180gr in Python or S&W 27--too much pressure?

[eclarsen]

I've read in some of my reloading manuals that the 180gr bullet for 357mag was developed for longdistance shooting or for T/C Contenders.

Should you not use them in revolvers such as the Python or S&W Model 27?

 

[ReloaderFred]

Are you talking about a jacketed bullet or cast? I load a cast 180/185 grain bullet in .357 Magnum using Hodgdon's Lil'Gun, but it's mostly for my Marlin Carbines. Lil'Gun gives higher velocities, with lower pressures, so it works best with heavy for caliber bullets and longer barrels.

As long as you use data that's within the SAAMI specifications for .357 Magnum, you should be fine. The Model 27 is an N Frame, so it's plenty strong. I can't speak for Pythons, but my belief is that they are also pretty robust.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ranger335v]

"As long as you use data that's within the SAAMI specifications for .357 Magnum, you should be fine."

Agree. Don't think a bullet has any idea of what it's being fired from.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've been using factory 180 and 200 gr .357's in a variety of revolvers for years. In my experience they are LESS stressful to the frame than the light, high-vel loads.

 

[eclarsen]

ReloaderFred,
I was planning on trying JHP or JSP, mostly because I don't have much experience with lead at higher velocity (my lead experience is with 44's and BP in cowboy shooting). Mostly I'm preparing for hunting smallish whitetails in southern IL and want to experiment with heavier bullets.

I'm getting good accuracy with several 158 JSP, but was wondering about 180's.

I suppose for a second question along the same lines--if you are pushing lead bullets, hard cast keeps leading down? same with gas checks?

Cosmoline,
I'm almost out of 125gr jhp. Your experience suggests it's nicer on my revovlers if I stay with 158gr and up. I like that. Simplifies my reorder.

Any suggestions for a specific lead bullet for hunting? 158-180gr lead bullet. I see a lot of styles on the Midway USA site and am interested in finding a Keith-style bullet.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I also shoot Cowboy Action, but use 125 grain bullets for that. In my use of heavy bullets in .357 Magnum, I cast my own and they're gaschecked. I get zero leading from them, and I'm pushing them pretty hard through the Marlin. With the same mold, I can cast bullets at 175 grains by using straight linotype, 180 grains with Lyman #2 alloy, and 185 grains with straight wheelweights.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Cosmoline]

Leading hasn't been a problem for me either with cast gc bullets. I don't think the FPS's get high enough with the limited charge you can put behind the big slugs and stay with OAL.

 

[joneb]

I have found good accuracy in my Colt Trooper .357/ 1:14 twist at lower velocities with 180gr bullets, and with Ruger and S&W's 1:18.75 twist barrels I needed to push the bullet faster to achieve the same results.

 

[VegasOPM]

The biggest worry with the 180's and especially the 200's is a compressed powder charge. When you compress the powder charge, the pressures go up quickly. Again, follow a reputable loading guide and you should be fine. Be careful using TC or Carbine only data in a revolver, as they are a whole different animal. Fully locked actions designed for rifle pressures can take a lot more pressure than a revolver.