.357 load info
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
First off there's no reason to use a Magnum primer with HP-38. Magnum primers are only necessary when using a powder which is hard to ignite like H110/W296. Actually, you might get worse results using a Magnum primer where it isn't called for.
You can get the load data you need from the Hodgdon Load Data Site. It's the most current data available. Hodgdon recommends a charge between 3.4gr and 5.0gr HP-38/W231 with a 158gr LSWC bullet in a .357 Magnum case. **NOTE** Always check the data for yourself because mistakes can and will happen when posting data...
Welcome to the forum, be careful and have fun!
You can get the load data you need from the Hodgdon Load Data Site. It's the most current data available. Hodgdon recommends a charge between 3.4gr and 5.0gr HP-38/W231 with a 158gr LSWC bullet in a .357 Magnum case. **NOTE** Always check the data for yourself because mistakes can and will happen when posting data...
Welcome to the forum, be careful and have fun!
Note that Hodgdon's data for lead bullets is equal to cowboy loads and 5.0grs of HP38 is a pathetic .357 mag load with a real world velocity of less than a 1000 fps from a 4" barrel vrs Hodgdon's claimed 1,109 fps. Hodgdon says this load is running at 23,900 CUP the old measurement system. +P pressures for the .38 spl was 22,400 CUP's and the .357 mag's maximum working pressure was 46,000 CUP.
While this will be well and fine for practice loads using soft cast or swagged bullets the typical commercial hard cast will lead up pretty badly with light loads. If you lube over the commercial lube with Lee's Liquid Alox you can avoid much of the leading for a hard bullet that's likely not to fill the bore. If the bullets are hard cast I'd load at Hodgdon's top level or a bit more to try to avoid leading.
On the other hand it would depend upon how good a friend this person is and if reloading for him was a pleasure or an imposition.
While this will be well and fine for practice loads using soft cast or swagged bullets the typical commercial hard cast will lead up pretty badly with light loads. If you lube over the commercial lube with Lee's Liquid Alox you can avoid much of the leading for a hard bullet that's likely not to fill the bore. If the bullets are hard cast I'd load at Hodgdon's top level or a bit more to try to avoid leading.
On the other hand it would depend upon how good a friend this person is and if reloading for him was a pleasure or an imposition.
SciFiJim
Member
Mark, I am in the same boat. All I could find was small pistol magnum primers. I am starting to work up a load for my .357 carbine. With magnum primers I will just start at the lowest amount or just under and work up. I will be using Lil'Gun with 180 gr. wide flat nose gas checked lead bullets.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Jim,
You're better off using a Magnum primer with Lil'Gun anyway. Also, don't charge less than 90% of the case with Lil'Gun just like H110/W296.
You're better off using a Magnum primer with Lil'Gun anyway. Also, don't charge less than 90% of the case with Lil'Gun just like H110/W296.
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