Bullseye Powder 357 lead load (new to reloading)

[TennJed]

Guys I am just getting started with reloading. Thanks to some info I found in another thread I have a Lee Classic Reloader in .357 magnum (don't quite have the $$ for a press yet)

I am able to use some supplies from a friend.

Franklin Arsenal Digital Scale
Bullseye Powder
CCI 550 sm pistol primers
125 gr Semi Wadcutter hard cast lead bullets
125 gr Flat Point DS Plated bullets from Berrys.

I have Lymans Reloading manual. They do not list these exect bullets, but they do list Bullyseye for some of the 357 mags.

Would a 7gr load be a good start? I suggest this based on Lymans bullyseye listing for:

125 gr jacketed HP 6.5 gr start 8.6 gr max.
120 gr linotype 1.585' oal 5.7 start 8.0 max
120 gr linotype 1.590' oal 6.5 start 8.30 max

Do you think 7gr would be safe to shoot? Right now I am not as concerned about velocity and accuracy as I am about just getting my feet wet.

I will be shooting from either a Ruger Stainless Blackhawk 6.5"; Ruger Blued Blackhawk 6.5", or a Ruger sp101 2.25"

Thanks

 

[zxcvbob]

This might help. (look at page 16) http://webpages.charter.net/zxcvbob/alliant reloader.pdf

I think 7.0 grains should work fine with any of those bullets, but I haven't tried it.

 

[Steve C]

Start at the Start load and work up. With light weight lead bullets leading can be a real problem as even at the start loads they'll be over 1K fps.

I'd suggest you load 10 rounds at the start and 10 subsequent rounds with .5grs more etc for 10 sample loads at 5.7, 6.2, 6.7, 7.2 and 7.7. Go to the range and starting with the lightest load, test it for accuracy, check for leading and pressure signs. Test each subsequent higher loading in order and if pressure signs appear STOP and consider the previous load your maximum. If you find a load that produces better accuracy then you may want to work the load up or down a bit in smaller incrementst to try and optimize it for the particular pistol you are shooting.

You should do this with each bullet type and anytime you change any of the components.

 

[TennJed]

thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Bullseye is a very poor choice for a Magnum level load.

A slower powder is more what you need.

Think of fast burning powder as hitting a bowling ball as hard as you can with a closed fit to get it moving.

Think of slower burning powder as pushing the bowling ball with the palm of your hand.

Which do you think will be less painful to you, or the gun!

I'd look at Unique for mid-level loads.
And 2400 for max performance loads.

rc

 

[Inksinme2]

14.2 grains of 2400 in starline brass under a 158 grain hornady xtp. shoots beautifully out of my smith 66. should work fine for you in your rugers.