help with .38/.357 load

[mattdus]

I have a box of Hornaday .357 diameter bullets that I would like to make use of. The box says "38 CAL. 180 GR. .357 CL-SIL" although I assumed that these were cast lead they are jacketed flat points that has a small point of exposed lead almost like a soft point. I am wondering if these can be used in .38 special loads or .357 loads for range use with a Taurus model 85 .357 revolver with a 2" barrel? I have 2 powders on hand red dot and unique, I would prefer to stay with these powders as I am not particularly interested in buying a different powder for approx. 100 rounds.
Thanks all
Matt

 

[JMusic]

Most 180 bullets were designed for silhouette shooting. Both of your powders are too fast. H110 may be the best choice I don't know what else you have but this is a versatile powder simular to unique.
Jim
Write if you want some load data or other powder selections.

 

[P95Carry]

I'd qualify Jim's comments to include that in fact those powders could be used but only for reduced loads.

For instance and this not a suggestion per se - load data may permit a red dot target 38 load with something like 3.5 grains. Unique is also quite adaptable. However for 357 you certainly need to be cautious and not load anywhere near max velocities with fastish powders - you'd probably be staying at something like +P levels.

There is a stout Blue Dot load for 180's but they need a gun like a Blackhawk to be safe.

So - if you want good results, go get just one more powder like H-110 (not to be used for undercharges tho) - or 2400 and load some full 357's.

I do think personally there will be a safe Red Dot load you can use for target 38's tho, even with those bullets. If you lack load data then as Jim said - do ask.

 

[mattdus]

I aperciate the awnsers, I simpily want to make use of these or throw them away. the only powder I have is red dot or unique, I will not spend money on a different powder for only 100 rounds. if they can't be safely fired in a low power load then i will have to get rid of them. the only gun I have for .357 is a small taurus 85 2" and i dont see myself buying a larger .357.

 

[YodaVader]

In my 4th Edition of the Hornady realoding manual there is no specific load listed for Red Dot and Unique with the 180 grain 357/38. I would have thought Unique could be used.

I would not throw the bullets away regardless! There may loads listed in a newer manual or a load listed by the specific manufacturer of one of the powders you have on hand.

 

[fecmech]

Mattdus--The Allaiant powder guide lists 180gr. jfp [email protected]. I'm guessing thats your bullet. Max load for Red Dot is 5.3 grs and 930fps. Unique is max @7.0 grs for 1125 fps. Both loads run in the 33000 psi range, normal for a .357 mag. Hope this helps Nick

 

[Ben Shepherd]

That CL-SIL stands for crimp lock, silhuoette. They were designed specifically for high pressure-high speed silhuoette loads.

The unique load fecmech posted will work ok if that is what you have.

 

[Hook686]

The Alliant web site indicates that Unique can be used for 180 grain JFP ...

http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg...=.357&cartridgedescr=Mag.&bulletdescr=180 JFP


How far off do you think the 180 grain jacketed flat point will be from the bullet you have ? I'm thinking, "Not much" ... so why not start 10% low and give a try ?


Hook686