I'd like to bounce a load off you guys (357)

[rick300]

I got a load for my 357 that works but was running out of powder. I went today to bass pro shop to get alliant unique but came home with blue dot. You gotta use what you can get. So I'm thinking about starting at 9.6 gn under magtech semi jacked soft point 158 gn. Any input would be much appreciated. I saw the warnings but they are for 125 gn... Thanks Rick

 

[Wildyams]

Unique is plentiful at $18 a pound up north here

I would like to hear some 357 loads though, I'm thinking about starting to reload for it soon.

 

[rick300]

I think I need to get out of California. You can't get squat here.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

In the new Lyman #49 for a 158gr jacketed Hornady bullet they list a charge range of 9.6gr to 10.7gr Blue Dot. On the Alliant site they list a Max charge of 10.2gr Blue Dot with a 158gr Speer Gold Dot bullet. Your starting load of 9.6gr is right on the money according to Lyman. If 2400 was available you might have been better off IMO.

 

[armoredman]

That title is very unfortunate - a guy DID bounce a handload off me once, a very light 38 special in a bowling pin match I was ROing, bounced straight back into my crotch, dropped me like a rock. Hurt then, funny as all get out now.

 

[rick300]

AACD, Thanks like I said I got what was avalible. I'll look for 2400 next time. I'm a newbie and teaching myself. It's good to here that I'm on the money when I just took my best shot, all the books are different. So far my system is gather all the data I can find and start at the lowest load that I see more than once. I found some lower but they seemed too low. Rick

 

[RoostRider]

PLEASE DON'T!!! bounce a load off of me...

You do have reload manuals don't you?

If not, there was someone who started a thread with a bunch of online load data links...

I always go with the logic of start small and work up..... even from a hard copy manual...

 

[loadedround]

My Speer #14 Manual is a little more conservative with s Blue Dot/158 gr JSWC load:
Starting Load: 9.0 gr
Maximum Load: 10.2 gr
Hope this information is helpful to you.

 

[blazerking78]

My 2nd Edition Lee says that you can start with 9.9gr and max out at 10.7gr. with the Blue Dot, and pull 1316 fps and 1420 fps. respectively. I have been using W231 and H110for mine. I love the power and velocity I'm getting the the H110. I just got a bunch of .38 Special brass and clays to try for fun shooting.

 

[rick300]

Loadedround, I've got books but they don't always give the same start and max. I'm new and like to take check here with all of you experienced loaders. I won't say "bounce one off you again) Rick

 

[geo57]

ArchAngleCD, the Lyman #49 is one manual I don't have and am just curious. What are the given velocites for the start and max loads given for those .357 loads w/ Blue Dot and 158gr. jacketed bullets ? Do they still use a vented 4" bbl ? Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49
4" test barrel.

158 XTP bullet.
9.6 = 929 FPS @ 27,600 CUP.
10.7 = 1,158 FPS @ 39,800 CUP.

rc

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I run 10.5 under a 158 HCSWC, or 10.2 under a 158 Hornady XTP quite a bit. Standard primers, firm crimp. In my 7.5 black hawk, both loads run very close to 1250 with no pressure signs and very good accuracy.

Start at least a 1/2 grain lower and work up. I don't reccomend you try pushing it much harder than that though, as blue dot gets squirrely fast.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted By: geo57
ArchAngleCD, the Lyman #49 is one manual I don't have and am just curious. What are the given velocities for the start and max loads given for those .357 loads w/ Blue Dot and 158gr. jacketed bullets ? Do they still use a vented 4" bbl ? Thanks.

Originally Posted By: rcmodel
Lyman #49
4" test barrel.

158 XTP bullet.
9.6 = 929 FPS @ 27,600 CUP.
10.7 = 1,158 FPS @ 39,800 CUP.

rc

That was easy!! LOL