[tbeb]

Is a 158 gr. hard cast lead (18 LBT) semi-wadcutter over 5.3 grs of Winchester 231 a safe .357 magnum load? My Winchester manual shows 6.7 as a maximum, and doesn't show a minimum. (Other components of above reload: Federal cases and CCI primers.)

[rick_reno]

Yes, my Speer manual shows 4.9 to 5.4 grs. of W231 with the 158 SWC.

[warddc]

The trouble I found with Win231 and 158 gr lead in .357 is that the 231 is too hot and melts the base of the bullet causing a major leading problem. Switching to Unique or Universal Clays (identical to Unique but cleaner and easier metering) fixed my leading problem.

Dave.

[ChristopherG]

Agree with Ward--
Using 231 at even the lower pressures of .38 & .38+P loads, I find that once I go over 4.7 or so grains, I get significant leading in the first third of the barrel, presumably because the high pressure is eating the bullet's hind end (also, I suppose, producing lead fumes, which I don't want to to breathe). Still very accurate at 4.9 grs, and listed at 906 fps in my Lyman handbook (from a 4" K-frame)--but I'll stick with jacketed or plated to avoid the volatilized lead.

6 grs of 231 & a 158 gr. jacketed or plated bullet make a very nice, moderate, and accurate 357 load for me.
CG

[Mike Irwin]

I've never had a leading problem with 231, and I've loaded quite a few firewall loads with 231 and lead bullets in my .357.

Theoretically, using Unique should cause more of a leading problem as it's a double-based powder. 231 is single based.

[LAH]

tbeb Our standard load for NRA Hunter Pistol was our home cast L-358429 (173 grs.) and 5.5 grs. of 231. It was one of the most accurate loads ever fired in my 585 Smith and does almost as well in our M-19.

We have loaded a BUNCH of 231 over the years and have never had a leading problem caused by the powder.

[ChristopherG]

Perhaps we should clarify what constitutes a 'leading problem'? I didn't call it a problem, per se--just reported that it happened. It probably took an extra 30 seconds of brushing to clean the barrel, which I don't consider a problem myself. Lord knows, I need the exercise.

I'm just noting that, for me, at the stated level (and with the given bullet, a Meister 158 gr. hardcast lrn), it did leave some lead. Hence, it's a possibility, but obviously not a catastrophic one.