First reloads .357 mag load data confusion.

[stormborn]

This is my first time reloading, so I'd love a sanity check.

I have a Lee Classic Loader, a set of powder scoops, and a powder scale, as well as brass and hard-cast 158 gr SWC from Berry's. I plan to purchase powder and primers locally this week.

I was thinking I'd go with Bullseye and CCI 500 primers, since they're available seem to be popular. The Alliant website lists 4.8gr of Bullseye for a 158gr LSWC - they list this as max at only 939fps. My Lyman manual does not list a 158gr LSWC, but lists min of 4.9gr and max of 6.9gr for a 160gr LRN, but with a CCI 550 (magnum) primer. So...which information do I use?

 

[rcmodel]

Use 5.5 grains and call it a good plinking load.

Bullseye is too fast to get high performance in a .357 Magnum.

You need a slower powder to get higher velocity. (like Unique or 2400)

Think of it as trying to move a bowling ball.
You can hit it as hard as you can with your clenched fist (fast powder) and get it to move slowly and a little ways.
Then go to the ER to get a cast put on your broken hand.

Or, you can shove it as hard as you can with your palm ( Medium or slow powder) and get it to move much further & faster.

And your palm will be quite fine when you get done.

Same thing with powder.

rc

 

[Salmoneye]

Alliant Manual 2004

http://glarp.atk.com/2004/2004Catalogs/2004AlliantPowderSM.pdf

Page 42

Lists 6.5gr Bullseye max for 158 LSWC

 

[rcmodel]

My Lyman manual lists min of 4.9gr and max of 6.9gr for a 160gr LRN,

It also says the bullet is cast from pure Linotype.
And it is a flat-base Lyman mold bullet, not a commercial bevel-base bullet.

Your commercial bullets will be much softer then Linotype, bevel-base, and will probably lead badly at max load levels a Linotype bullet would withstand.

Try the 5.5 grains I suggested.

rc

 

[stormborn]

Thanks guys!

 

[kingmt]

As much as I like Bullseye I'd suggest a slower or at least a bulkier powder. Even more so since your a newbe & useing dippers.

 

[Old Grumpy]

Honestly Unique is a good powder to start with. You can find a million different Unique loads for more calibers than most people will ever own, ranging from bunny farts to maximum loads. Plus it's just a handy powder to keep around.

I'd like to have a penny for every round that has been loaded using Unique. It has a few qualities that some people don't like (some people claim it is too dirty but I've found it more than acceptable) but it has such a wide range of applications and there is so much load data it's hard not to give it a try.

 

[loneviking]

Second for the Unique powder. There isn't much around that you can't load and fire using Unique. As for primers, I use the small magnum (CCI 550's) primers.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

x3 for Unique. If I could only have one powder it would be Unique....I have loaded thousands of 158gr LSWC's with good results with it.

 

[stormborn]

I'll pick up Unique instead of Bullseye, then! I don't have any manuals here with me at work, but it looks like 5.0gr of Unique with a CCI 500 primer would be a good starting load?

This is revealing a hole in my knowledge - where do I find load data for powder/bullet combinations that aren't listed in the manuals I have available? Alliant only publishes the max load, and the Lyman manual doesn't include some popular bullet weights. Obviously I should try to find more reloading manuals, but where/which?

 

[rcmodel]

My Lyman manual does not list a 158gr LSWC,

Yes, it does actually.

All cast bullet weights shown in the Lyman manuals are "as cast" without bullet lube or gas check weight added.

The 155 SCWGC they list is a 158-160 depending on alloy, when lubed and a gas check added.
The 160 RN data can also be used with any SWC of similar weight.

Obviously I should try to find more reloading manuals, but where/which?

Actually the Lyman manual you already have is as good as it gets for lead bullet load data.
You just have to read between the lines sometimes.

rc

 

[stormborn]

Makes sense on both counts.

I've been a bit nervous about "reading between the lines," there is a lot of "DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE PUBLISHED DATA, YOUR FIRST RELOADS SHOULD BE STRAIGHT OUT OF A BOOK" out there.

Thanks again, rcmodel

 

[Searcher4851]

You can pretty much depend on info from RC. Look at his post count. He's posted more than enough information here to fill several books.

I also concur with the choice of Unique. It's a very versatile powder, useful for a wide variety of calibers.

 

[stormborn]

You can pretty much depend on info from RC. Look at his post count. He's posted more than enough information here to fill several books.

Indeed - I certainly didn't mean that I didn't trust his recommendations. I don't trust MYSELF as a reloader yet

 

[Lerk]

Another small item you're probably going to want, especially since you're using dippers, is a powder trickler. Couldn't do without mine anymore. Just a suggestion, have fun and let us know how it goes.

 

[kingmt]

Post count doesn't mean you know what your talking about it just means you talk a lot.

I agree with RC but don't trust anyone.

 

[Blue68f100]

If your using the Lee dippers you need a set of scales to check it and your dipping technique.

2400 is a very good powder for 38/357mag.