Need some .357 Sig help

Stony · May 15, 2015

A friend of mine is about to go crazy trying to load some .357 Sig, and it's one caliber I have no experience with other than shooting one now and then. He is having a problem getting enough neck tension to hold the bullet securely, and has tried all the obvious things like setting the bullet out further to make sure it isn't crimping on the ogive. He has tried multiple sets of dies, so it obviously isn't a problem with them as they all give the same results. He said his load data calls for .355 bullets and I was wondering if maybe .357 bullets wouldn't be the answer???
Anybody out there experience this problem and find a solution?

vaalpens · May 15, 2015

It is difficult to provide advice without knowing his process, bullets being used and equipment. Also some neck dimensions after sizing, and after expanding if he flares/bells the mouth would be helpful.

You can read through this thread. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=771667. There are some good directions from "picker" where measurements are shown throughout the process.

blarby · May 15, 2015

Trying to load the cheap 9mm bullets, eh ? It wont work, no matter how hard ya try.

Get the montana gold. Its the #1 answer to this problem.

There are few commercial bullets with the correct profile for 357 sig.

http://montanagoldbullet.com/index.php/357sig-125gr-jhp-116.html

The problem is the ogive on most FMJ bullets, is that they short you right where you need it most on 357 sig.

vaalpens · May 15, 2015

blarby is correct. You have to have the correct bullet to make it work.

I have started with cheaper plated bullets to get my process sorted out first. With plated you need to keep the velocity down a bit and use thicker plated bullets. I have tried the following plated bullets:

Berry's 124gr HBFPTP bullets are .356" and works fine for practice/plinking
RMR 124gr hardcore match plated flat nose bullets are also .356" and works fine for practice/plinking

No setback issues for any of the above plated bullets.

Stony · May 16, 2015

Thanks for the advice....I spoke with my friend last night and he is ordering bullets today. He has tried 3 different sets of dies and seemingly done everything right, to no avail so far. He has tried sizing on a Dillon and on a Rockchucker...etc...
I was thinking maybe bullets were the problem all along. Must be a persnickidy round.

JimKirk · May 17, 2015

I suggest that you try the Hornady 124 gr XTP bullets ... also try the Hornady HAP 125 gr for a very good plinking/paper puncher loads ....

Both are the proper profile for the 357 SIG and work very well ...

Dave P · May 17, 2015

Yes, get the proper bullets, and a Lee Factory Crimper for it. It's a sweet round!

Hondo 60 · May 18, 2015

Brand of bullet may surely be the issue.

I have problems with Remington brand .224
Yet whn I use cheap Armscor .224s I get plenty of neck tension.

I know - different caliber, but it still may be the same issue.

KKyle · Jul 25, 2015

There are more bullets out there now, Nosler has 115 and 124 grain and Hornady has 90, 115, 124, and 147 grain along with some others. I would stay away from FMJ although I had some success with them, it is not worth it when you have other options made for this round. As far as dies if you set it correctly and your case length is not too short you should get a good crimp. I use Redding dies but I believe Lee makes a taper crimp die for this round. Good luck!

Bottom Gun · Jul 25, 2015

Your friend may wish to try not flaring the case neck when he seats the bullet. The neck is so short on this cartridge, you need all the bullet gripping friction you can get. I resize my brass then put a light chamfer on the inside of the case mouth instead of flaring it. I use a number of different bullet shapes and styles, both jacketed and plated, and have never had a bullet set back using that method. I’m using Hornady dies but I don’t think it matters.

Trek · Jul 26, 2015

Another bullet he should try is the Speer 125 Grain 357 SIG Gold dot bullet (Speer Bullets #: 4360). It was designed specifically for the 357 SIG. I have had great success with this bullet. It is also one of the best self defense bullets for the 357 SIG. It is always good to do some practice with the bullet you carry.

The way the 357 SIG was designed, it cannot take a bullet with a long ogive such as military style 9mm bullet that was designed for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.

ohioshooter · Jul 27, 2015

I second the Hornady XTP 124s. I had problems with everything but those..after I loaded up a about 500 rounds I quit loading it cause I don't even shoot it anymore.

Need some .357 Sig help

Stony

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vaalpens

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blarby

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vaalpens

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Stony

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JimKirk

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Dave P

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Hondo 60

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KKyle

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Bottom Gun

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Trek

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ohioshooter

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