target load for .357 Blue Bullets?

If you're just learning to shoot a revolver DA, there is no reason, IMO, to throw magnum-level recoil into the mix. Make some .38 specials. If you like, you can put .38 special-level loads into a .357 case (bumping up the charge a few tenths to account for the greater space). There are lots of good target-level loads for 158 grain bullets in .38/.357. I like AA#2 for making very, very pleasant rounds with that caliber/weight.

Once you've really mastered hitting stuff with a DA revolver, then you can re-up the power level and learn to carry that over to magnum-level stuff. I don't see much reason to try to do both at once unless there's some external deadline you need to meet.

HP-38 would be the one out of those 3. I've never used it, but that's in the right burn rate range for what you're looking for.

My results using 6.8 gr Power Pistol with 158 Gr Polycoated SWC and WSP - Avg 1105 FPS from a 6" GP-100. Low recoil, plenty of flash and fun to shoot.

fmiller4 said:

I'll do ramp test with that then.

Shouldn't have trouble finding starting and max loads - thanks!

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No reason for that, Hodgdon supplies data on their site.

In a .357 Magnum case and a 158gr LSWC they list the starting load as 3.4gr HP-38 and the max @ 5.0gr HP-38/W231. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

I also suggest buying a set of snap caps and practice your trigger control dry firing. Your shooting will improve greatly with better trigger control.

Good luck.

The classic .38 Special load for bullseye competition was 2.7 grains of Bullseye powder under a 148 grain lead wadcutter. It was accurate in so many revolvers it became the baseline for comparison.

I am not a bullseye competitor, but I enjoy the challenge and discipline of shooting small groups one-handed. Trigger control and sight picture skills need continued honing.

I am not familiar with BB bullets, since I use home cast lead. They might work ok. But it seems to me that if you are really serious about improving your skill you should try to make the most accurate ammo possible, so that the only factor affecting group size is you. A pound of Bullseye and a box of wadcutters might be a good investment for training.

My results using 6.8 gr Power Pistol with 158 Gr Polycoated SWC and WSP - Avg 1105 FPS from a 6" GP-100. Low recoil, plenty of flash and fun to shoot.

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7.2 gr and 7.8gr of Power Pistol worked well also for me with Blue Bullets 158gr beveled based bullets.

I really like 6.3g Unique under cast 158 to 173 grains of lead (mag brass). Pushes the 158g to 1085 FPS from my 6" 686. Easy on the shooter too.