Big-bore-bob
Member
Hi all! I'm finishing up my loading sessions for my auto pistol cartridges this weekend and moving on to loading .357 and .44 magnum light/midrange target loads. I scored an 8lb keg of be86 and I love it for 9mm. I've been doing some research on our favorite forum and it looks like be86 will work for both 357 and 44 loads. So I have a few questions regarding bullet choice and loads. I plan on buying zero bullets jacketed soft point 158gr and 240gr for 357 and 44 respectively. I'm also looking at Rimrock bullets 158gr and 240gr cast semi wadcutter bullets (they're inexpensive and made close to where I live). Alliant lists 7.8gr be86 max load with a 158 jacketed bullet at a minimum coal of 1.57. Questions: 1. starting load is 10% under max load of 7.8gr for .357, will this data set work for a cast swc in the 12-15 BHN range (my goal is a 950-1050fps accurate plinker load with no leading). 2. The swc in question are bevel base, does this matter much? Seems people prefer flat base for better accuracy. 3. These questions apply to .44 mag also, for that im looking for a 850fps +/- unique level load. How should I approach this project? Thanks in advance for any insight!