Accurate Loads for .38/357

[Eddietruett]

I must admit that sometimes I look for an excuse to get in the loading room. I have around 10-12 Revolvers that I shoot on a regular basis and every time I get a new to me gun, I think its mandatory to take it out and find out what load/loads work best with it. I can pretty much tell you what works best with each gun I have for target, hunting or defense. Over the years I have found that there are 4-5 loads that are my bread and butter loads and at least one of them will work really well in just about everything I try. Here are my go to loads for .38/357 and I hope some of you will chime in with yours. I'm always looking for new loads to try.

148gr HBWC. 38 Special loaded in .38 brass
Most of the time I use Zero Swaged Bullets although Speer and Hornady work just about as well.
I use 3.0gr of Bullseye.
Great load for 10-25 yard target shooting.
Don't think I've ever owned a gun that would not shoot this load well and I have several guns that
will shoot this load into a ragged hole at 25 yards.

130gr TCFP HyTek Coated Lead 38 Special loaded in .38 brass
I use Summers Enterprise and SNS Casting with equal accuracy
Pet charge is 5.0gr of Universal. +P Pressure.
Get really good accuracy from 15-75 yards. Great Low recoil load and easy to hit a 6" Gong at 75yd

158gr TCFP HyTek Coated Lead from SNS Casting 38 special loaded in .38 brass
158gr Full Metal Jacket from Speer (Plinker)
Both loaded with 5.0gr Universal. +P Pressure
Switched to the TCFP from SWC because it seems to be more accurate in most of my guns
This is my replacement for the old favorite 158gr SWC with 5.0gr Unique.
Universal meters better on my Dillon Press and shoots cleaner than Unique
Again, good accuracy from 15-75 yards. Shoot a lot of Steel Gongs at 75 yards.

158gr Speer JHP. .357 Magnum Load
Pet Load is 16.5gr H110
Shoot mostly out of my 7" and 8 3/8" Model 686
Great Accuracy. Range limit is 75 yards but have no problem off a rest shooting 4" Groups
Sometimes Better

180gr Pugnose FP HyTek Coated from Missouri Bullets .357 Magnum Load
Loaded with 13.5gr H110
Hog Hunting Load.
Most accurate Long Range Combination I've found in my 8 3/8" Mod 686

185gr Hardcast Wide Meplat HP Lead .357 Magnum Load
These are GT Bullets
Load is 12.5gr 2400
Deer Hunting Load.
Extremely accurate
Even though it is hard cast, I do get minor leading after 25-30 Rounds but that's about
all I want to shoot at a time. Pretty Snappy Load

These are my pet loads. I hope to see you guys post some of yours. I'd Love to give some new loads a whirl. That's what makes reloading fun for me. I DO NOT save money by reloading.
It does allow me to shoot more even if I could afford it, I don't think I would get near the enjoyment of trying new loads if they were all factory.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I'm assuming the first 3 are in 38 brass?
I have a couple mid range fave's, both in 357 brass.

125 Speer TMJ over 7 grains N340 or Unique.
158 Rainier plated over 5,5 N340 or Unique.

 

[Eddietruett]

I'm assuming the first 3 are in 38 brass?
I have a couple mid range fave's, both in 357 brass.

125 Speer TMJ over 7 grains N340 or Unique.
158 Rainier plated over 5,5 N340 or Unique.

Sorry, I will edit that. You are correct. the 1st 3 are .38 loads loaded in .38 brass

 

[kidneyboy]

I have a few favorites -
38sp.
148 gr HBWC over 2.7 or 2.8gr of bullseye.
That is slowly getting replaced with an Acme coated 148gr BNWC over 3.1gr of bullseye which seems just as accurate.

158gr coated Acme SWC over 3.5gr of W231. This gets loaded to the cannelure.
158gr coated Acme RNFP over 3.5gr of W231. Loaded to the cannelure. This one is for using speedloaders

357
Berry's 158gr FP over 6.0gr of W231. This has been an excellent plinker round for every 357 I've owned except the Match Champion
158gr coated Acme RNFP over 3.7gr of Trailboss. Also good in every 357 I have owned.

I like to use Acme bullets as they are local and very consistent.
Pic is of 25yd offhand shooting with the BNWC and SWC from just the other day.

 

[Hondo 60]

How about 3.7 gr of tiitegroup under a 125gr plated hp.
OAL 1.445" this is my favorite 38 sp load

or 16.5 gr of 2400 for a 125 gr XTP in 357 mag
I think thats right. Doing that one of the top of my head

 

[IlikeSA]

Thanks for sharing. I found that titegroup is more accurate in my revolvers than bullseye. It's always nice to have options though.

 

[Eddietruett]

I have tried Titegroup and found it real close to Bullseye in accuracy but since I have 3-4 lbs of bullseye on hand, I figure at 3gr per bullet, I'm set for a while. If I remember correctly, I was impressed that Titegroup seemed to shoot a little cleaner, but nothing is going to shoot clean with swaged HBWC. The lube is what makes the load shoot dirty. When I get done with the last 500 or so Zero Swaged HBWC I have on hand, I will probably just stick to coated lead bullets because they shoot so clean. Nothing in my opinion is more accurate than the swaged HBWC at short range, especially in my long barreled Colts, but I'll forgo a little accuracy in favor of clean shooting and loading. I tried the HBWC plated from Berrys and was not impressed. Either the lead casting is real hard or the plating keeps the hollow base from being any benefit at all. I see no reason at all to go to plated bullets unless you shoot at a lead free range and they will let plated bullets pass. The HyTek Coated will do everything a plated bullet will for a lot less money. Also you have to be real careful with plated at low velocities. I had some 158gr XTreme squib and stick in the barrel of a 8 3/8" Barrel running a low charge of Bullseye.

 

[CrankyCraig]

I like 3.8grains of 231 , a Winchester small pistol primer topped with a 158gr Xtreme plated SWC 38 Special

 

[Toprudder]

For 38spl, 5" GP100
Xtreme 158gn plated, Titegroup 3.7gn, ~ 670fps
Xtreme 158gn plated, BE86, 4.6gn, ~750fps.


357Mag, 5" GP100
Xtreme 158gn plated, BE86, 7.6gn ~1090fps This is my favorite plinking round in my 5" GP100. Not quite magnum velocity, but still a good stout load.
RMR 158gn plated, N-110, 15.0gn, ~1176fps


357mag, 16" Rossi M92
Hornady 158 XTP/FP, 300-MP, 18.2gn, ~1800fps
Hornady 158 XTP/FP, 2400, 14.0gn, ~1580fps.
I have since tried the Zero JSP 158gn bullet and like them also.

I really like 300-MP powder in my 357 and 44mag rifles. It seems to like the longer barrels, though, I did not see much of an advantage in the 5" GP100 barrel.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

180gr Pugnose FP HyTek Coated from Missouri Bullets .357 Magnum Load
Loaded with 13.5gr H110
Hog Hunting Load.
Most accurate Long Range Combination I've found in my 8 3/8" Mod 686

I use this exact load in my M686 and its amazingly accurate for me too. I use a CCI-550 primer. I also used that load with a Cast Performance 180gr WFNGC bullet. That is an amazing bullet that will take game all day long.
http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CP38180

I have a few .38 Special loads I can shoot in any 38/357 revolver and they are accurate. These are in .38 Special brass and mostly CCI-500 primers or sometimes Winchester SPP.

148gr HBWC over 3.2gr W231.
148gr DEWC over 3.4gr W231.
158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231.

Sometimes I shoot a 158gr FMJ bullet over 16.4gr W296 in .357 brass from my levergun and revolvers. When I feel the need for more energy the charge maxes out @17.0gr. (higher than posted in some manuals)

 

[cheygriz]

For accuracy, I like 148 HBWC over 2.8 Bullseye with Remington 1 1/2 primers.

For .357, Lyman 358429 cast in wheelweights with Remington 5 1/2 SP magnum primers, over a charge of H110 that the mods don't like for us to post.

 

[WelshShooter]

5.6gr Ramshot True Blue
357mag case
158gr lead Truncated Cone
Overall length of 1.600"
Shot out of my Marlin 1894C (cause lol, no revolvers for you Limey Brit!) at 25m
Very low recoil so would shoot well in a revolver too, just watch the length doesn't jam the cylinder.

 

[Eddietruett]

I use this exact load in my M686 and its amazingly accurate for me too. I use a CCI-550 primer. I also used that load with a Cast Performance 180gr WFNGC bullet. That is an amazing bullet that will take game all day long.
http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CP38180

I have a few .38 Special loads I can shoot in any 38/357 revolver and they are accurate. These are in .38 Special brass and mostly CCI-500 primers or sometimes Winchester SPP.

148gr HBWC over 3.2gr W231.
148gr DEWC over 3.4gr W231.
158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231.

Sometimes I shoot a 158gr FMJ bullet over 16.4gr W296 in .357 brass from my levergun and revolvers. When I feel the need for more energy the charge maxes out @17.0gr. (higher than posted in some manuals)

I have tried the Cast Performance Bullet as well with the same charge. Its almost like we're doing this together! While the Cast Performance was very accurate and certainly good enough for hunting up to 100 yards, it is not quite as consistent as the Missouri Pug Nose. I actually have several hundred of each loaded and would feel fine in the woods hog hunting with either load. I got 100 of the Cast Performance from a guy who has a fear of gas checks coming off. Gave them a try and liked them ok, so I bought several hundred from Midway to have around but they are a little pricey. Probably won't order any more since they really won't do any better than the Missouri Pug

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have tried the Cast Performance Bullet as well with the same charge. Its almost like we're doing this together! While the Cast Performance was very accurate and certainly good enough for hunting up to 100 yards, it is not quite as consistent as the Missouri Pug Nose. I actually have several hundred of each loaded and would feel fine in the woods hog hunting with either load. I got 100 of the Cast Performance from a guy who has a fear of gas checks coming off. Gave them a try and liked them ok, so I bought several hundred from Midway to have around but they are a little pricey. Probably won't order any more since they really won't do any better than the Missouri Pug

I would only use the Cast Performance Bullets on game like large deer and above, not hogs. Like you mentioned they are pricy, too pricy for volume shooting like on hogs. Great minds think alike!

 

[Eddietruett]

I would only use the Cast Performance Bullets on game like large deer and above, not hogs. Like you mentioned they are pricy, too pricy for volume shooting like on hogs. Great minds think alike!

I like the lead on hogs for penetration. Some of the big hogs, a JHP won't get near vitals with a .357. I shot a 400lb hog about 25 years ago on a deer drive with 3" Magnum 000 Buckshot. The hog was not hard charging me but coming straight at me at a trot. I shot it 6 times right in the chest and face starting at about 20-25 yards and the last shot at around 15. When we skinned it out, we were all shocked that only TWO of the buckshot had penetrated the fat shield on the hogs chest! Made a believer out of me right then that hogs require penetration. I've never killed a large hog with a handgun, but I want to be equipped if I get a chance. Most we run into are in the 100-150 lb range. The 180gr lead will usually pass through a small pig unless you hit the shoulder dead on. I think the JHP would work fine on a small pig but I'd rather be overloaded than underloaded. in case bug mama or big daddy does happen to appear. Some swear by the JSP but all of the real experts I've read say Hard Cast Lead. I would think with a 41 or 44 mag the JSP or JHP would work ok and I realize that a .357 is starting to get borderline on power so I limit my shots to 50 yards. If I wanted to just kill for meat, I'd use a .308 or even my Mini 14. I do plan to try the Mini 14 with the new Made for Hog ammo that's out now but so far, its been too hot and the mosquitos are so bad around her, that no wild animal is in any danger from me unless it runs in front of my truck

 

[dvnv]

Pet 357 load:

125 gr Speer gold dot, 20.5 gr H110, std (or mag) primer, +/- 1,615 fps, 6.5" barrel.

This has proven accurate in every Blackhawk or FA I have tried. Not really a range load, but good for rabbits or coyotes.

 

[Blue68f100]

H110/W296 prefers a Mag Primer to get a complete burn, along with a heavy crimp.

 

[labnoti]

How about more accurate .357 rifle loads at 100 yards or more? Especially for Ruger 77/.357 bolt-action. No lead, plated, or coated bullets because muzzle velocity should be well over 1700fps. I'd also like to see if anything can be made of a higher velocity load with a higher B.C. bullet (but suspect it may be a pointless excercise, no pun intended).

 

[Toprudder]

How about more accurate .357 rifle loads at 100 yards or more? Especially for Ruger 77/.357 bolt-action. No lead, plated, or coated bullets because muzzle velocity should be well over 1700fps. I'd also like to see if anything can be made of a higher velocity load with a higher B.C. bullet (but suspect it may be a pointless excercise, no pun intended).

Hornady 140 FTX, not pointless. (pun intended) But, it looks like the BC isn't any better than the 140gn XTP.

Hornady also makes some 200gn .358 bullets with higher BC. I wonder if anyone has developed any loads in 357mag for those. Could only be used in bolt-actions, though (or single loaded in lever-actions).

 

[frankmako]

For rifle (marlin 1894 cb) I use a 158 gr hp zero brand bullet over 6.5 of titegroup. This load chronographs at 1,295 fps out of my rifle. This is my nra lever action silhouette pistol cartridge load. Out to 100 meters the rounds group on top of each other. To 150 meters the group opens up some. Easy shooting load and does not damage targets.

 

[dvnv]

"H110/W296 prefers a Mag Primer to get a complete burn, along with a heavy crimp."

I am a fan of case tension and moderate crimp...have tried both types of primers and think std primers have an accuracy edge in the 357, 41, and 44. I wouldn't bet money on the difference though, and I have never accuracy tested below about 40 degrees, so will admit to limited conditions.

 

[Eddietruett]

I'm not sure about accuracy but I do know that H110 performs much better with magnum primers. I also until recently didn't realize how much difference the crimp could make. I've been a fan of the Lee Factory Crimp for years, but while working up some heavy loads for my .357 using 180gr HyTek Coated Lead and H110, I notices the velocity spread was way more than I thought it should be in a 8 3/8" Revolver. I was getting as much as 100 fps spread in velocity. I purchased a roll crimp die and now crimp very heavy with the load and the spread has shrunk to less than half. I'm not sure how much the accuracy is affected by the spread in a revolver. I am sure it has some affect but not noticeable by me with my ability. I'm sure that it would be much more noticeable in a precision bench rest rifle.

 

[Airman Basic]

I am of the opinion that case neck tension matters at least as much as crimp, maybe more. Also think that too much crimp lessens case neck tension. Elmer said somewhere that a bulge in the case at the base of the bullet is a good thing. I agree with that.

 

[brewer12345]

A Berry's plated DEWC in a 38 case seated to 1.24" OAL and 4 grains of HP38 is clean and accurate. I put these in my snub when hunting in case a jack needs to be finished off.

A Lyman 358156 over 13.5 grains of 2400 in a 357 case is very accurate and probably has enough oomph for deer and hogs out of a rifle.

 

[Toprudder]

I am of the opinion that case neck tension matters at least as much as crimp, maybe more. Also think that too much crimp lessens case neck tension. Elmer said somewhere that a bulge in the case at the base of the bullet is a good thing. I agree with that.

I think you may be right. I recently pulled out some factory 357 and 44 mag ammo, they had not crimp whatsoever. But, I think they also use some sort of glue inside the case mouth when they seat the bullets.