looking for light 357 loads

Following are some load data from the Handloader magazine for 357mag light target loads. As always, work up your own loads and don't trust everything you see in print.

Walkalong has it. You can also use lead dewc bullets either lined or coated. They have a long bearing surface and make nice clean holes in the target or critter.

Sarge7402 said:

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun

I'd start with the information listed on this site. They're talking about a starting load of 6.2 grains of 231. My guess is anything less may either give erratic results in a 357 or be susiptable to detonation (something you really don't want to see.)

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My previous post was for jacketed slugs. Found my Speer #11 manual and it lists for a hollow based wad cutter 148 grains 3.4 - 3.8 grains of 231 for velocities fro 747 - 811 from a 6" ruger Security Six. Using a 158 grain LSWC they list from 4.9 - 5.4 grains of 231 for a velocity from 897 to 989

I can't find my notes with vels but I seem to recall 4gr of Promo worked well for a light load
Promo is about the same as Red Dot. Volume is different but can be subbed gr for gr for RD according to Alliant.
Old Alliant data lists 5.5gr Red Dot as a MAX in .357 with a 158 LSWC at 1215fps.

RE OP's original question on Red Dot (or Unique), see this whole string:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...-Dot-light-target-loads-for-38-sp-amp-357-mag

brewer12345 said:

In that case, look into a dewc 38 type load. These are very, very accurate and modest noise and recoil.

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Those loads rely on the bullet taking up much of the volume of the case. I would use loads for similar bullets.

LUCKYDAWG13 said:

Thanks all i'm going to try and see if i can work up a load using Red Dot going to start at or just under 5gr and see how this works
for me I'm looking for two things 1) Accuracy and 2) low noise level

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First priority is to see the powder before placing a bullet for seating. This is a black powder cartridge legacy, so you have to work with that.

LUCKYDAWG13 said:

I'm looking for a light target load for my 6" 686 S&W using 357 brass powder on hand
231 red dot unique bullet will be 158gr X-treme would like to keep under 900 fps

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My favorite light load using the 158 gr Xtreme bullet is 3.7 gr Win-231. I haven't chrony'ed it but I know it will be below 900 fps. I usually load it in .38 Special brass because I don't have that much .357 brass, but if I was going to load it in .357 brass I would probably increase the load to 3.8/3.9 gr.

I also shoot 158gr 38+Ps at 850 FPS with ~4 grains of a fast powder.

If you use a longer 357 case and go with a mag primer I think you need a slower powder. If you are sticking with a 38 load and primer then use 38 length brass IMHO.

I've had good luck using either Red Dot or Unique for mid-range 357 mag loads and 38 Special loads. Like Red Dot in the 45 Colt and 44 Mag mid-range loads too.