.357 158g SWC with AA#9?

12.4 is the top of the data from Accurate. Their load book ver. 6.0 says 11.2-12.4 for a 158gr lswc.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/

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Here is MY experience with Accurate #9 using 158gr Nosler JHP and 158gr Hornady XTP.
I was working up a load for a Ruger Security Six w/a 2.75" barrel, I tried 11.8, 12. and 12.2gr. The result was stuck cases and cratered primers(small pistol primers) I tried 13.2gr and they shot fine, I now load 13.6gr with the before mentioned components for this gun with excellent results.
Go figger

This is the the results of a 12.3gr load of AA9 using hard cast 158gr SWC load I chrono'd. Its a good clean load with factory level balistics using a hard cast bullet. Suggest you drop to 11.2 grs and work up.

Cut your loads!. If you are experiences positive indications of pressure, cut your loads regardless of what the manual says.

I shot 12.0 grains AA#9 in various 357's and it shot well.

Smith & Wesson M27-2


158 LSWC Linotype 12.0 AA#9 Mixed cases CCI500

14 Oct 2008 T = 80 °F

Ave Vel = 1217
Std Dev = 52
ES = 224.9
High = 1346
Low = 1121
N = 29



158 LRN 12.0 grs AA#9 CCI500 Mixed cases
5-Aug-06 T = 104 °F

Ave Vel = 1278
Std Dev = 34.98
ES = 117.4
High = 1344
Low = 1226
N = 27

Accurate little or no leading


158 JHP (W/W) 14.0 grs AA#9 R-P cases WSP

9-Oct-05 T = 64 °F

Ave Vel = 1208
Std Dev = 27.65
ES = 89
High = 1255
Low = 1166
N = 24
Very accurate

Click to expand...

Always good to check the Jacketed and Lead data for a given bullet weight. Many manuals downgrade the Lead bullet data because they figure you're using soft-cast or traditionally lubed bullets. I use hardcast or powdercoated bullets, and want to push the lead FAST, not slow.

A lead bullet of equal weight will produce lower pressure than a jacketed bullet (esp a HP jacketed bullet) so you should feel free to work up into Jacketed charge data with a lead bullet provided you're not leading the barrel.

This should be worked up, not assumed. In your case, it seems you're pushing the edge, and actually need to back of, and find out why.

1. I love Lee gear. Lee load data is to be ignored. They don't do testing, they just crib stuff. AA has tons of load data online for free!

2. AA#9 is not H110. IME, it can be downloaded. The results may not be great, but you're not going to get the kind of failures to ignite that a small number of magnum pistol powders show with reduced charges.

12.4 is at the max. I use AA#9 with hard cast, coated RNFP 158gr. bullet 11.5 g of AA#9 with a regular not magnum primer. About 1250 fps. Not a max load, but very accurate with no leading.

The Lee manual is OK, but I'd suggest, if you want to load cast bullets, get either a Lyman's 50th Handloading Manual or Lyman's 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook.