Is it worth reloading 357 magnum?

[Mstafford88]

Dad finally sent me a photo of the beauty. He’s using the 140gr Hornady FTX now so will probably go with those projectiles. I think they will end up being a good Christmas present, not making him get the projectiles and just surprising with a handful of made rounds to test

 

[Mstafford88]

I think you're the third or fourth person to offer. I got there first!

The amount of support and help on this forum is incredible and I thank all of you for it

 

[AJC1]

View attachment 1172853
Dad finally sent me a photo of the beauty. He’s using the 140gr Hornady FTX now so will probably go with those projectiles. I think they will end up being a good Christmas present, not making him get the projectiles and just surprising with a handful of made rounds to test

Do a little research on that projectile. It was designed for a levergun and performance in a pistol sux. A good swc will get er done cheaper and not arguably better.... and they have crappy requirements to trim good mag brass short...

 

[DMW1116]

Read all the warnings Hornady has about reloading their 140 grain FTX projectiles. They require case trimming shorter than normal. Once trimmed those cases aren’t suitable for other published loads. The case volume reduction leads to higher pressures.

Measure those Hornady factory cases that were factory loaded with the FTX projectiles. They will likely be shorter too and should be reloaded with the same 140 grain FTX bullet using loads specifically for that projectile.

For all those reasons, I’ve chosen not to try the FTX projectiles for 357 Mag. In 30-30, that’s a whole different story.

 

[AJC1]

Read all the warnings Hornady has about reloading their 140 grain FTX projectiles. They require case trimming shorter than normal. Once trimmed those cases aren’t suitable for other published loads. The case volume reduction leads to higher pressures.

Measure those Hornady factory cases that were factory loaded with the FTX projectiles. They will likely be shorter too and should be reloaded with the same 140 grain FTX bullet using loads specifically for that projectile.

For all those reasons, I’ve chosen not to try the FTX projectiles for 357 Mag. In 30-30, that’s a whole different story.

Those cases are .030 short from my trim length at 1.250

 

[DMW1116]

View attachment 1172853
Dad finally sent me a photo of the beauty. He’s using the 140gr Hornady FTX now so will probably go with those projectiles. I think they will end up being a good Christmas present, not making him get the projectiles and just surprising with a handful of made rounds to test

You need some wooden grips inscribed with “The Dealer” because I bet that thing will cut cards. Beautiful gun.

 

[DMW1116]

Those cases are .030 short from my trim length at 1.250

That’s not horrible. Still, I’ll stay away from them and use 140 grain XTP if I need that weight.

 

[Soonerpesek]

I think you're the third or fourth person to offer. I got there first!

Not tryin' to steal your thunder...............the offer is to anyone..............

 

[AJC1]

That’s not horrible. Still, I’ll stay away from them and use 140 grain XTP if I need that weight.

I hope to find a big pile of it so I can trim to make the perfect fit for the 358429 I currently load in 38 brass... not cutting perfectly good brass down for that and then I'd have to rework the load.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Do a little research on that projectile. It was designed for a levergun and performance in a pistol sux. A good swc will get er done cheaper and not arguably better.... and they have crappy requirements to trim good mag brass short...

This is from the Hornady site:

357 Mag 140 gr FTX® LEVERevolution®​

Item #92755 | 25/Box
US Patent: 8,413,587 | 7,380,502 | 8,161,885
LEVERevolution® represents a breakthrough in ammo design for lever action rifles and revolvers. The key to its innovation and performance is the patented elastomer Flex Tip® technology of the FTX® and MonoFlex® bullets. Safe to use in tubular magazines, these bullets feature higher ballistic coefficients and deliver dramatically flatter trajectory for increased down range performance.

NOTE: The innovative LEVERevolution® FTX® and MonoFlex® bullet designs may require a newer magazine follower to provide best possible functioning of the last round out of the magazine in certain guns.


Looks like they recommend it for revolvers also...........................

 

[ms6852]

Forever meets lever gun chambers....View attachment 1172800

Was referring to the handguns. Many shooters have a tendency to start loading hotter loads on their lever actions to gain more velocity. I do not increase my loads on my .357 lever rifle. I use the same loads as my 686 and that in it self will increase the velocity of the .357 158gr bullet to a minimum of 400 fps because of the longer barrel. I've loaded some of my brass as much as 8 times without incident........yet!

 

[EricBu]

My dad is pretty stoked now that he has a red dot on his 357 mag and wants to take it deer hunting (he’s got the skills, no worries about a clean shot there)

So I already make him .38spcl for plinking which drill 8” plates at 50 yards just using a turret press and knocking out plinker rounds. But we talked a little about making some 357 mag for him to hunt with. He has a handful of store bought hornady hunting loads that seem to shoot well.

Ok now that the backstory is out of the way here’s my question and some of our conversation/ consideration went:

1: We would have to buy brass, primers and projectiles. (I usually don’t have to buy brass, I got access to everything I need except 357).

2: I would likely treat it like a rifle round. Weigh out each charge by hand, trim, chamfer, debur, etc.

My comment to him was, with the cost and time going in to it and not really knowing if it’ll shoot much better than the store bought stuff, it may not be worth it, since he won’t go thru box after box of it. And frankly, I don’t know the first thing about 357 mag loading. (Is it just as consistent with a turret press, crimp/no crimp etc etc.)

So my question I guess is: for those who load 357mag for hunting only, is it worth all the effort?

Lol, you're asking crack addicts if crack is good. Do it! If the man shoots it, no way he doesn't have brass on hand. Use slow pistol powders, H110, AA9, Lil Gun....etc. Thats the burn range you want, those powders will maximize the longer barrel too. I would recommend a 158 JSP, or even a hard cast SWC, not a hollow point for deer. You'll be surprised how fast you can drive a 357 with a carbine, and sometimes the hollow points don't hold up well.

 

[AJC1]

Was referring to the handguns. Many shooters have a tendency to start loading hotter loads on their lever actions to gain more velocity. I do not increase my loads on my .357 lever rifle. I use the same loads as my 686 and that in it self will increase the velocity of the .357 158gr bullet to a minimum of 400 fps because of the longer barrel. I've loaded some of my brass as much as 8 times without incident........yet!

There is zero load difference between carbines and pistols. Carbines do take advantage of slower powders but that does not increase the load, it's just more effective .

 

[AJC1]

This is from the Hornady site:

357 Mag 140 gr FTX® LEVERevolution®​

Item #92755 | 25/Box
US Patent: 8,413,587 | 7,380,502 | 8,161,885
LEVERevolution® represents a breakthrough in ammo design for lever action rifles and revolvers. The key to its innovation and performance is the patented elastomer Flex Tip® technology of the FTX® and MonoFlex® bullets. Safe to use in tubular magazines, these bullets feature higher ballistic coefficients and deliver dramatically flatter trajectory for increased down range performance.

NOTE: The innovative LEVERevolution® FTX® and MonoFlex® bullet designs may require a newer magazine follower to provide best possible functioning of the last round out of the magazine in certain guns.


Looks like they recommend it for revolvers also...........................

Spend a little time watching people test it. You may be satisfied by the result but I wasn't. Different strokes for different fokes.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Spend a little time watching people test it. You may be satisfied by the result but I wasn't. Different strokes for different fokes.

For a revolver, give me a 158gr LSWC and I’ll bring home some meat*.

* there’s a Publix on the way home from the indoor range.

 

[AJC1]

For a revolver, give me a 158gr LSWC and I’ll bring home some meat*.

* there’s a Publix on the way home from the indoor range.

How about a lrnfp with a big meplat.

 

[lightman]

My dad is pretty stoked now that he has a red dot on his 357 mag and wants to take it deer hunting (he’s got the skills, no worries about a clean shot there)

So I already make him .38spcl for plinking which drill 8” plates at 50 yards just using a turret press and knocking out plinker rounds. But we talked a little about making some 357 mag for him to hunt with. He has a handful of store bought hornady hunting loads that seem to shoot well.

So my question I guess is: for those who load 357mag for hunting only, is it worth all the effort?

If you're already loading 38's you have the die set. So why not buy a box of 125-158 grain hollow point bullets and go for it?

Brass is not hard to come by, most of the guys on here including me would probably be willing to donate some.

Powders I have used are Unique, 2400, H110, Winchester 296 and probably a few that I'm forgetting.

A box or two may not be worth the effort but why not?

 

[ballman6711]

I would recommend a 158 JSP

That's my preferred choice as well. Hits hard, expands well enough, and punches through bone.

chris

 

[geo57]

I have since 1974.. These were shot this week. 3 shot rapid fire drill from 7 yards. 158 gr. poly coat cast SWC on top of 12.5 grs of 2400. About 1125 FPS from a 4" barrel.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Do a little research on that projectile. It was designed for a levergun and performance in a pistol sux.

Spend a little time watching people test it. You may be satisfied by the result but I wasn't. Different strokes for different fokes.

Exactly....
Just because you say it sux, doesn't mean that @Mstafford88 dad won't get fantastic results with them---as it seems as he is using them currently and shooting lights out....!!

 

[AJC1]

Exactly....
Just because you say it sux, doesn't mean that @Mstafford88 dad won't get fantastic results with them---as it seems as he is using them currently and shooting lights out....!!

Accuracy and terminal performance are different games and I haven't seen or herd of good terminal performance out of a pistol. That takes us down the rabbit hole of ethics which I'll leave completely alone.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Accuracy and terminal performance are different games and I haven't seen or herd of good terminal performance out of a pistol. That takes us down the rabbit hole of ethics which I'll leave completely alone.

Would it hurt every once-in-a-while to give a fellow some credit and wish him good luck in his venture.................

Here, I'll show you...........

Hey @Mstafford88 , good luck with finding a reliable load for you dad's hunting needs----post a pic of the meat haul....!!.....

 

[Mstafford88]

Would it hurt every once-in-a-while to give a fellow some credit and wish him good luck in his venture.................

Here, I'll show you...........

Hey @Mstafford88 , good luck with finding a reliable load for you dad's hunting needs----post a pic of the meat haul....!!.....

Haha it’s all good I don’t mind opinions. It makes me research more. Which ADHD makes me hyper obsess anyway lol.

I will do a lot of research before using any projectile and I appreciate the suggestions.

Heck I just took a deer with 110gr Vmax out of my 300blk after a TON of research on how they react at 300blk velocities. Worked great. Oh and just got done plugging 4” steel at 230+yds off the back of the truck… I’d say research paid off.

But I do appreciate the suggestions for hunting projectiles. Around here a 180lb doe is pretty big. If that gives any indication of VA deer sizes and what we are shooting here

 

[doubleh]

1: We would have to buy brass, primers and projectiles. (I usually don’t have to buy brass, I got access to everything I need except 357).

This puts me on the side of buying ammo if hunting is his only use of 357 is for deer hunting. A 50 round box should do even with practice for one year.

 

[enine]

I don't shoot 357 that much either, probably like one box a year or less like others said. But after I shot that one box I reloaded it. If nothing else buy one of the lee loaders.