.357 180 gr. bullet load data needed

[Henryseale]

I need load data for .357 Magnum using 180 grain coated lead wide flat point Missouri Bullet Company bullets with Hodgdon Universal, Alliant 2400, or Alliant Unique powder. I have looked through several reloading manuals, but cannot seem to find a match with these available components. I can make an educated guess about the 2400, but I really don't like guessing. I do appreciate replies. Thanks!

 

[Sneakshot92]

I need load data for .357 Magnum using 180 grain coated lead wide flat point Missouri Bullet Company bullets with Hodgdon Universal, Alliant 2400, or Alliant Unique powder. I have looked through several reloading manuals, but cannot seem to find a match with these available components. I can make an educated guess about the 2400, but I really don't like guessing. I do appreciate replies. Thanks!

I've got a couple pounds of Unique. Maybe i need to get some 180s and do a little experimenting myself.
Don't take my word as gold but i'd suggest about 3.5-3.7grs as a (hopefully) safe enough starting point.

Be safe and happy shooting!

*Edit

I've actually got a 357 mag loading guide in the shop. I'll go get it and see what it says.

 

[357 Terms]

For full power loads 2400 is your best bet.
10.5grns starting to 11.5. (12.5 max. Jacketed)
Universal and Unique really aren't ideal, at least for the 180grn.
I do use Universal for all my plinking rounds, always 6.4grns with a 158grn load.
What are you planning on using the 180grn for?

 

[Henryseale]

Plan to use the 180s for hogs and maybe self defense.

 

[357 Terms]

Plan to use the 180s for hogs and maybe self defense.

2400 then, it can push those heavy bullets to a higher velocity than Universal or Unique.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I used jacketed data for hitec coated bullets.
The only data I could find was 170 cast and 180 jacketed.
We are kind of on our own when it comes to 180s in 357.

 

[Fyrstyk]

H-110 or Winchester 296 (basically the same powder) are good powders for heavy bullet loads in the .357 mag. What gun are you going to shoot the 180's out of? I have a load for 180's that I use in my FA 83, but it is a stiff load and probably not recommended for a double action revolver or for most single actions. The FA 83 is beefy, and made for heavy loads.

 

[AJC1]

I have a rcbs siloette mold, and I will end up on the same quest. On may check places like steel chickens or castboolits for information.

 

[slickracer]

12.5 grains of 2400 with a standard primer shot great out of my Henry Big Boy.

 

[frankmako]

i use the 357 mag rcbs silhouette mold with wheel weights. the bullet comes out around 195gr. powder coat and gas check. i drop 11.5 of 2400. works well in my marlin 1894 that i used in silhouette matches.

 

[buck460XVR]

I would think data for the more popular 170 gr lead bullets would be safe for your 180s as long as profile is similar.

 

[Rule3]

Lyman Cast Bullet loading manual has data for 2400 and 180 gr lead bullets.
Folks that shoot lead should invest in such a manual.

Typing these words in a search will pull up lots of info, it's not hard to do.

357 mag 180 grain cast bullet load data

 

[357 Terms]

RCBS for their 175rn:
11.8 start 12.8 max

180 sil:
11.0 start 12.0 max

Both max loads right around 1200fps from a 6in Security six.

I'd say your sweet spot is somewhere between 12 and 12.5 grns of 2400.

 

[joneb]

I have loaded those bullets for a Ruger Security Six and a Rossi 92 neither shot well for me??? could be the bullet bases were not square or it could be a twist rate issue?

 

[Toprudder]

I have not loaded 180s in 357mag yet, but based on my experiences with 158s, I would be tempted to try Alliant 300mp. It would depend on the barrel length, though. Long barrels are where 300mp really shines, I get more velocity with less pressure than I do with other powders.

 

[Henryseale]

I loaded the 180 gr coated lead flat points with 12.5 gr. of 2400 and CCI magnum primers. Shot 50 rounds through my M-19 K frame 4 in. barrel S&W. Several of the cases were sticking in the chambers, but most were ejecting fine. No bulged primers. Seemed like it was a bit too hot of a loading. Unfortunately, I did not chronograph them. Loaded some more, reducing the powder charge to 11.5 gr. with same magnum primers. Much more pleasant. No sticking cases with 50 rounds. Average was 1117 FPS.

 

[AJC1]

I loaded the 180 gr coated lead flat points with 12.5 gr. of 2400 and CCI magnum primers. Shot 50 rounds through my M-19 K frame 4 in. barrel S&W. Several of the cases were sticking in the chambers, but most were ejecting fine. No bulged primers. Seemed like it was a bit too hot of a loading. Unfortunately, I did not chronograph them. Loaded some more, reducing the powder charge to 11.5 gr. with same magnum primers. Much more pleasant. No sticking cases with 50 rounds. Average was 1117 FPS.

I am curious if at that speed they experience trans sonic flight or if accuracy would improve by reducing just a few tenths. Zero experience dealing with this condition in pistol caliber or if it's even considered. I do know 22 that is target grade is downloaded for just this reason. I would be very curious in any additional tests or observations on this.

 

[murf]

suggest you get rid of the magnum primers.

luck,

murf

 

[Frulk]

Looking at my notes:

180 gr cast LSWC. Unique. WSP Primer. Starline Brass. Out of a 4.5 inch BlackHawk

Started at:
5.0 grs. Chrono average 918 FPS.

Finished at:
5.9 grains. Chrono average 1008 FPS.

notes: powder at primer. all rounds had a solid thump to recoil. Everything showed some primer flattening. All cases ejected easily.

Proceed with CAUTION.