MBC .357 Action 158 GR LSWC with W296

[WoodchuckAssassin]

bds,

Good information. I didn't know that lead had so many different densities. I can't wait to load'em up and feed the ol' 686!

 

[Randalsan]

Range Report MBC 158 GR LSWC .357 ACTION W296

Well I loaded up 100 rounds.
MBC .357 Action Boolits. Powder was W296 at 14.0 Grains. Used Federal Magnum Match primers.

I fired the boolits thru a Rossi 972 with six inch barrel. The revolver is new and I just used the factory setting on the adjustable rear sight.

Chrono registered speeds around the 1100 FPS mark. I had a peak speed on a couple close to 1200 FPS.

Groups were very good at 10 yds when shot standing freehand. About an inch tight. At 25 yards groups were in the 2 inch tight, but I sat down and braced against sandbags. Standing and taking freehand shots at a 4 inch steel plate at 50 yards, I got in some good rewarding "Pling!!!" ...of course I suck at such range when standing...lol.

I did fire most single action. I am not that great of a target shooter.

Basically this is my first try at loading Magnum rounds and I hope to expand to better weapons and jacketed bullets.

In this time of panic buying I am just gonna wait out the panic and shoot mostly 9mm and .45 ACP...which I have a butt ton of.
I have another 900 bootits and fixings for .357, so I can ration my stock and enjoy shooting while the panic buying and shortages continue.

I hope this very basic report helps.

Next I will take pictures and post my experiences loading...and using the Lee FCD for crimps...that thing is awesome!!

Thanks for the advice guys!!!

 

[Hondo 60]

Randalsan - I curious as to why you'd choose W296, when as you said, you can't find data for it?

Why not choose a powder/bullet for which you CAN find data?

 

[LiveLife]

Hondo, the OP did find the lead load data for W296 and the 158 gr bullet ... see post #2.

I love happy endings. : D

 

[Randalsan]

Well pickings were SLIM in this time of senseless panic buying. So I picked a magnum powder that was available.

 

[Randalsan]

Another thing about why I picked W296. I use a Lyman #55 powder dispenser. I am VERY happy with it. It holds tolerances very well for: BLC(2), W231 and Unique. For it especially loves BLC and W231. For me it is a very important point when I find a powder I can easily dispense with the Lyman. So I figured that W296 would work well, it being a spherical type powder and all. Guess what....the Lyman loves that stuff.

I am happy with the W296...I may try another powder in the future...but for now...I am very happy with my choice. And the more experienced re-loaders out here definitely helped out a bunch!

 

[Randalsan]

Lee factory crimp die

Well being new to Magnum loads and finding quick success on my first load with .357 and MBC..Thanks to all who gave good advice. I just wanted to share my experience with the Lee dies...specifically the Lee Factory Crimp Die.

Here is what we start with...cleaned and polished and primed Blazer .357 brass and MBC .357 Action 158 grain lead bullets. 18 hardness.

After loading 'em up with 14 grains of W296 I seated them just right below the cannelure.

Next to finish I just set the Lee Factory Crimp Die as per instructions and I got a perfect crimp.

As reported before...they are on the mild side...average around 1200fps out of a six inch barrel on a Rossi. No leading....in fact a jag and some hoppes cleans up the barrel. Lots of greasy soot, but that too cleans up well. I wetted the forcing cone area wit some rem oil before I left the range...that worked to soften the carbon by the time I got home and got to cleaning up.

I think it is a very nice target round...and seems to be accurate enough...I freehand shot well at 50M to 4 inch steel plates.

Thanks again to those who gave valuable advice!