Need .357 Bowling Pin Load Data

[revolverman357]

Does anyone have load data for a 230 grain flat nose lead bullet in .357 mag. used for bowling pin shoots. I have some bullets that were given to me and I'd like to try them out and don't know where to start.
The powder I have on hand is Alliant - 2400, and Unique.

 

[Norm Lee]

bowling pin load

There's not a lot of data out there for the 230 gr. LWC. Blue Dot is popular but I don't remember the charge weight folks are using. I worked up a load using VV N350 and .38 Spl cases crimped in the groove provided. 900 fps. Medicine! I started at 5.4 and worked up using a 686 with a 6 inch bbl.

I think Unique might be a little on the speedy side. 2400 might work, I wish I could be more help with a start load.

Cheers,

Norm

 

[Harley Quinn]

I believe with the length of the bullet, you are going to find some compressed loads with 2400 even at around 10 grains. You could start at 9grn. and see what happens?

The 180 grain bullet they mention the 10 grains starting I would start with 9. I would think if you load 5 of them and start from there. Using a chrono. and observing the brass for signs of high pressure etc.. Again the compression of it are critical, if you have to start with less do it, 9 grains or less.
With Unique you could start with 5 grains and work up from there. It is really something that will take sometime.

Be very aware of your brass. Use the same named brass and try 5 at a time until you have reached an ok load. More then likly it is not ideal for the 357 due the length of the bullet.

HQ

 

[revolverman357]

Thanks for the info. I have asked around and there is a range about 30 minutes away from me and I hear they shoot a lot of that kind of bullet for pin shooting. That might get me where I need to go.
Thanks

 

[Harley Quinn]

That is good if you are able to talk to others and find out what they are using that will help a lot. After they fire their rounds you might want to look at the brass and see what the primers are doing make sure you duplicate exactly or start out at a lesser amount of powder in your loads and work up from there.

Many of these people are on the fine edge or the thin blow up line. Some guns can take more pressure then others. But I don't believe it is a good idea to go over the pressures that are recommended.
Stay away from the truly hot loads and try and be precise in your shooting abilities.
I remember some changing to rifle primers because they did not show the pressure as much HMMM.
I don't remember the exact pistol loads that they were into, but with the 357 rifle and the handgun, some very hot loads have been produced.

HQ

 

[revolverman357]

I'm not looking for hot. Just accurate and enough to stabilize the bullet. A friend thought they like to keep this type of bullet under 900fps. When I get hooked up I'll post a report.

 

[Harley Quinn]

Yes, that would go along with the 45 cal people's thought, regarding this bullet weight. I would think if you could squeeze an additional 100 fps it would be favorable, or else you are only duplicating a 45 cal round that has been around for about 100 years.

The shape of the bullet would have some bearing on how well it is going to make an imprint on the bowling pin, its ability to put the best impact (purchase) to the item is important. I believe.

But, as you mention accuracy is a big thing here.

HQ