Low end .357 load

[DC Plumber]

I have Universal and 2400. I usually shoot 14.5g of 2400 with my 158g bullets in my .357 and I use 8.0g of Universal in my .44mag with 240g LSWC bullets for target loads.

Should I use Universal or 2400 to make a lower end .357 mag load with 125g XTP bullets for my wife to start shooting?

I'd probably go with 6.5g of Universal, but don't know how low to go with 2400 before it starts to leave too much unburned powder. Plus Universal will only require about 1/2 the weight of powder, and will be cheaper to load.

The main goal here isn't the most accurate, but rather one that is pleasant to shoot for a women who wants to start shooting a .357.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Hondo 60]

If you go 6.5gr of Universal on the 125gr XTP that's too low according to Hodgdon.
their data says 7.1-7.6

I have a real powder puff of a load using Titegroup
Use about 7.0 gr for a 125 XTP.
Makes for a very pleasant shoot.

 

[Walkalong]

7.8 Grs of Unique with a 125 Gr bullet, or 7.2 with a 158 Gr bullet. Good stuff.

These loads appear safe in my guns. Use at your own risk.

 

[Quoheleth]

+1 on Titegroup.

I use 5gr for a 158gr LSWC that's a very mild shooter. That's max load, per Hodgdon's website.

Q

 

[jfrey]

For a new shooter and soft loads, I would be checking out some .38spl. data. Anything in an actual .357 load would be somewhat hotter than a .38 load.

 

[Seedtick]

You might be able to fudge (go lighter) on the powder by seating the bullet quite a bit deeper. Think wadcutter???

Seedtick

 

[ssyoumans]

I'd pick a max 38 special +p load and load that into a 357 mag case. Unique would be my first choice, get a complete burn without pressure spikes. Universal is good too. I'd load 6.0 gr of unique with a 125gr bullet in 357 mag case with CCI Standard pistol primer.

For economy, I'd choose 5.2gr of Unique with a 158gr LSWC. Cheap and easy shooting.

Regards.

 

[blarby]

I'm in the 38 special pool of thought here.

If you have a .357, great- .38's are an awesome starter load.

If she wants to shoot a .357 because of what a .357 does/is, thats gonna be a little different

Excellent training tool, the 38 special, to get used to handling the weapon.

Move on to the actual round as soon as possible....

 

[DC Plumber]

That's kind of why I was leaning toward the 6.5g of universal with a 125g XTP, kind of a 38+p with a little extra to compensate for the extra case space. I don't want to hassle with 38 special cases because when I load in my hot .357's, I'll have to deal with the carbon deposit in the cylinder, plus I have a ton of .357 brass and no 38 special brass. If she enjoys shooting the gun, I'd like to go the 158g LSWC route with a mild charge of Universal. I've seen 500 lead bullets for not a lot of money. Looks like a good way to go.

Thanks everyone.

 

[murf]

minimum charge is 7.1grains from the hogdon manual. be careful you don't get a bullet stuck in the barrel.

murf

 

[blarby]

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=41&category=5&secondary=10&keywords=

Can't recommend these fine folks enough

 

[blarby]

http://www.shop.rmrbullets.com/prod...416649.qscstrfrnt03?productId=21&categoryId=1

Also, found some super duper HP
s for ya too !

 

[Red Cent]

A 105 gr lswc with 3.2 American Select in a 38spl case makes for a neat load. About 790fps. With the 357 you will lose about 50fps. AS is a relatively slow burner and takes the snap out of it.

 

[GooseGestapo]

6.5gr of Universal under a 125gr JHP won't stick a bullet in the barrel of a .357mag.

expect about 1,100fps from a 4" bbl.

A better (cheaper) load is 6.0gr of Universal and a 158gr lead SWC. This load will shoot to zero of heavier loads and is cheaper than a jacketed bullet.

I use 6.8gr of Universal and a 158 (actual cast weight 165gr) GC-SWC for 1,200fps. This load will do anything you require of a .357mag. 14.5gr of #2400 gives 1,400fps but isn't any more accurate or functional.

The listed starting loads for Universal are just a 10% reduction under maximum loads. Actual minimum load is about 5.0gr. Under 4.0 might "stick" a bullet in the bore.

 

[sniper5]

In .357, 7.0 grains of Titegroup over a 125 gr XTP is my wife's favorite load in her 6" GP100.

 

[357Shooter]

12.4g 2400 out of my K Frame 65-2, 3" about 1100fps, very comfy
with a 158g Hornady xtp

 

[wanderinwalker]

That's kind of why I was leaning toward the 6.5g of universal with a 125g XTP, kind of a 38+p with a little extra to compensate for the extra case space. I don't want to hassle with 38 special cases because when I load in my hot .357's, I'll have to deal with the carbon deposit in the cylinder, plus I have a ton of .357 brass and no 38 special brass. If she enjoys shooting the gun, I'd like to go the 158g LSWC route with a mild charge of Universal. I've seen 500 lead bullets for not a lot of money. Looks like a good way to go.

Thanks everyone.

It sounds like you're on the right track. I'm not sure I'd even try to bump the .38 +P load if you're looking for a softer shooting load.

I've loaded a ton of .44 Magnum by checking the upper values for the .44 Special loads and lower value .44 Magnum data and splitting the difference (tending a little high and using lead bullets). I don't see why it wouldn't work for light loads in .357 cases too. You have the opposite problem I have with my .357; I am swimming in .38 cases but only have a couple hundred .357s...

 

[DC Plumber]

Thanks everyone, good info.

Goose, those were my thoughts on the barrel sticking issue, but I had to ask. This board is priceless.

 

[RidgwayCO]

To help avoid sticking a bullet in the barrel, I'd recommend cast lead bullets. I just checked with Missouri Bullet Company, and they have .38 Special bullets as light as 105gr. These would be perfect for light-recoiling training loads that can be pushed fast enough to ensure the bullet doesn't get stuck in the barrel. I'd use Trail Boss for this application, in your .357 Magnum brass.

http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?category=5&secondary=9

 

[Iron Sight]

Not to Hijack. My 357 target loads are with 4 grains 231 & 148 grain Missouri Bullet Co Full Length wad cutters. Not a magnum load but easy to shoot and very accurate. Revolver is a S&W 686. Target shown is a 3" Circle at 25 yards (Rested)

 

[340PD]

I currently load, and have shot, thousands of 125 gr. Berrys Flat point and HP bullets in .357 cases using 5.7 Unique. Great accuracy from 3" and 4" barrels. Recoil is a non issue for most everyone that handles the firearm. Men and women alike. One pound of powder lasts a long time. Easy cleanup. YMMV