357 Light Loads

[dtech99]

I am currently loading a 38 spl case, 148 gr HBWC with 2.6 gr of WST for light loads in PPC shooting. I am happy with that load but would like to change to a 357 case. I am shooting a 357 revolver and would like to change the case to 357 to fill the chamber and make cleaning easier. What changes in performance would you expect if this same powder charge was used in the larger volume case? Any recommendations on how to adjust the powder to abtain the same performance characteristics as the 38 spl case?

 

[sansone]

I spent much time loading light for my 357 marlin carbine. 38 cases were fouling the chamber and making it difficult to chamber a 357. usually the powder ignited fine but eventually I started using a filler above the powder.
PM me for what I used. otherwise my feelings will get hurt

 

[pinkymingeo]

Pretty much any 38spl load will work fine in 357. Same with 44spl/mag. Case volumes are very similar.

 

[sansone]

I'm talking about lighter than 38 wadcutters. where the 357 case is about half full

 

[pinkymingeo]

You won't notice much, if any difference. The 357 case actually has a slightly smaller volume than the 38spl, and may produce a little more pressure. Won't matter at those levels, though. The lightest load I use in 357 cases is 4.9 Titegroup under a 125JSP for about 800fps out of a 2". The only reason I don't go lower is that I shoot 38 in a 38, so I don't need to.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

7 grains of Unique behind a 158 grain Ranier gives me 1050-1100 fps out of my 4" tracker. Its a good load and about what I was looking for, velocity wise.

 

[Walkalong]

N320 works real well for reduced loads in .357 brass. Very clean and accurate.

 

[Sunray]

You won't see any difference at all. 148 grain WC's and 2.7 grains of Bullseye has been my target load in .357 cases for eons. Just adjust your dies for the longer case and go nuts.

 

[nitesite]

4.5-gr of Titegroup under 158-gr LSWCs makes a great 900-fps .357 magnum Lite load.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

dtech99,
Welcome to the forum...

The answers you are getting are because you asked about a "light .357 Magnum load" I understand what you are asking. What you should do is load the .357 Magnum cases with the same exact powder, powder load, primer and bullet you usually use in a .38 Special case and you will get what you are looking for. A .357 Magnum case is only 1/8 of an inch longer than a .38 Special case so there is really no difference in the load for your purpose.