357 and AA#7

[JO JO]

all I have and can find is aa#7 and I have 158gr lswc is it possible to load
light loads with this under 1000 fps in 357 brass , I see the accurates load
data starts at is it safe to down load it a bit if I could find unique or trail boss
it would work better but I am stuck with aa #7 for now
thanks

 

[orionengnr]

My Lyman #49 shows a 155 grain lead SWC over 10.8 gr of AA#7 for 1004 fps as a starting load.

I have not been handloading all that long (6-7 years) so I am not an expert...hopefully, someone else will jump in and set me straight if I go too far off the beaten path.

That said, I am not aware of any issues with downloading AA#7 (as there are with, for instance, W296) or any specific prohibitions (as there are with 125 gr .357 Mag and Blue Dot, IIRC), so...absent any contrary information, I don't think I'd be too uncomfortable starting a grain below that starting load.

My Speer #14 shows a variety of 158 gr JHPs over 10.5 gr of AA#7 giving 1015 fps (again, a starting load). I don't know if there is "rule of thumb" for going from a jacketed bullet to a lead one, but it sounds as if we are starting in the right neighborhood.

 

[TfflHndn]

If that Lyman data is correct, you should have no problems loading AA#7 at the minimum load. I like that powder a lot, whether loading light or full power or somewhere in between.

 

[WestKentucky]

I hear stories of poor ignition in lighter loads, but if it's enough to be published then it should be enough to not be an issue. Load a few and try them before loading a bunch. I like the powder by the way, it makes nice 357 and 44 loads for my longer barrels.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I did a ladder load of AA#7 for my 357 with xtreme CPFP with 9.3 to 9.7. I liked the 9.5 load. 10.8 for a starting load with lead seems high. You might want to look at the Western Powders load data since they make the powder.

 

[ljnowell]

Current Accurate load data shows 9.1-10.1gr for a 158gr LSWC.

You can go to their website and download the .pdf with their current data in it.

 

[41 Mag]

Like mentioned above go to their site and download the PDF version of their manual. The latest one is pretty nice and seems to have a lot more lead loads overall than in previous ones.

I am also an Accurate burner as well. I use it in #2,5,7, and 9, for a variety of different loads in my handguns. It meters like water and gives good velocity as well as not seeming to have the quick bite in the palm some others give.

I think you will like it.

Hope this helps.

 

[ljnowell]

Like mentioned above go to their site and download the PDF version of their manual. The latest one is pretty nice and seems to have a lot more lead loads overall than in previous ones.



I am also an Accurate burner as well. I use it in #2,5,7, and 9, for a variety of different loads in my handguns. It meters like water and gives good velocity as well as not seeming to have the quick bite in the palm some others give.



I think you will like it.



Hope this helps.

AA#2 is my favorite powder hands down. I burn up 10lbs a year.

 

[ATLDave]

NOT WARRANTED TO BE CORRECT - READ AND ACT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

I load a lot of AA#7. I have loaded it well below published start levels in 10mm. Below a certain point, it gets extremely flashy on about half of the shots, as the powder is still burning when it exits the barrel. Those shots will be short 100-150fps of similar loads that ignite completely.

But that's quite a bit below the 90%-of-max that seems to be the default start load for everyone. And I've never come close to sticking a bullet or getting a scary result. If you start getting a lot of extra flash, just bump your charge back up .2 gr.

 

[Toprudder]

I did a ladder load of #7 in 357mag, 158swc plated, from 9.3 to 9.9. I was seeing a bad powder-forward effect, almost 300fps difference. I may try again with some felt wadding.

I like the way it shoots, just don't like the consistency in 357mag. I also tried it in 45acp and the results were pretty good there.

 

[JO JO]

thanks for the inputs was thinking of trying 8.5 -8.8 - 9.0 or maybe get some
180gr to slow it down a bit. The range I go to is putting in a new backstop and
they have restricted the ammo to 1000 fps or less until the project is complete
its most likely going to be awhile

 

[Toprudder]

thanks for the inputs was thinking of trying 8.5 -8.8 - 9.0 or maybe get some
180gr to slow it down a bit. The range I go to is putting in a new backstop and
they have restricted the ammo to 1000 fps or less until the project is complete
its most likely going to be awhile

FWIW, the 357mag loads I did at 9.3gr with AA#7 behind 158gn plated SWC were averaging 924fps out of a 5" barrel.

 

[ATLDave]

Further data point, albeit in a different case:

When loading 10mm with 180 grain bullets, I had the unburned powder/flash issues at 8.6 grain loads. Bumped up to 8.8-9.0 and the problem went away. Don't know if .357 will have those same thresholds, but that's about what I determined the break point to be for my loads.

 

[JO JO]

you guys are right I might just use the min charge accurate show there test
barrel at 6in I believe I am shoot a blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrel there min
load will most likely be under 1000 fps , are you guys using mag primers with
the 357 ?
I ask because I use AA#7 for my 40 s&w with normal primers but for 357 do
I need the mag primers
Thanks again all

 

[Toprudder]

you guys are right I might just use the min charge accurate show there test
barrel at 6in I believe I am shoot a blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrel there min
load will most likely be under 1000 fps , are you guys using mag primers with
the 357 ?
I ask because I use AA#7 for my 40 s&w with normal primers but for 357 do
I need the mag primers
Thanks again all

That is a good question, I'm sure the majority will say not to use a magnum primer.

However, at the bottom end of the load range it might help provide a little more consistent results. I base that statement on test loads I have worked up with 45acp where I compared small, small magnum, and large primers. I have not tried any in 357 with AA#7, but at this point I am tempted to revisit the AA#7 test with both regular and magnum primers.

 

[Haxby]

I have used AA7 in 357, but it's been a while. Data for AA7 has changed over the years, and I think the powder has, too.
For new powder, I would use data, including primer, from their website.

 

[zxcvbob]

AA7 works great with .357 Magnum, and you can use any small primer you want with it.

Why do you want to stay below 1000 fps? Cast bullets do great at 1100 or 1200. The reason I ask, is you might not be able to load #7 down below 1000 fps and still get a good burn from it.

 

[JO JO]

{Why do you want to stay below 1000 fps?}
range restriction during improvements