minded take on this. Hodgdons list for a 180 grain Nosler Partition in their data for the 357 Magnum with Longshot from 6.1 to 7.2 max at an OAL of 1.575 inches.
Unless something is so far out of kilter that it would border on the absurd one would be more than safe with a cast bullet of lighter weight to similar weight using the 6.1 to 7.2 grain charge if one works up, uses the ole gray matter and knows what to look for when working up a load they should be more than safe.
That is me being country simple. Being complicated just clouds everything and doesn't help the process.

[oldhenry]

Thanks to all for the quick response. The reason I'm leaning toward the 2 GC boolits is the velocity level indicated in the Hodgdon reference. I usually go to the GC option when the velocity exceeds 1100.

Weather permitting I'll send a few down range tomorrow.

[Beerd]

I think the simple minded country boy from Tennessee is on to something.
At least I hope so. His method is the way I've been loading cast bullets for the last 40-plus years.
..

[oldhenry]

In between rain showers & fighting off gnats I tested a cylinder full of the 359 Hammer from COWW (penta point w/GC) over 6.8 of Longshot lit with WSPPM.

No sign of pressure (primer edges maintained slight curve & extraction easy). No unburned residue inside the empties.

Comparing length between base & top of crimp groove between the "Hammer" & #358429: exactly the same.

I'll try 6.5 gr. under the solid version (w/o g/c) of the 359 Hammer & #358429 & check for leading. Since changing to BAC leading has not been an issue.