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dh1633pm
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Excellent point. I was thinking more along the lines of bragging rights at the range end of day.
357 Load Dilemma
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Mr_Flintstone
Member
If they could just make noise suppressant for home defense.
There is something inherently wrong with using a 357 for home defense. Shoot it one time in a house without ear pro and I guarantee you a different chambering will be your choice.
I like it. But not for that.
AJC1
Member
Only other choice is 45 acp...
Those .355 guys say it's the only reasable choice.
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I use 357 Mag cases in my 357 Mag revolvers.
But then, I have a number of 38 Special revolvers that I need 38 Special cases for.
In general, I’ve decided to use cases that the chambers were machined for. Not a necessity or requirement but a choice I’ve decided to follow.
One of the nice benefits of reloading, I can tailor my loads as I want within safety constraints.
I used three load levels in my 357, 38 special level loads with win 231 as a matter of fact, also Clays, bullseye and WST. Loads just at supersonic level with Unique. Full magnum loads with 2400 and 158 grain bullets. Lil gun would probably enable even more power.
Mr_Flintstone
Member
2400 is a wonderful powder for 357 Magnum, and if I’m not mistaken, the powder that was used to develop the cartridge.
That's my choice for a pistol. My preferred choice is a pump 20 gauge with turkey loads.
AJC1
Member
2400, #9 and 296/h110 hold the top spots in most manuals. Lil guns application hasn't been around long enough to get into the paper versions. Everyone seems to use a different barrel test length so even a comparison in manuals is very difficult. I haven't tried/tested it yet to know but I'll get there.
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dh1633pm
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I have #9, W296, and H110. Don't have any 2400 or intentions get to any unless I start running low on what I already have. Thank you AJC1 for your assistance in getting this going. I may do some testing today. I saw that my license has been updated by the Judge and should arrive today. There is no counter service in the county for such things. Has to be done by mail. As soon as I get it in my hands I can pick up my Kimber K6S Target and now I have two 357's to test. If I test at my dad's, I can also use his Ruger Black Hawk and S&W 686 to test.
Riomouse911
Member
When you get your hands on some 158 gr coated SWC, those over 6.2 gr Unique are really great mild-magnum loads. I have shot literally a .50 cal ammo can full of my reloads using that combo over the past 5-7 years or so through a variety of different .357’s and I never get bored with it.
Steel plates, dueling trees or paper targets, that one does it all for me. This 6” Model 66-2 also loves 3.0 gr Bullseye under a 148 gr WC in .38 Spl. cases. This is a very economical, easy-shooting and accurate load for practicing the basics yourself or teaching a new/newer shooter.
You are on the right track!
Stay safe.
Steel plates, dueling trees or paper targets, that one does it all for me. This 6” Model 66-2 also loves 3.0 gr Bullseye under a 148 gr WC in .38 Spl. cases. This is a very economical, easy-shooting and accurate load for practicing the basics yourself or teaching a new/newer shooter.
You are on the right track!
Stay safe.
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dh1633pm
Contributing Member
I took this picture today at my Dad’s. It’s out of his loading log book. He said this was his light load. Other good news, got my license back. Will pick up the Kimber tomorrow.
He said he had more powder in the garage under the work bench in a red cooler. Just when I thought I had too much, he gives me more. I was wondering where the herco and 2400 was.
He said he had more powder in the garage under the work bench in a red cooler. Just when I thought I had too much, he gives me more. I was wondering where the herco and 2400 was.
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Seedy Character
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dh1633pm
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Shot my test loads. It was raining. Hit the gong at fifty yards a few times. They all burned good. No unburned. When it’s not so cold and wet I will test them for accuracy. Test pistols 686, K6S and King Cobra.
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dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Shot again today. Just the King Cobra. I think Unique shot the best. I am going to load 50 in the next day or so and takes those out for more tests.
I haven't used Unique for about 15 years. Unique did not meter well for me and it was sooty, perhaps in the .357 Rem. mag. pressure range it could clean up? I guess compared to 4227 you're ****tin in tall cotton.
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dh1633pm
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I got Unique to load 45-70 (don't ask) which worked well. My dad didn't use the tall cotton scenario, but said something similar. I have lots of it, plus plenty of everything else. I don't know what I was thinking when I choose 4227 to begin with. We'll see how it works.
AJC1
Member
Run the 4227 in the 45-70. It won't last long and I think you will be quite pleased with it in that application vs 357.
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dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Excellent idea. I have been using AA5744. 4227 should also work well with it.
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dh1633pm
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I checked the brass and the pistol after the Unique. It wasn't too sooty. Keep in mind I used small rifle primers. I have loads of them but few magnums.
You have moved to a much better powder for 357. I don't use it. But it's definitely a great option.
IMR4227 is supposed to be a decent 45-70 powder. My friend used it too push 500gr bullets in a Sharps.
41 Mag
Member
I'll admit MOST of my 357 loads have been with medium to heavy weight bullets at the top end of data, mainly due to hunting.
That said I have also trundle down the mid to light load trail using cast and some jacketed bullets. For those I've used Unique quite a bit, but also I've become fond of the Accurate powders in 5, 7, and 9. They simply meter great on my progressive presses. Also Bullseye as mentioned does great with wadcutters for paper punching.
One thing I have found is that the heavier bullets even at low to mid velocities shoot good and the recoil is more of a push than a snap. Much easier on the hands of less experienced or lighter gripped shooters.
That said I have also trundle down the mid to light load trail using cast and some jacketed bullets. For those I've used Unique quite a bit, but also I've become fond of the Accurate powders in 5, 7, and 9. They simply meter great on my progressive presses. Also Bullseye as mentioned does great with wadcutters for paper punching.
One thing I have found is that the heavier bullets even at low to mid velocities shoot good and the recoil is more of a push than a snap. Much easier on the hands of less experienced or lighter gripped shooters.
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dh1633pm
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Thanks 41 Mag. I have lots of heavies loaded for the 686. Mostly with 158's and H110. These are mostly for the Colt and the Kimber. Much lighter pistols. I like AA powder because when I was young they were cheaper. Then I learned they meter well. I have lots of 5 and 9. Can't find 7 which I really like. My dad just got a Marlin in 357. He's 89 and can't really shoot anymore. Its not that he can't get around, he has wear and tear injuries from hard work on his shoulders. I also found my dad's collection of 158's. Gives me more options for loading. All his firearms and firearm related stuff he has already given me. I leave them where they are, at his house, but bring some components home as needed. I have all his powder. Quite a collection.
Targa
Member
It might have been mentioned in this thread but if not Ramshot Enforcer is another option. I found that it is not quite in the same league as AA#9 or H110 for replicating manufacturer full power loads but with 158grain bullets it is close enough with less band and flash.
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