Question about lead bullet loads

[0to60]

MissouriBullet.com has a 158 LSWC for .357 mag that it lists as "for magnum velocities". When I look at winchester or alliant's reloading guide, I can't find any loads for 158 LSWC that I'd call "magnum velocity". They're all fairly light. Now, MissouriBullet offers a formula you can use to determine the brinell hardness required for a particular velocity/CUP pressure round, and given the 158 LSWC's brinell hardness of 18, I'm guessing that's why they're saying "for magnum velocities".

So my question is, how would I load one of these things? I can't find load data that pushes a 158 LSWC very fast. Should I assume that the load data is for a soft bullet, and they're giving you a safe load that won't lead? Should I treat a properly brinell rated bullet as a jacketed bullet in terms of how fast you can push it? i.e. Load it like it was a JHP or something?

 

[Hondo 60]

I'm not sure I'd make that connection...using jhp recipe with lead.
Lead & jacketed just act too different.

I use MBC's "357 Action" w/ a max of 5gr of Titegroup.
& usually get about 1000 fps. (very mild recoil too, compared to factory ammo)

Universal works well too, a max of 6.2 gr will get you about 1100-1150 fps.

These were worked up with a S&W 66-2 with a 4" barrel.

 

[tlen]

You can shoot gas check lead bullets to magnum velocities and there are loads specified for them [see Lyman]. If you want to push your MO bullets use gas check load data.
I've found if I exceed 1100-1200 FPS with a standard lead bullets [Lyman #2] I'll generally have problems. Thus I try to keep lead bullets in the 1000-1100 FPS range except when I add gas checks.

 

[MissouriBullet]

You can shoot gas check lead bullets to magnum velocities and there are loads specified for them [see Lyman]. If you want to push your MO bullets use gas check load data.
I've found if I exceed 1100-1200 FPS with a standard lead bullets [Lyman #2] I'll generally have problems. Thus I try to keep lead bullets in the 1000-1100 FPS range except when I add gas checks.

tlen, we have customer reports here on THR relating to use of that bullet in .357 Magnum at up to 1450 fps without leading problems.

Just FWIW.

Brad

 

[rcmodel]

alliant's reloading guide, I can't find any loads for 158 LSWC that I'd call "magnum velocity".

That's because Speer only makes soft-swaged lead bullets, and Alliant is now an ATK company, same as Speer.

Older pre-ATK Alliant cast 158 grain data suggests MAX loads of:
Bullseye = 6.5 - 1,320 FPS
Red Dot = 5.5 - 1,215 FPS
Unique = 6.8 - 1, 295 FPS

Reduce 10% for starting loads.

But if you are going to shoot cast lead bullets in anything, you really need to buy a Lyman #49 manual.
It covers it all with good load data for everything.

rc

 

[squarles67]

I use 6g of Unique under MB 158g RNFP (also BHN 18) at get 1100 fps from a 6" barrel and very little leading.

 

[CraigC]

You need more loading data. Yes, you can use 158gr jacketed data. Pressures will be slightly lower and velocities will be slightly higher. What you don't want to do is try to match cast bullet velocities with jacketed bullets.

 

[ljnowell]

FWIW, I load that same bullet over 14.5gr of Alliant 2400. Definately a magnum load. No leading, great accuracy, huge boom and fireball!