.357 bullets

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Buck13

Buck13

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I'm just getting into reloading for high-pressure calibers and lead bullets. What are your favorite bullets for full-house .357 with 158 SWC, and anything in the 170-180 grain range? Are gas-checks required to avoid leading?

I'll be using AA#9 until I can find H110 or 2400.
 
The 358429 is a pretty standard bullet for 357 in the 170 grain range. You shouldn't need gas checks unless your wanting velocities over 1600 fps or so. Also you shouldn't get leading if your bullets are properly sized and lubed. Honestly a lot of the problems people have with leading are a result of buying commercial cast bullets.
 
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Well, I wasn't clear: I do want to buy bullets. I'm not planning to start casting (although I have a bunch of lead bricks at work that no one wants! :) )

I was looking for a recommendation of specific bullet brands that are good for strong pressures, not cowboy action stuff.
 
I prefer 158 grain bullets...

158 grain bullets of SWC or other flat nose shape. I also like RNL bullets for general plinking and practice.

I buy my bullets as well. I find the 'big name' bullet makers swedge (or swage, if you prefer) lead bullets and those are required to be softer than cast bullets. So I typically buy bullets on line from casters.

Two I have used are:
- mattsbullets.com, and
- montanabulletworks.com

There are others, obviously.

Matt's make some pretty decent bullets, Montana Bullet Works does good work. However, as with all things internet, no promises and you're on your own.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a local bullet caster. I generally find that works out well.
 
Missouri Bullet Company. Search the forums here, you may even find a discount code!

They make two BHN hardness types of bullets for the .357

Could also try ZCast Bulletz.
 
I like the Missouri Bullet ".357Action!" Its a .358" diameter 158gr SWC. Shoots great for me. I like to load it over 14.5gr of 2400 for a nice, solid, magnum level load. I also download the same bullet, at the 18bhn, for 38 special, with no leading at all. Driven by 6gr of power pistol it makes for a right dandy 38 special load.
 
A full house on lead is NOT good!
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. People have been doing it as long as they have been reloading for 357 and its never been a problem. As long as the bullet has good fit and proper hardness its going to work just fine.

Again, its perfectly safe to load full effort with lead, the data is all over for it, straight from the manufacturers themselves.
 
Thanks for the replies. I live in the drizzle between Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound. I don't know of any commercial casters right nearby. Unless a local home caster wants to trade a brick of my lead (unknown alloy) for some bullets, I'll be mail ordering.

I believe 158 grains is the heaviest bullet loaded by the big brands. I'm still unclear what the case for or against going heavier might be, so feel free to school me on that!

edit: I see that's not really true. Online, I see 180 grain JHP, but I don't remember ever seeing those on the shelf at Big 5. Maybe I just don't look on the right days...
 
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Buck13 said:
Thanks for the replies. I live in the drizzle between Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound. I don't know of any commercial casters right nearby. Unless a local home caster wants to trade a brick of my lead (unknown alloy) for some bullets, I'll be mail ordering.
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Lots of guys sell that lead. Last I looked it was $1-ish/lb shipped in a flat rate box. Guy I deal with reinforces the box with plywood & gets about 65# in a medium or large FRB. Don't recall which. Bet the postal people love him! :cuss:
 
Leadhead Bullets make a really dandy Keith 168-gr 358429 hard cast bullet that you can drive as fast as you wish. PMK357-168

http://www.proshootpro.com/

I have bought them and used them and they are superb.
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Those are some pricey bullets! Not sure how hard anyone wants to push them, but the 18bhn from Missouri and other vendors will take about anything and all that the 357 can deliver in SAAMI spec.
 
Buck13 said:
Well, I wasn't clear: I do want to buy bullets. I'm not planning to start casting (although I have a bunch of lead bricks at work that no one wants! :) )

I was looking for a recommendation of specific bullet brands that are good for strong pressures, not cowboy action stuff.
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While I rarely like to shoot any bullet heavier than 158gr in a revolver I do like 170gr and 180gr bullets for use in my Carbine. When loading a 180gr bullet for hunting use in the Carbine I really like 180gr Cast Performance bullets. They are the same bullet used in the Grizzly Cartridge Company ammo. (sister companies) They aren't cheap but then again they aren't for plinking. I'm not sure what you are loading for because you didn't say. If it's just for killing paper I really like the bullets made by Missouri Bullets.
 
Heh. These are even pricier GCs:
https://beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

What the market will bear, eh? I wonder if prices were the same ten weeks ago.
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You are entirely correct... they are expensive.

But for a true 358429 profile with a flat base and good lube these are the schidt.
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To be fair to those specific casters, they do cater to the hunting crowd with many of thier offerings. The bullets they sell arent necesarily plinking bullets.
 
CP Bullets, Montana Bullets and Beartooth I have experience with.
Montana Bullets has by far the best turnaround time on orders.

I have a mod. 28 and a couple 27's that prefer the 180 gr. WFNGC (Wide Flat Nose Gas Check) bullets. Three revolvers shoot these 2-2.5" @ 50 yds and are sometimes carried at the ranch and are "working guns".
These bullets are not inexpensive, they are not plinking bullets; but provide deep penetration and superior accuracy in my revolvers.
 
huntershooter said:
I have a mod. 28 and a couple 27's that prefer the 180 gr. WFNGC (Wide Flat Nose Gas Check) bullets. Three revolvers shoot these 2-2.5" @ 50 yds and are sometimes carried at the ranch and are "working guns".
Click to expand...

That would be acceptable accuracy.

And by "acceptable," I mean far exceeding my wildest dreams! If I could shoot 2" groups off a hand rest at 25 yards with my 4" barrel, I'd be thrilled.
 
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