".38 Special loads in .357 magnum cases..."
I have a quantity of .357 magnum cases that I would like to load to the same level as my .38 Special cases with 158 grain semi-wadcutters and Unique powder. My .38 load is 4.1 grains of Unique. I looked in my loading manuals for an equivalent load, but could not find one. I had thought that I would load somewhere between 4.5 grains and 5 grains of Unique. I know this is probably a no brainer, but I was somewhat surprised that no manuals, even the Lyman Cast Bullet manual did not list such a load.
Does anyone see a problem with 4.5 to 5 grains of Unique in a .357 magnum case with a 158 grain lead boolit? I only ask because light loads, such as those used in cowboy action shooting have been known to blow up guns as often as heavy loads, or so I have heard. Thanks.
exile
more than one reason for the differences in powder
Quote:
Originally Posted by
exile
I guess you learn something new every day, at least on this website. I was surprised to see (in my manuals at least) that starting loads with Unique in the
.357 magnum seem to be so much more (6.2 as opposed to 4.1 in .38 special). The learning goes on.
(I guess my point is that if I really wanted .357 magnum loads I would use something like AA # 9, I did not think that anyone would really try to raise velocities with powders like Unique or Bullseye, [referring to what is in the manuals, not what you guys said})
exile
First and foremost is the increase in case/powder volume in the 357 Mag vs the 38 SPL.
Secondly is the "max pressure" issue, something like 16,000 for the 38SPL and 36,000 for the 357.