clean burning powder opinons - .357magnum

[_N4Z_]

I would like to get some opinions on whats a clean burning powder for use with .357mag.

I have been using Unique with 158gr Hornady lrn's and LaserCast swc's. Moderate power levels, works well enough, but sooty after a 100 or so rounds.

Also used some 2400 with the Lasercast, and some Rainier plated. It seems the cleaner of the two.


So what does eveyone else like??

 

[Seafarer12]

I like 2400 but I use full power loads with jacketed bullets. For lead 38's I like red dot.

 

[Ky Larry]

For lead, I like Trail Boss and AA#2.
For jacketed bullits, I like AA#7.

 

[Archie]

Powder Burns Cleanest at the Top of the Burning Range

In other words, loading of any powder will burn more efficiently, evenly and cleanly in the upper third range of the loading data.

That's why 2400 gives somewhat erratic results and lots of crud when used in light loads.

Unique is a mid-level burning rate powder. But it suffers when used in very light loads.

 

[The Bushmaster]

W-296 and a firm crimp...2400 at moderate to heavy loads and a firm crimp.

No matter what powder you finally settle on the most important thing is a FIRM crimp...But don't crush the bullet.

 

[Walkalong]

If you want super clean for midrange .357 loads try N340. Accurate and super clean.

AA #5 does well here too.

True Blue is another to look at. It cleans up really well around midrange .357 level and up. Meters as well as anything out there.

 

[Steve C]

No powder is going to clean up cast loads as the mess comes from the bullet lube. Finding a cleaner bullet lube is the only way to clean them up. I find that applying a light coat of Lee Liquid Alox to the commercial cast bullets in addition to their harder wax type lube they come with works well in cleaning them up.

 

[TooTaxed]

Win #231 works fine...easy to measure, very clean-burning, economical in terms of grains/load...more loads per pound.

Actually, Win #231 is one of the more versatile powders...I've found very accurate loads for it in all pistol cartridges from 9-mm Luger and 9-mm Mak all the way up to .45 Colt...so I've standardised on it and buy in volume...saves Big Bucks!

 

[evan price]

5.5 grains of Titegroup and a 158-grain bullet with a decent roll crimp are my target loads for .357.

For something more powerful, AA #9 12.5 grains and the same bullet.

If you use lead you will still get some black crud no matter what, as mentioned before, it's the lube, it makes the soot stick to everything. FMJ or half-jacketed will be cleaner.

 

[Walkalong]

For a light target load 3.1 to 3.3 Grs Clays and a 158 Gr plated bullet is super clean in .357 cases.