357 Load Dilemma

[dh1633pm]

Targa, I would, but I am overwhelmed with powder so until I use what I got, its not always good to get more. The other part I don't like is less flash. Nothing like the flash of a .357. I was shooting on Tuesday just before sundown while it was snowing, the flash was impressive. I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

 

[dh1633pm]

dannyd, recoil have never really bothered me. I guess it was because my dad started me early shooting shotguns. Excellent shooting by the way. Someone here sent me a bunch of 38 brass. I will be loading some of these up.

 

[bigpower491]

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.

I'm a huge fan of Enforcer in all Magnum handguns. Tis a great powder, but I have a bunch of 296 on hand and I use that for full house in 357. For my lighter loads I've been working 38 +P max load of AA5 in my 357 brass. My Freedom 83 thinks the world of that load. That under a 125gr Xtreme plated hollowpoint. Full house, I stick to 158-180gr with the 296

 

[dh1633pm]

I will try that AA5 load. I have three pounds waiting for me to use up.

 

[Obturation]

I like 2400 for most things 357 mag.

 

[bigpower491]

I will try that AA5 load. I have three pounds waiting for me to use up.

Here's where I got the data, screenshot here for you to look at. You can download the Western Powder manual off the innerscreen, it's a PDF. Google it







 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks. I have a copy. I sent it my Ipad so I wouldn't loose it. Their Kindle reader is really good at reading PDF's.

 

[.45Coltguy]

It’s not that I can’t get other bullets. These are what I have it great supply. So why not use what I have.

I figured a couple thing. One people who post here are pretty experienced. Second, I need to consider that some powders work better in certain scenarios than others. Hence the post. Your responses will save me a lot of trial and error. So thanks. I am going to load a few when I get a chance. I have 50 sitting in a tray in the basement. All primed. Not scared of magnum loads. Shot plenty of my dad’s. Just looking to load on the lower end of magnum. Let me try a few and see how they go. Also load up some stouter ones.

I shot 45 Colt while it was snowing out today. Cold, but a blast. I mention this because I found an H110 load with 250 grain jacketed that are a hoot and accurate as well. Through hard won trial and error. Something that would be good to avoid.

Regarding your .45 Colt, try 8.0-8.5gr Unique. You may like that.

 

[ms6852]

My carry gun is a .357 686. I have never loaded 125 grainers for it so not much help from me here. I do load the wadcutters you have listed and I just wanted to point out that the Hornady manual recommends you use 38 special load data for them. I use the 4227 powder with the wadcutters and it burns all the powder.

 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks ms6852.

 

[dh1633pm]

Was looking on the bottom shelf in my dad’s reloading room. Found a box that said $13.95 swagged .357 158 grain RN bullets 500 ct. Looked inside. They are in excellent shape. Can’t wait to load some.

 

[AJC1]

Was looking on the bottom shelf in my dad’s reloading room. Found a box that said $13.95 swagged .357 158 grain RN bullets 500 ct. Looked inside. They are in excellent shape. Can’t wait to load some.

Swaged bullets are very soft, stay mild and they should be good fun.