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I was speaking with a long time reloader, and he was trying to convince me the best load for the 357 is 10.5g of unique over a 125g jacketed (sorry) hollow point. I listened to him, then looked it up in all my books. Max I can see is 9.6g. Was this an old load from when the round was a baby? Is he correct? Does anyone know the history of it? Thanks
Never seen such. Why would you want to beat a gun so? I think Lyman had 9.7 for a 125gr at one time.... but just get a bigger gun.
I can't imagine 10+ as being the "best" load.
That sounds like to much unique , if you are after a load that will give you the highest velocity with a 125 gr. bullet you need a slower powder than unique.
Jedman
I've seen 10.0 of Unique for light weight bullets listed somewhere years ago,
but they also recommended it only be used in 2" revolvers with a real strong frame.
Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.
I'm a Blue Dot guy myself.
Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook # 2 shows 7.5grs max under the #358429 - 168gr SWC.
A load Of 6.5grs I preferred for years in mid size frame DA's; Security-Six and M19/M13.
I can't imagine 10grs in a 4" M19. Seems way too hot.
Don't have access to the #4 right now.
I did a check and the max I see is 9.6 grains
I know a long time ago it was loaded quite a bit hotter than today, I just don't have any books that old
not to knock unique. but it won't get you max velocity in 357 mag without going way over pressure. I get max velocity and accuracy without overpressure with Alliant 300mp, not so common in a corner of the reloading world seemingly dominated by 296/h110.
some of the older reloading books had some loads that were found to be over pressure once more accurate pressure testing was developed.
Lyman 45th handbook shows 7.0g max Unique under 358429 bullet, so the loads do change as time progresses.
Heavy charges of Unique with jacketed bullets do a good job of destroying revolver forcing cones in .357, which tends to be an expensive lesson.
I would not appreciably exceed .38 Special +P velocities with Unique under jacketed bullets if you want the gun to last.
Unique is a good plinking load in my experience, for hot loads in a mag revolver I would think of others unless I was down to my big Unique can load anything so I'll keep this in reserve jug.
Think I have used it for .357 mag as a wad cutter plinking load only and that was under max being given by a fair amount. An amount I don't recall off hand.
I wasn't looking for a fast load, I was just curious about this guy's load. Thanks
Just because somebody has been doing something for a long time doesn't mean they are good at it or doing it correctly. Lucky maybe.
My mentor told me...you can have 30 years of experience or 1 year of experience 30 times over.