ok. 357 it is.

[blarby]

So, the .357 is obviously here, and loading needs to commence...

I have a 158gr GCLSWC mould, and I just picked up 1k gas checks for.... $3.00 !!! Woot !

Anywho, while I try and find a lube sizer die and top punch for trade, I'm interested to know what success those of you who've been shooting .357 longer than I have, had had success with in .357

If you have load data that works for you on this very bullet- that'd be great.

If you have other pet loads/bullets you think I should try- that'd be great too.

Its this gun, in case that matters.

 

[gamestalker]

Just the every day jacketed H110/296 data, which I'm sure you have plenty available to you.

GS

 

[WestKentucky]

I like 231 when it's not a game of hide-n-seek but lately I'm using aa7. Usually near, at, or slightly beyond published max loads are working well with a variety of bullets in both .357 or .44 mag.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

With 158 gr bullets, cast or plated, I use 8.0-8.1 gr of power pistol. I recently got ahold of a bag of "Blue Bullets" SWCs and they shot really well and clean up was a breeze. I put 50 rounds through my 28 today with it and it didn't even look like it was fired.

I think it actually help clean my barrel out, other than some powder residue the barrel was clean and shiny in like 3 minutes of cleaning.

http://www.thebluebullets.com/default.asp

Polymer coated bullets, since you cast your own I'd bet you could make these yourself. They are probably not far from powder coated bullets or maybe the same, I don't know. What I do know is that load is accurate as hell. Shooting off hand unsupported at 25yds I had 13 out of 20 in the 9 ring of a C-2 target.

I loaded the Blue Bullets to 8.3 gr of PP and noticed that familiar crack of breaking over super sonic. 8.1 gr has to be on the bleeding edge. And it funny because that load should be below the sound barrier all day long. The guy shooting beside me didn't care to much for it and moved to a different lane.

They have a little recoil to them but not much and are easy for me to shoot.
Definitely my best load to date.

Other than that load, my recipes are as follows:
6.5 gr of Unique
12.8gr of 2400 roll crimped
5.5gr of Titegroup
7.1 gr of 231.

All loads simply crimped to cannulure.

 

[blarby]

Thanks so far gents, much obliged.

You know, this coated bullet thing really is catching on. I appreciate your feedback in that area.

 

[BYJO4]

A good target load using the 158 gr LSWC is 4.8 gr. of Bullseye.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Yea. it really seems to be. I don't know if I want to coat them myself especially when I can buy the Blue Bullets 2 miles from my house. My LGS is stocking them.
We'll see.

 

[WestKentucky]

A poofer is a 3.5 gr load of 231 with a 125gr cast semi wad. Quite a nice load for long range trips.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

You say you want .357 ideas, but if you're interested in .38spl loads, 3.2-3.4gr of Red Dot with 158gr LSWC w/o GC (bevel base) has been an excellent load for me. It's a bit dirty but boy is it accurate, and feels like shooting a .22.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even though you are using a gas checked bullet I'm not a fan of W296/H110 with lead bullets. For hot jacketed bullets it's fine but not with lead for me. I use HS-6 for .357 Magnum lead bullet loads but there is nothing at all wrong with 2400.

I like the accuracy I get with HS-6...

 

[Havok7416]

I use 6.2 grains of Unique with 158 LSWC. Not screaming, but hot enough for what I use them for. 7.0 grains of AutoComp seemed to work well the other day also, but I only made 5 rounds.