Loads for 158gr g/c LSWCHP in 357 mag

[rhodesengr]

I am interested in loads for this bullet
https://rimrockbullets.com/xcart/g-ch-38-357-158-gr-swc-hp-per-100-in-a-plastic-ammo-box.html

Buffalo Bore uses that bullet in a 38spl +p to create the so-called FBI load. Because my gun is actually a 357 (S&W 686 Comp) I'd like to develop a load using 357mag brass. There is no actual load data that I have found but I am basing my designs on data for 158gr LSWC. I am currently using AA#5. I will be trying my first batch tomorrow. Speeds measured with a Prochrono. I am trying for an actual velocity between 1000 and 1100fps.

Anybody else have loads in 357mag for this bullet?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Hodgdon load data site has load data for the .357 Magnum with a 158gr LSWC bullet and AA#5.

If that is too much velocity for what you are looking to do you can use the Max load in the .38 Special +P load data in the Magnum case and call it good...

 

[rhodesengr]

The Hodgdon load data site has load data for the .357 Magnum with a 158gr LSWC bullet and AA#5.

I think that is the same data in Western Powder v8 and that has a lot more bullet choices. I am just asking because that bullet sits a bit deeper in the case than the regular 158gr SWC so may be a bit higher than expected. I just wanted to see if others had load they have actually worked out. If my 8.6gr is too hot, I'll just work my way down do decent speed.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I think that is the same data in Western Powder v8 and that has a lot more bullet choices. I am just asking because that bullet sits a bit deeper in the case than the regular 158gr SWC so may be a bit higher than expected. I just wanted to see if others had load they have actually worked out. If my 8.6gr is too hot, I'll just work my way down do decent speed.

I haven't loaded that bullet or your powder. But that looks like a serious hollow point.
If the bullet seats deeper in the case. 38+p data in a 357 case should be close to 38+p velocity. That would be my starting point.
38+p data in 357 cases generally gives me standard 38 velocity of I use the same bullet the data calls for.

 

[Skidsteer1]

Speer's handloading manual lists 158gr LSWC for Unique, SR 7625, and 700X in that muzzle velocity range. I reload thousands of .357 magnums with 5.7gr of Unique under that bullet for cowboy. Very accurate in my 1873 Navy's.

 

[wcwhitey]

I use that bullet for an actual FBI loading in .38 Special, max 5.3 Grains of Unique (advertises +P Max load CAUTION). Shot from K Frame .38/.357 Revolvers. The same bullet using 6.5 Grains of Unique will put you at the 1000+ FPS range and is a proven accurate loading using .357 Brass. Trying to find Unique will be the hard part. I posted a range report using a plated 158 SWC and 5.0’grains of Win244 (available everywhere) that is not only in your velocity range but a really accurate round. I was stunned at how sweet that combo shoots.

Side note: the BHN is only 5 with that bullet, very soft, it’s made to expand at .38 Special velocities. Anything too far above 1000 fps will probably over expand and fall apart.

 

[243winxb]

The gas check on the bullet should handle any thing thrown at it. But.....?

BHN is only 5

If 5 BHN, may produce some issues. Bullet slump on firing.

 

[wcwhitey]

The gas check on the bullet should handle any thing thrown at it. But.....?




If 5 BHN, may produce some issues. Bullet slump on firing.

The gas check will keep it from leading I was referring to terminal ballistics as in low penetration and the ability to stay intact during its travel through flesh. The bullet was designed to completely expand at 850 fps or so. This is why I loaded them to +P levels. I don’t think k another 100 fps would be a game changer but if he starts getting too much above 1000 it’s a mismatch.

 

[AJC1]

7 grains of Unique or 8.4 of Silhouette and send it... make any adjustments for accuracy as needed.

 

[rhodesengr]

I think they worked out OK. I got an average speed of 1110 over 12 shots with a standard deviation of 25fps. I did not see any issues with leading and the recoil wasn't unmanageable. I think it is a little faster than needed for that bullet so I made a batch today at 8.4 grains. Wont be able to try them until next weekend but I am happy with the outcome. I am in the right ballpark.

 

[roval]

found a load with same bullet from Handloader Pet Loads for 357 mag June July 2016.

i included similar bullet load from rcbs.

 

[rhodesengr]

hey thanks. That is really helpful. Those H110 loads are really moving. I would not have thought that bullet could handle that much speed. One part of the equation I can't do yet is terminal ballistics. I doubt they'd let me put put blocks of gel on my club. be interesting to see that kind of bullet in gel blocks at different speeds.

 

[roval]

hey thanks. That is really helpful. Those H110 loads are really moving. I would not have thought that bullet could handle that much speed. One part of the equation I can't do yet is terminal ballistics. I doubt they'd let me put put blocks of gel on my club. be interesting to see that kind of bullet in gel blocks at different speeds.

yeah, i bought that issue for the 357 mag pet loads. they had light target, mid velocity, magnum loads for modern guns and magnum loads for classic guns. they tested factory ammo in the same article and this might be of interest.

 

[roval]

here's another load for your bullet from a different issue of handloader for 38+P. supposedly expansion with that bullet is reliable even at 800 fps due to BH of 7

 

[Skidsteer1]

ALL of these replies were very helpful to me as well. Fortunately, I have AMPLE supply of Unique and Red Dot.