130gr .357 from RMR

[J_McLeod]

Has anyone bought some of these and loaded them with HS-6 or 231? I don't shoot enough .357 to really justify buying a magnum powder.

I have Lee, Lyman and Hodgdon data. Lyman and Hodgdon are my preferred sources, but only listed 125 and 140gr data. Lee has data for a 130gr FMJ, but it's weaker than the other two and uses an OAL of 1.540 instead of the 1.590 used almost everywhere else.

My thoughts are to use the Hodgdon 125gr data reduced slightly to start and just seat to the groove. There's only a slight difference between the Hodgdon 125 and 140gr data, so I think the 125 would be safe for 130. What do you think?

 

[joneb]

I would start low and work up from the 140gr load data. And on your way up you may find something you like

 

[longdayjake]

Sorry, I can't help you there. Nobody has reported back yet with any good loads they used.

 

[LiveLife]

I found 1999 Winchester load data for the 130 gr FMJ bullet but it is for .38 Super Auto +P load, not .38 Spl/.357 Mag load. 2004 Alliant load data also lists .38 Super Auto +P load data for the 130 gr FMJ bullet.

As you posted, you could probably work up from start charge for 125 gr FMJ .38 Spl/.357 Mag load data and stop around mid-to-high range. Any other thoughts?

 

[LiveLife]

Found W231/HP-38 load data for 130/135 gr lead bullet for .38 Spl at Hodgdon website. There are load data for other powders for .38 Spl and .357 Mag as well.

I think you could certainly use the lead load data for the FMJ bullet and substitute W231 for HP-38 - http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

130 gr MEI CAST LRNFP HP-38 .358" OAL 1.460" Start 4.1 gr (880 fps) 13,200 PSI - Max 4.7 gr (1008 fps) 16,100 PSI

135 gr CAST LRNFP W231/HP-38 .358" OAL 1.418" Start 3.7 gr (872 fps) 12.500 CUP - Max 4.7 gr (1024 fps) 17,000 CUP

125 gr .38 Spl load data for comparison:

125 gr CAST LRNFP W231/HP-38 .358" OAL 1.445" Start 3.8 gr (876 fps) 10,300 CUP - Max 4.8 gr (1071 fps) 16,900 CUP

125 gr HDY XTP W231/HP-38 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.3 gr (826 fps) 13,300 CUP - Max 4.9 gr (934 fps) 16,300 CUP

 

[Josh45]

For the 130 Gr, I would actually use the 125 Gr data. Just start at the low end obviously and work up till you see pressure signs. If I am not mistaken, I believe that those are Winchester bullets. Seeing as I can only find 130 Gr FMJ by Winchester....

 

[longdayjake]

I don't think they are Winchester. These were pulled from ammo made by ATK in Lewiston. But then again, every now and then the pullers get ammo seized by the border patrol that could be anything from anywhere. That said, I don't really see there being a whole lot of Mexican drug dealers carrying .357's or .38's.

 

[16in50calNavalRifle]

Just received my order of same and had planned to work up from starting load for the 140g XTP using HP38 and the Hodgdon data - for 38 special. I bought these specifically to load in 357 cases for a snub revolver. I've got a 38 special (HP38) load for a 125g jacketed-flatnose (MasterCast of PA) in 357 brass that works just fine; I've also got a Silhouette load for that bullet that works well. I'm just looking for moderate recoil as accuracy isn't a big issue with a 2-inch barrel - and in the Magnum Carry these mild 38 loads are sweet.

Using the longer brass to reduce carbon ring build-up in the cylinders (fairly rare revolver and want to pamper it a bit). Just shot it in an informal action match last week and enjoyed it. Got all the shots on the cardboard and missed only one small steel (at 15 yards).

Very happy you had these Jake - not exactly a lot of inexpensive FMJs in that weight range around, they were exactly what I was looking for.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Has anyone bought some of these and loaded them with HS-6 or 231? I don't shoot enough .357 to really justify buying a magnum powder.

I have Lee, Lyman and Hodgdon data. Lyman and Hodgdon are my preferred sources, but only listed 125 and 140gr data. Lee has data for a 130gr FMJ, but it's weaker than the other two and uses an OAL of 1.540 instead of the 1.590 used almost everywhere else.

My thoughts are to use the Hodgdon 125gr data reduced slightly to start and just seat to the groove. There's only a slight difference between the Hodgdon 125 and 140gr data, so I think the 125 would be safe for 130. What do you think?

HS-6 is a very good powder for loading the .357 Magnum especially with lighter bullets. Sure you will fall short of the maximum velocities generated by the slowest magnum powders but not by all that much. I use 3 powders for the .357 Magnum, W231, HS-6 and W296 and i only use W296 for the very top end loads. All other loads are loaded with HS-6 or W231 for plinking loads.

Like said above, you can safely use load data from a 140gr bullet because it's heavier than the bullet you're using. Start low and work your way up until you achieve the velocity you're looking for. (or you reach the Max charge)