vaalpens
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
- Messages
- 2,618
In December 2014 and again in January I received some 357SIG PIF brass from BracketRacer_57. This generosity helped me make up my mind to start reloading 357SIG instead of 45ACP since I now had some available 357SIG brass. This started my 2 month project to learn about loading 357SIG, acquire the dies, and also find a 357SIG gun at the right price. Finally I was able to find the gun I was looking for over the last couple of months, and now I am ready to start my 357SIG journey.
I started by creating some dummy rounds using 124gr JHP's and Xtreme 124gr CPHP's (supposedly also has a thicker plating). Once I received my gun, I started verifying that they were cycling and also checking for any setback. To my surprise I found that the Xtreme's had no issue cycling or any setback. I also did the bathroom scale test where I tested it to above 30lbs. The JHP's definitely had some issues. After one cycle I would start seeing bad setbacks. I think the problem with the JHP's is that the bullet head seems longer and I had some difficulty in getting it down to a 1.135" or 1.140" COL and keeping the ogive out of the neck.
So for now I have decide just to try out the Xtreme bullet first with 5 rounds loaded with Unique and 5 loaded with Longshot. Hopefully I will be able to put some factory ammo through my 357SIG next week, and if everything checks out, also try my reloads.
My current process for loading 357SIG is the following. Obviously it will change as I pick up experience, but for now it will do until I pick up more experience with this special caliber:
-First it goes through my normal cleaning process
-I then decap and resize using my 40S&W sizing die (no issues with decap so far, but it could change)
-Next step is to resize with the 357SIG sizing die. I am not using lube.
-I don't trim, but I try and sort by length. This is just to make sure the bullet and length combination is a fit.
-Next step is priming. I primed before belling because I wasn't sure which bullet I was going to be using. This will probably move to after belling once I decide on a bullet to use.
-Belling. I took my time with the belling to make sure I can put the bullet in straight without too much belling.
-Adding powder was done weighing each separate load
-Seating I had to take my time again since I wanted to make sure I am as close as possible to my 1.135" COL
-For crimping I used the Lee 357SIG FCD. The 357SIG FCD was difficult to get used to since it is not the same as the FCD for 9mm and 40S&W. It does make an indent in the bullet, but it does not compromise the plating. Testing will tell if it impact the trajectory of the bullet.
Now the only thing remaining is to shoot these beauties. Loading 357SIG is more challenging than straight wall pistol calibers, but so far I have enjoyed the challenge and hopefully the results will reflect the experience.
Feel free to comment on my process or 357SIG reloading in general.
I started by creating some dummy rounds using 124gr JHP's and Xtreme 124gr CPHP's (supposedly also has a thicker plating). Once I received my gun, I started verifying that they were cycling and also checking for any setback. To my surprise I found that the Xtreme's had no issue cycling or any setback. I also did the bathroom scale test where I tested it to above 30lbs. The JHP's definitely had some issues. After one cycle I would start seeing bad setbacks. I think the problem with the JHP's is that the bullet head seems longer and I had some difficulty in getting it down to a 1.135" or 1.140" COL and keeping the ogive out of the neck.
So for now I have decide just to try out the Xtreme bullet first with 5 rounds loaded with Unique and 5 loaded with Longshot. Hopefully I will be able to put some factory ammo through my 357SIG next week, and if everything checks out, also try my reloads.
My current process for loading 357SIG is the following. Obviously it will change as I pick up experience, but for now it will do until I pick up more experience with this special caliber:
-First it goes through my normal cleaning process
-I then decap and resize using my 40S&W sizing die (no issues with decap so far, but it could change)
-Next step is to resize with the 357SIG sizing die. I am not using lube.
-I don't trim, but I try and sort by length. This is just to make sure the bullet and length combination is a fit.
-Next step is priming. I primed before belling because I wasn't sure which bullet I was going to be using. This will probably move to after belling once I decide on a bullet to use.
-Belling. I took my time with the belling to make sure I can put the bullet in straight without too much belling.
-Adding powder was done weighing each separate load
-Seating I had to take my time again since I wanted to make sure I am as close as possible to my 1.135" COL
-For crimping I used the Lee 357SIG FCD. The 357SIG FCD was difficult to get used to since it is not the same as the FCD for 9mm and 40S&W. It does make an indent in the bullet, but it does not compromise the plating. Testing will tell if it impact the trajectory of the bullet.
Now the only thing remaining is to shoot these beauties. Loading 357SIG is more challenging than straight wall pistol calibers, but so far I have enjoyed the challenge and hopefully the results will reflect the experience.
Feel free to comment on my process or 357SIG reloading in general.
