MBC 140 grain "Zingers" .357 magnum are a hoot

I agree! This year I started loading 357 in 140 gr. It started with Hornady's XTP, then I started getting the Zingers. I liking them. I'm thinking of sticking with the 140s.

Walkalong said:

I like the 140 gr XTP. I have thought about trying a coated 140 Gr.

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I may have missed it somewhere, but MBC is the only place I remember seeing 140 gr. cast bullets.

I think I'm going to have to try those 140gr Zingers, thanks for the report.

I bought some, haven't shot yet, but running them over a load of universal. I'm hoping for a fun to shoot load that is cheap and fun to shoot.... Not looking to max out 357 but want to make sure it's a step up from any 38+p loads.

If others are comfortable, I'd be curious to know what you all are using to propel these zingers. I was disappointed with the published load selection for 140 hard cast bullets, so extrapalated based on the available XTP loads for this bullet weight, combined with past experience using universal behind 158 cast bullets. If they work out I'll share my findings.

cat_IT_guy said:

I bought some, haven't shot yet, but running them over a load of universal. I'm hoping for a fun to shoot load that is cheap and fun to shoot.... Not looking to max out 357 but want to make sure it's a step up from any 38+p loads.

If others are comfortable, I'd be curious to know what you all are using to propel these zingers. I was disappointed with the published load selection for 140 hard cast bullets, so extrapalated based on the available XTP loads for this bullet weight, combined with past experience using universal behind 158 cast bullets. If they work out I'll share my findings.

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Yeah, cast bullet data is hard to find these days since cast bullets are no longer the only game in town. It's my opinion Lyman is the best source for data using lead bullets. Their data is from a bygone time when full power lead loads were still used. Lyman 49 and 50 are good but the best source is probably the Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/867465/lyman-cast-bullet-handbook-4th-edition-book

I use a lot of HS-6 when loading cast bullets in the 38/357.
From the above data source for a 150gr Lyman #358477, they don't list a 140gr bullet:
HS-6 9.0gr to 10.0gr
Bullseye 4.6gr to 7.0gr
2400 11.0gr to 15.0gr
Sorry, they don't show Unique or Universal.

On a good note, the Lyman 3rd Edition Cast Bullet Handbook from 1980 does show Unique and with a 141gr Cast Bullet.
Unique 5.8gr to 7.9gr (Unique and Universal are very similar but of course not identical)
2400 10.5gr to 14.6gr

Lyman 49 and 50 has the same data as the 4th Edition manual above.
I hope this helps a little. (Always check data or use your head when using data you get from someone on the Internet you don't know. Mistakes posting numbers can and will happen.)

1KPerDay said:

I used 15 grains of 2400 based on Lyman data and hornady XTP data. Worked great.

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That goes right along with the current hard case data so I'm sure you are good to go.

On a good note, the Lyman 3rd Edition Cast Bullet Handbook from 1980 does show Unique and with a 141gr Cast Bullet.
Unique 5.8gr to 7.9gr (Unique and Universal are very similar but of course not identical)
2400 10.5gr to 14.6gr

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Good to hear about unique and universal being similar. The load I'm thinking falls in the lower half of that range.

Your welcome, Happy to have been able to help.
I'm glad to hear you found something you like in the samples I sent. Hope you enjoyed them all.


I think the 140gr Zingers are a nice compromise weight between the 125s and 158s in .357.
I liked the 140s a lot.

Always happy with all the bullets I have ordered from MBC and RMR.
(don't forget the 5% THR discount!)

cat IT guy
Hodgdon data
OAL, Start charge, start vel, start pressure, MAX charge, MAX vel, MAX pressure
125 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Universal .358" 1.580" 4.8 1046 11,000 CUP 6.8 1401 34,200 CUP
135 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Universal .358" 1.580" 4.8 986 11,700 CUP 6.5 1314 27,800 CUP
158 GR. CAST LSWC Hodgdon Universal .358" 1.610" 4 890 15,700 CUP 6.2 1247 33,400 CUP
so I would thin. 140s would be a hair less than 135s.
Universal and Unique are close but Unique (which does not meter as nice as Universal, and is not as clean) seems to have a bit heavier MAX charges and a bit more velocity at the top end.
I like Universal better. (of course others may think I'm nuts )

Yeah, DudeDog sent me some Zinger also. They shoot real well out of my .357mag and he's been saying it for quite a while now.

They are a real blast to shoot and I have to admit, I will have to buy a few (thousand) of these to keep my addiction going.

DudeDog, It's nice to know that THR is attracting members like you.

You and all the other fine members here keeps this forum going strong.

thanks again for your generousity.

Your welcome TT.

Other THR members have been very kind to me as well, with generous PIFs, I'm glad to be able to help others out.

In accepting the Gift you Honor the Giver - Stephen R. Donaldson

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Thanks again everybody for all your PIFs.
That's one thing I really like about THR, the kindness of the members here and their willingness to help others.



(I would list names but it would take me a while to dig them all up, there are quite a few I need to make up a thank you list since if I go by memory I am liable forget someone and be )

Just in case anyone other than I was interested, I got my Zinger loads with Universal powder to the range today and chrono'ed them. Temp was right around 80 degrees. Goal was to find a middle magnum load - higher powered than any 38 +p but not a maxed out magnum, and cheap to reload.

Bullet is the MBC Zinger 140gr cast bullet. Universal powder.

Charge (gr).......Avg Velocity (fps): 6" 686.......16" Henry
5.8 ........................................... 1038 ........ 1255
6.3 ........................................... 1122 ........ 1333
6.8* .......................................... 1182 ........ 1403

*6.8gr of Universal is higher than the max listed from Dudedog. I worked up to the 6.8 carefully and judging from the velocities I think Im in good shape. Cases showed no signs of pressure and extracted easily. Additionally, latest Hodgdon data lists a 140gr XTP over 6.5-7.0gr of Universal, so factoring in the reduced friction from a cast bullet, I think Im in a good shape. Use at your own risk, work up carefully, etc, etc.

Thanks to Archangel & Dudedog for your earlier responses.

Sidenote... anyone know how to insert a table in a thread / response?

Did you notice any unburned flakes or lots of crud when ejecting?

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I didnt, but I wasnt looking super close for it either.

I haven't tried the Hi-Tek coated versions of the 140 Zingers but I do shoot a lot of the uncoated variety- and they are great. I normally run about 7.5-7.7 grains of Herco under them; zippy, accurate and very economical.

And MBC's speed of delivery is second to none IMO.

In 357 magnum I used 6.2 Universal with a Win SP primerunder a a 140gr truncated cone hard-cast lead (Mid-Kansas Bullets, IIRC). I got around 1,225 - 1,250 fps out of my GP-100 with a 6" barrel. I used Lee Liquid Alox on the bullets and got minimal to no leading after a 100+ round USPSA match.

Hodgdon told me that it was OK to use their load data for 135gr lead bullets with the 140gr. lead truncated cone bullets. I think that 6.5 gr of Universal was Hodgdon's maximum load for the 135 - 140gr bullets, but check with Hodgdon to be sure.

8ring said:

In 357 magnum I used 6.2 Universal with a Win SP primerunder a a 140gr truncated cone hard-cast lead (Mid-Kansas Bullets, IIRC). I got around 1,225 - 1,250 fps out of my GP-100 with a 6" barrel. I used Lee Liquid Alox on the bullets and got minimal to no leading after a 100+ round USPSA match.

Hodgdon told me that it was OK to use their load data for 135gr lead bullets with the 140gr. lead truncated cone bullets. I think that 6.5 gr of Universal was Hodgdon's maximum load for the 135 - 140gr bullets, but check with Hodgdon to be sure.

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Is that velocity real or a guess using what the load data tells you? I'm guessing if you used them in a match the accuracy was good. I also like shooting lead bullets in my guns. It's easy on the guns and the wallet too lol.