Skinnedknuckles
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2011
- Messages
- 249
I tried my first effort at loading Speer shotshell capsules for my .357 revolver as a snake load. The Speer loading data is 109 gr of shot over 4.5 gr of 700-X at a cartridge OAL of 1.5". Using a .357 Magnum case, I could insert the shot capsule easily by hand to an OAL of about 1.7", but even using the bullet seating station on the Lee turret I could not get below 1.6". Inserting an empty capsule in an empty case, the capsule goes in easily to about 1.7" and starts to stick. Using a .38 Special case yields sticking at the same OAL. The capsule starts in the case very easily, and the sticking starts well below where the expander die would reach, so more expansion doesn't seem to be the answer. I even wire brushed the ID of the case thinking powder residue might be causing the binding, but that changed nothing. By measurement and calculation, the base of the shot capsule should not begin to compress the powder until an OAL of a little under 1.5".
Since I'm loading a .38 Special load and shooting it in a .357 Magnum handgun, and since a longer OAL usually results in lower pressures, not higher, I think I would be erring on the safe side to leave the OAL at 1.6"-1.65". The cartridge nose is below flush with the end of the cylinder at 1.7" so I shouldn't have a binding issue.
Am I missing anything? Has anyone else tried loading these capsules? Thanks for the help
Since I'm loading a .38 Special load and shooting it in a .357 Magnum handgun, and since a longer OAL usually results in lower pressures, not higher, I think I would be erring on the safe side to leave the OAL at 1.6"-1.65". The cartridge nose is below flush with the end of the cylinder at 1.7" so I shouldn't have a binding issue.
Am I missing anything? Has anyone else tried loading these capsules? Thanks for the help