Looking for a good 357 mag load using 231 and 158 gr copper plated

[minus]

I can't find data anywhere for this load. I am using magnum primers I see loads for 158 gr lead and sp/fmj but they all vary nothing specifically in the lee manual for copper plated. I'm completely new to this so any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

Load cheapo plated bullets like lead. And to the low end of the scale, it doesn't take much to peel the plating off. Do not crimp them but just enough to see, too much crimp will cut through the plating.

Do not try for full power magnum loads with Win 231, it is a target load powder and will peak to high pressures if you push it too far.

With that combination I would not go beyond the starting load.

If that is one of Lee's oddballs where the starting and maximum loads are the same, deduct at least 10%, better 15%.

 

[benedict1]

These loads come from --

http://www.reloadammo.com/357loads.htm

158 grain LSWC or LRN (Semi-Wad Cutter or Round Nose)
(I don't recommend lead at over 900 FPS)
(unless at least using a Gas Check or copper plated)
Bullseye 6.5 gr. 1,320 FPS
Unique 6.8 gr. 1,295
Universal 6.7 gr. 1,297
HP38 3.9 gr. 846
No. 2 5.8 gr. 1,074
No. 5 8.2 gr. 1,239
No. 7 10.5 gr. 1,239
231 6.7 gr. 1,275
231 6.1 gr. 1,075 (plated, actual in 7" bbl revolver)
296* 14.5 gr. 1,560
* use magnum primers

M. D. Smith's website has hundreds of loads spanning about every pistol caliber known. I am not endorsing these--you are on your own. I have used some of his data for other calibers, speicifically .38 Special.

 

[minus]

6.1 Gr for the 158 sounds about right. Am i ok with the mag primers?

Edit already primed the cases (newbie mistake)

 

[benedict1]

I wouldn't think you would need magnum primers. I load 6 gr Unique with 158 gr plated FP bullets for .357 Magnum and use regular small pistol primers. Magnum primers may have too much heat to them. Notice that Smith only uses them for 296 which, I believe, is a much slower burning powder.

 

[minus]

I think I will just set the magnum primed cases aside for a later date.