357 Magnum - help me decide

[antsi]

Known --

Bullets: 147 gr Silvertip JHP

Goal: "moderately hot" 357 magnum -- we don't need to go +nuke+ on this but I want it to shoot like a magnum -- approximate a moderate SD load

Firearm: 6" S&W 686

Undecided --

AA#5 vs. AA#9
(I have a lot more of the #5 lying around, but I suspect the #9 may be more appropriate for the 357 mag)

Standard WSP primers, vs. magnum primers
Does this make any difference?

Any suggestions, anyone?

 

[JohnK]

I would go with HS6 or Lil'Gun, but that's just because I've had better luck with Hodgdon powders than AA.

From the data I've seen for AA #5 I think you'll need to go with AA #9 to match the factory 145 gr Silvertip load. I'd guess something around 13.5 gr of AA #9 will get you close to the ST round and still be about 1 grain below max.

I'd also use standard primers, unless you're going to be shooting this where it's really cold you won't need magnum primers.

 

[antsi]

JohnK - I did as you suggested and tried 12 "trial rounds" today. They shoot nice, group tight, not too brutal. They are averaging about 1250 fps. Not bad, I am pleased. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Phil in Seattle]

I'd use the small pistol magnum primers with AA#9. I've had AA#9 fizzle on me in 357 with standard small pistol primers.

That was using 15.1 grs of AA#5 under 125gr JHP.
They went PIFF instead of BANG.

 

[bogie]

The most idiot friendly .357 load I've found is also VERY fun...

W296 (look up the load yourself) with a magnum primer and a Hornady 125 grain XTP.

Crimp well.

 

[Clark]

AA has increased thier AA#9 loads:

Accurate Arms max load for AA#9, 158 gr
357 mag, 1994-2000, 13 gr
357 mag, 2001, 15 gr


I have overloaded a Colt Police Positive 38 special that I converted to 357 mag:
16.7 gr, 158 gr LSWC, ok
17 gr, cases stick

AA#9 is very good for 357 mag 158 gr and go can do reduced loads, but at the high velocities, 26 gr of LIL'GUN is much higher velocity at lower pressure.

 

[Blueduck]

Bullets: 147 gr Silvertip JHP

Only .357 Silvertips I've seen are 145 grain. They do make a 147 grain 9mm bullet though... Your not using those are you?