gamestalker
member
I'm loading for the .357 magnum and am encountering conflicting recomendations from a bullet manuafacturer, Speer. I load with either W296 or H110 for this cartridge most commonly for my .357 mag and have for a long time. This is where the issue begins due to stringent powder manufacturer recomendations stating absolute minimum powder charges must not be further reduced to avoid dangerous rises in pressures. Speer is the only data that has disregarded the wide spread listed data in most manuals. Their position on this topic is that high velocity loads, regardless of the powder utilized, will cause bullet deformation with the Gold Dot. However, I've followed both their data, and that of other known trusted sources such as Winchester, and Hodgdon, and have discovered Speer's recomendation to be unfounded. Additionally, when loading according to Speer's data I'm seeing clear signs of higher pressures that indicate a problem. The Gold Dot doesn't have any deformation issues and performs excellent when charged according to non Speer data. This issue is not just specific to the .357 mag. but applies to other high velocity Gold Dot applications.
Please be aware that the above observation is only based on my personal opinion and should not considered to be fact, or considered as expert advice. It is only an observation devised by a personal opinion. As always when hand loading, referr to a trusted hand loading guide provided by powder and bullet manufacturer's, or other expert sources.
Please be aware that the above observation is only based on my personal opinion and should not considered to be fact, or considered as expert advice. It is only an observation devised by a personal opinion. As always when hand loading, referr to a trusted hand loading guide provided by powder and bullet manufacturer's, or other expert sources.