.357 loads

[RB98SS]

Are any of you guys/gals reloading lead bullets in.357? I just got a GP100 for Christmas and was reading up on using lead with this caliber and there is quite a bit written regarding leading issues. I've been reloading lead from Penn Bullets with my .44 caliber loads with great success and want to order some .357 bullets from them also. The bullets from Penn can be loaded to 1600 fps as per the owner.

Can you guys provide me some details of successful lead bullet reloads? I'm just looking for information regarding powders and velocities.

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Cast Lead .357 bullets were about all we had until about 1980.

So yes you can, and yes it will work without leading if you do it right.

Try a Lyman #49 load manual.
Lots of lead bullet info there.

As for 1,600 FPS, I doubt it, unless it has a gas check, or is cast of pure Linotype & sized to fit your cylinder throats perfectly.

rcmodel

 

[dwave]

What is the weight of the bullet that you want to use?

Myself I use a 150 gr. LSWC using 16.7 grs. of H110 loaded per the Lyman reloading manual (with an OAL of 1.510 and a max charge of 17.0)

EDIT: I agree with the Lyman manual. I got the 49th ed. off ebay for ~$20. Plenty of data for the .357 and others with cast bullets.

 

[joneb]

The correct sizing makes a difference, I would think .358" is what you're after. You could ask if Penn Bullets would send some samples.

 

[RB98SS]

I really appreciate the feedback guys. I do have #49 along with Hornady's and Speer's new manuals. These are what I plan on getting. http://www.pennbullets.com/38/38-caliber.html The 158 TCBB.

Like I said in the original post, I've used Penn bullets for my .44 with great success and it would appear, from your feedback, that there's no reason to think I cant have the same success with .357

Merry Christmas.

 

[MMCSRET]

I have used Lyman 358156 gas checked and lubed sized to .358 for over 30 years in 38 and 357 and It doesn't lead any of my guns, but I don't own or shoot anything as new as a GP100, matter of fact I've never even held a GP100.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

That slug works well in front of around 14 grains of 2400. Hard cast lead slugs and 2400 in a 357 mag makes a wonderful combonation.

 

[rcmodel]

You would have a much better chance of no leading in a magnum with flat base bullets, rather then the bevel-base ones you are looking at.

Bevel-base bullets were invented because they fall out of the molds better in Magna auto-casting machines.

Not because they are a better bullet design for actually shooting them.

rcmodel

 

[broham]

Maybe a bit off topic but what about Zero brand bullets. I get them at roze distributing, 1000 158gr sjhp for aroung &80 bucks shipped. I have shot a lot of these and they are great. Shoot em mild if you want or blast em hard, no issue of leading to deal with.

 

[RB98SS]

Maybe a bit off topic but what about Zero brand bullets. I get them at roze distributing, 1000 158gr sjhp for aroung &80 bucks shipped. I have shot a lot of these and they are great. Shoot em mild if you want or blast em hard, no issue of leading to deal with.

I'll check that out.

Thanks.

I did check that out. What bullet are you using? I'm curious why all the .357 bullets specifically say 38 Special.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've used Hard Cast bullets in my .357 Magnum but rarely over 1250 fps. I use 2400 or Lil'Gun rather than W296/H110 because they seem to be more accurate in my revolvers. I do use 180gr Gas Checked bullets when loading for my Carbine and again, I use 2400 mostly but have been testing Lil'Gun with some success. (trying to get the charge right for the best accuracy)

 

[Envisaged]

Oregon Trail laser casts work really well - 180gr.

Also, I load Hornady XTP's 158 gr.

Both a propelled by 'Lil Gun and magnum primers.

For the 125gr Golden Sabers - I use Titegroup.

 

[GP100man]

+ 1 for RCs comment .
i cast my boolits & the only time i get any leading is when i load a beveled base dewc i got , size is good at 359 , on the other hand i cast a Lyman 358429 170 gr flat based design & have shot it from 3 grs of clays to 14 grs of 2400 & no leading what so ever!!!
actually thought of just sizing without lube to see if it would , just kiddin !! i don`t like deleading no more than the next guy, but it is a part of the process !!!
deleading is alot easier with choreboy wrapped around an old brush though!!!!

GP100man

 

[tding]

Sizing

In reference to jibjabs comment that "The correct sizing makes a difference, ..." If you experience leading, discounting velocity, is the boolet likely too large or too small?

 

[rcmodel]

Likely too small.
In revolvers, if the bullets are smaller then the cylinder throats, you get gas blow-by before the bullet gets to the forcing cone & barrel and seals off, which can cause gas cutting on the sides of the bullet (Melted lead).

It can also be too hard for the velocity.
Light target loads don't have enough pressure to bump up the bullet base to fit the throats because of the hard alloy. The bullets would obiturate (or bump up to larger base size) with higher pressure/velocity.

Or too soft for the velocity.
Bullets will skid at the beginning of the rifling rotation because they are too soft to hold the rifling engraving when they first start to rotate.

rcmodel

 

[joneb]

You would have a much better chance of no leading in a magnum with flat base bullets, rather then the bevel-base ones you are looking at.

I noticed Penn Bullets has a .44 cal. 205gr with a plain base, I would like to try them, and I wish they would do the same for their .38 cal. line.

 

[.38 Special]

The .357 is a bear for leading. A careful and knowledgeable caster can make plain base bullets work in the .357, through measurement, hardness control, and occasionally gun modification. A lucky duffer can sometimes do it too. Gaschecks make it a lot simpler. And bevel bases make it nearly impossible.

HTH!