First time loading .357 Magnum (Python). recommend bullet please

Status
Not open for further replies.
1KPerDay

1KPerDay

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2006
Messages
20,873
Location
Happy Valley, UT
Don't want to shoot lead (indoors, dirty). Would prefer copper/metal cover the base of the bullet for theoretically less airborne lead. Would prefer to give business to RMR, MBC, tjconevera or xtreme.

Help me pick a good bullet for a good price if you please. Thanks!:cool:
 
I have used Xtreme 158 grain plated semi wad cutters and had good results, but I used
these for paper hole punching only at light to mid levels only,
they are cheap enough for informal target/paper punching their is also coated bullets out
nowadays's for a fair price I do not have experience with them but I am sure someone
here has
 
Thanks. I assume plated works okay for .357 moderate loads? I don't want to load barnburners but I do want them to "feel" like .357s... otherwise I'll just shoot .38s.

Some recommended loads would be welcome also. I will confirm all with published data, etc. I have Li'l Gun, blue dot, W296, 4227, Unique, Universal, etc.
 
My favorite .357 (not lead) bullet is the 158 Grain JSP made by Zero Bullets. You can buy them here:

https://www.rozedist.com/

They are currently, and are often, out of stock but they are the most accurate jacketed bullets I have found to date. They are also very competitive price wise if you buy in bulk.

EDIT: I looked at my load data. I had the best accuracy with 14.9 grains of 2400 or with 17 grains of 300MP. I do believe both of these loads are close if not at the max load data (Always work up from lower data:). I never chronographed them but they were pretty stout.
 
RMR has a few .357" bullets where the base is covered including Speer bullets. Even the Speer SJSP bullet they have has a covered base. The exposed tip will put no lead in the air. That is where I would be looking especially since they are on your preferred list.
 
For a new reloader, I'd suggest a jacketed bullet, 158 gr. and starting loads as found in your manuals. Hot loaded 125 gr. jacketed bullets have been reported to result in damage to some guns (flame cutting and cracked forcing cones), and the 158 gr. size is sorta a "standard". Personally, I've read a lot of problems from new reloaders using plated bullets from load data to crimping problems. Start with jacketed; K.I.S.S....:D

If I owned a Python, I'd be extra careful about load data/levels...
 
ArchAngelCD said:
RMR has a few .357" bullets where the base is covered including Speer bullets. Even the Speer SJSP bullet they have has a covered base. The exposed tip will put no lead in the air. That is where I would be looking especially since they are on your preferred list.
Click to expand...
I saw those. Are Speer JHPs plated, though? I want to be able to crimp with reckless abandon. :D
 
mdi said:
If I owned a Python, I'd be extra careful about load data/levels...
Click to expand...
I plan to keep it "moderate." And .357s are generally shot 10%-20% of the time max, mostly to demonstrate to new shooters who get to try out the python. It's fun to see and feel the difference between .38 special and .357.
 
I have switched to coated 158 gr SWCs for full power .357 and like them a lot. I shoot outdoors so I cannot comment on how they will do indoors. MBC would have those.

The X-Treme 158 Gr SWC can be taper crimped and shot fairly warm in .357. The Powerbonds can be pushed harder. tjconevera's usually carries both. I imagine RMR has something that will work.
 
1KPerDay said:
I saw those. Are Speer JHPs plated, though? I want to be able to crimp with reckless abandon. :D
Click to expand...
Technically all the Speer bullets could be called plated. They achieve the bonding by using the same process as plating but the plating is as thick as cup & core bullets. I have never had a problem applying a firm crimp on any Speer bullet.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
Technically all the Speer bullets could be called plated. They achieve the bonding by using the same process as plating but the plating is as thick as cup & core bullets. I have never had a problem applying a firm crimp on any Speer bullet.
Click to expand...
Cool, thanks.
 
Can someone please PM me the MBC THR discount if it's still in force? I was around for the original discount code and have ordered quite a few thousand from them but not too recently and I can't remember it.
 
I had good results with these from RMR
https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets...38-13/357-38-158-gr-rmr-round-nose-plated-hp/'

Also good result with the MBC coated SWCs
THe BHN 12 ones worked better for lighter loads the BHN 18 are better for heavier loads. Tough to draw a dividing line but say maybe 12s below 1000/1050 ish 18s above.
The BHN 12 ones are listed as .38 bullets the BHN 18 as ,357 bullets.

I know I have some 158 RMRs and may have some 125s.
I could PIF you a small sample of 25 or 50 of each to try out.
PM me if your interested.
(sample size depends on how many I have left:)

I like my Python 1964 vintage.
 
Last edited:
I've had great results using bayou bullets. The ship fast and their product is excellent


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I shoot alot of 125 gr Montana Gold JHP bullets out of my Pythons....I buy them by the case. It works out to about a dime each.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

NoirFan
  • Locked
Please recommend a hot, yet accurate 357 magnum load
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Stumper
Stumper
S
  • Locked
357 magnum load going to try Saturday...First time! What do you think?
2 3
Replies
68
Views
2K
Walkalong
Walkalong
W
  • Locked
First time loading coated lead bullet help
Replies
14
Views
663
lordpaxman
L
Macchina
  • Locked
Xtreme Plated Bullets says 1500 FPS is OK!!! Anyone tried these out of a .357 rifle?
Replies
0
Views
621
Macchina
Macchina
Reefinmike
  • Locked
Plated bullets and full magnum loads? 357
Replies
10
Views
3K
ArchAngelCD
ArchAngelCD
Back
Top