What velocity are you using for .357 loads? I'm trying to decide where to start, but velocities are all over the place for the powders I've got -- Accurate No. 9, H110, HP-38, CFE Pistol and Titegroup. I've got 125 and 158 gr. Hornady XTP bullets. I want something in the Goldilocks range, adequate velocity so you can tell you're shooting a .357, not 38 special, but not so much that its too snappy to shoot regularly.
.357 Loads
- Thread starter Barmcd
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tominboise
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I always shoot for around 1000-1200 fps for my normal "magnum" shooting loads. They are just a lot more fun to shoot. I just pick out charge weights from the manuals that seem to match what I want, then shoot some groups with various charge weights to maximize the accuracy of the load. If loading for multiple pistols of the same cartridge,, this can take some fiddling to find a load that works OK in all of them.
Hooda Thunkit
Member
Same here. Around 1000 fps for easy shooting, then around 1150 fps for heavier loads.
Anything above about 1200-1250 gets old in a hurry.
Decades ago I would try to get that max fps, for the "real Magnum feel", but as the decades slide by that becomes less important, and much less fun.
Anything above about 1200-1250 gets old in a hurry.
Decades ago I would try to get that max fps, for the "real Magnum feel", but as the decades slide by that becomes less important, and much less fun.
eddiememphis
Member
Just today I was throwing 158gr XTPs at 1200 and they were... less than exhilarating.
If I am going to load .357, I want it to go BOOM, not bang.
If I am going to load .357, I want it to go BOOM, not bang.
conan32120
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Find some HS6 and you'll find what you're looking for
Hooda Thunkit
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Absolutely. That is what I settled on, after trying many different powders.
Docendo Discimus
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A middle charge of AA9 and 158 gr xtp will get what you are looking for. It will be a magnum that you can shoot all day and will probably be accurate.
It is definitely more than a 38.
GeoDudeFlorida
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I always start with the question, “What do I want to put a hole in?” and work backwards from there. If I’m just punching paper, I don’t need a lot of flame and concussion. If I’m going after a pig or a deer, I want a solid, heavy, wide nose moving fast enough to punch through the animal crossways. That’s typically in the neighborhood of 1000fps.
Sounds like what you’re after is kick and boom. For that you want a max load of W296 and a light jacketed bullet in the 125-140gr class. It’ll be real impressive on the firing line and laser beam accurate.
I had 1200 in mind. Since I shoot 38 Specials around 900 FPS, that seems about right. After looking at loading data, I think that eliminates the 125 grain bullets as I'm seeing much higher velocities for them.
Me too. I won't shoot them a lot, but I when I do, I want them to seem like magnum loads.
I'll have to get a pound to try out.
I will definitely give that a try since I bought a couple pounds to try in 45 Colt.
I'll just be using it at the range for paper and steel targets. I don't need magnum loads, but occasionally I like to shoot them just because.
GeoDudeFlorida
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I would still recommend W296 and a light jacketed bullet. Laser beam accuracy and a massive fireball. The only problem with W296 is it gets dirty and temperamental - high extreme spreads - at lower weight loads.
It’s not unsafe at published minimums but it’s definitely not happy.
tominboise
Member
Good plan. 158gr and heavier is where the 357 shines.
I have very good results for a Ruger Security Six w/a 2.75" barrel using 13.6-13.8gr of Accurate #9 with 158gr XTP's your mileage may very.
Hooda Thunkit
Member
With an accent on "and heavier".
I've never understood the fascination with lightweight (125-130) grain bullets in 357 mag. To each his own, I suppose.
GooseGestapo
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The fascination with the 125gr in the .357mag is that it typically gets 1,450fps from a 4”bbl. This is sufficient to get meaningful expansion in self defense situations. It has an excellent reputation as a man stopper.
A 158-165gr Hardcast Semi Wadcutter at 1,250fps does well on shoulder shots on pigs, and deer, but bone must be struck.
A 158-165gr Hardcast Semi Wadcutter at 1,250fps does well on shoulder shots on pigs, and deer, but bone must be struck.
The OP is interested in both ho hum and woohoo loads in .357 Mag, perhaps you could help him with the latter............
I shoot .357 Mag cases in low, medium, and high range using 158 Gr bullets.
Low is around 725 FPS with WST or Competition.
Medium is around 1050 FPS with BE-86.
My high load is around 1200 FPS with 2400.
I like them all.
Low is around 725 FPS with WST or Competition.
Medium is around 1050 FPS with BE-86.
My high load is around 1200 FPS with 2400.
I like them all.
Mostly Lead
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Shooting one box of factory .357 loads is what started me in reloading! They just were not that fun...
Forget about velocity, you're simply looking for "feel" in the recoil.
Slower powders spread the recoil over a longer period of time. More of a "push". Faster powders seem to "bite" or "snap" with their recoil. Think shotgun vs rifle...
Having shot HP-38 and Titegroup, I don't think you'll find what you're looking for there. Lighter loads of 2400 satisfied my search for a manageable load. Lyman lists some reasonable loads, recommend you start there.
AJC1
Member
They have brass for each one of those loads
Slow 38sc
1k fps 38spl
1200ish 357 mag brass.
This approach seems the best because of a reduction in components used, the ability to control pressure for optimum burn, and reduced position sensitivity. A tiny cast 105 bullet with 2-3 grains of powder is as cheap as one can punch a 35 caliber hole in paper with a revolver. When powder was 10-20 dollars a pound no big deal. At 50 dollars a pound it starts making a difference.
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