Question regarding reloading manuals

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Mixed Nuts

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Hi,

I've done only a little reloading, all 45 70 and all the data I ever referenced was from the hornady online reloading data.

I recently bought a 6" Security Six, and I've been looking around online for .357 reloading data.

I just can't find a lot of good data for hardcast lead SJWC and it's convinced me to buy a reloading manual.

Questions: What is the best reloading manual out there for. 357 data? For cast bullet data?

Thanks in advance to anyone making a suggestion.
 
Thanks, VoodooMountain.

I hear you in regard to quantity of .357 data. The trouble is, when I find an interesting bullet, like the lyman #358429, I can't seem to find data for many popular powders and that bullet.

I have seen some posted loads that look good, but I'd like to see them referenced in a manual before I shoot them.

I'll look into the lyman manual.
 
A reloading manual or 2 is top on the list of basic reloading equipment, right there with dies and press. IMO you've been loading blind so far.
The internet has a wealth of information. a lot of it false and misleading. Be careful where you get you knowledge.
 
Splattergun,

Just ordered a lyman book on four revolver calibers.

But still open to any recommendations.
 
Mixed Nuts said:
I hear you in regard to quantity of .357 data. The trouble is, when I find an interesting bullet, like the lyman #358429, I can't seem to find data for many popular powders and that bullet.
Click to expand...

There are perhaps 50 pistol and shotgun powders that might work but only a few will work well. But all you need is maybe 2 or 3 recipes so pick one, buy a pound of that powder and have some fun.
 
So, if I'm looking at a 357 cast lead bullet load for a particular 158 grain bullet, does that mean that I can use that load with any 158 grain cast lead 357?

Is it basically interchangeable data if the COAL is pretty close?
 
I may be over thinking this Thomas15. Just trying to reduce trial and error time and get a good load with a powder that might suit another caliber or two if I need it too.
 
Mixed Nuts said:
So, if I'm looking at a 357 cast lead bullet load for a particular 158 grain bullet, does that mean that I can use that load with any 158 grain cast lead 357?

Is it basically interchangeable data if the COAL is pretty close?
Click to expand...

Pretty much. And you will often find that COAL is close for all the readily available bullets. If you are not anywhere near max loads, you can afford to start low and work up.
 
splattergun said:
A reloading manual or 2 is top on the list of basic reloading equipment, right there with dies and press. IMO you've been loading blind so far.
The internet has a wealth of information. a lot of it false and misleading. Be careful where you get you knowledge.
Click to expand...

OP said they were referencing the Hornaday load data. I see nothing wrong with that. In fact, I’d say going to the various company sites is a good thing.

Now you’re right one should NEVER TRUST loads posted in discussion threads, videos, or other sources that aren’t from a reliable source. Even then they should be verified by a few other reliable sources. And you’re right one should get a few manuals.

I started with the Lee book/manual. As a beginner I found it very informative and helpful. I highly recommend it and when I’ve mentined it in the past others have agreed. After Lee I be picked up a few more but I just like the Lee the best. I also recommend getting the free books the powder companies will send. Just go to their web sites and fill out a form.

I also keep a notebook on my reloading. And I highly recommend it. I use a composition book as they’re fairly cheap but also pretty durable. As I’ve gained experience, I find looking at my note helpful in my learning process.

Finally while I agree with you on never trusting anyone’s loads. I do think reading as much as one can, and checking out other people’s loads is a good thing. First to compare to the manuals, then to get a general idea of the ranges of powder people use. After awhile normal ranges should start becoming apparent as well as “strange ones”. Of course verifying this in the manuals is part of the learning process of one decides to do this.
 
Mixed Nuts said:
I may be over thinking this Thomas15. Just trying to reduce trial and error time and get a good load with a powder that might suit another caliber or two if I need it too.
Click to expand...
If you're just punching paper, W231/ HP-38 can work there.
Unique will cross over between your 45-70 (lead bullets, not sure about fmj) and 357 plus many other cartridges.
But you should really work up the load from minimum per gun, bullet.. no matter what works for somebody else.
 
IMO the only load data you should use is the data from the powder makers , bullet makers and reloading equipment manufactures either from their websites or reloading manuals. If money is tight a lot of the info from the above sources can be had for free .Using data from someone on a forum or any one on the internet that is giving info from an unknown source can lead to disaster. Some of the cast bullet makers have good load data for their bullets. If it's not online call them and ask them. I have found that most are more than happy to send you the info you are looking for. I asked Oregon Trail for some load info on one of their bullets buy phone and they emailed me their entire loading manual.
 
I would suggest Lyman, there are several, 1 if for pistol & Rifle, the other I would suggest is the Lyman Cast, also the Lee New Manual is a very nice book, it explains everything, sometimes too much, but a very good book.

Dan
 
Mixed Nuts said:
So, if I'm looking at a 357 cast lead bullet load for a particular 158 grain bullet, does that mean that I can use that load with any 158 grain cast lead 357?

Is it basically interchangeable data if the COAL is pretty close?
Click to expand...
Pretty much, within reason. You don't have to have data for the exact brand lead bullet. If the bullets in question are the same weight, style, and are seated to the same depth, your good to go. You can even substitute a different style of the same weight bullet, again, checking seating depths.
 
If he had not put "hardcast lead" in front of it, then have the discussion appear to be about loading lead, that would be my assumption, and was until I read it again.

Curious though.
 
Walkalong said:
If he had not put "hardcast lead" in front of it, then have the discussion appear to be about loading lead, that would be my assumption, and was until I read it again.

Curious though.
Click to expand...
True.
 
Yeah, SJWC was a typo. I'm using the phone. Should have written LSWC. After fighting the spell check I got careless, made the initial mistake and then my smarty phone re-corrected to the bad acronym.

Thanks, a lot of thoughtful responses.

I've ordered a lyman book on popular revolver loads and looking around, I see the Lee manual, which is pretty big, is surprisingly affordable. May pick that up too.

Also, did not know Oregon trail published load data. May look into that as their bullet prices aren't bad.

Thanks to all who took the time.
 
Walkalong said:
If he had not put "hardcast lead" in front of it, then have the discussion appear to be about loading lead, that would be my assumption, and was until I read it again.

Curious though.
Click to expand...

That's where I was sitting - talking lead loads and shooting a semi-jacket, and looking for powder recommendations. Either answer is simple for me - if copper is involved, I run H110 for hot loads, or HP-38 for light loads. Unique & bullseye for lead light to moderate loads. So while there aren't many powders I will ever use, they ARE different for lead or copper, and usually never the two shall meet for me...
 
I think, Veminterror your post kinda gets to the crux of my problem.

I have some decent cast lead data for unique and bullseye. On paper Unique looks a lot better, but it doesn't give me the option to power up for jacked magnums.

Maybe that's just a compromise I am going to have to live with. Unique or an equivalent for cast, and one of these hotter powders like h 110 for any jacketed stuff.

I'm going to order the Oregon Bullet manual. Of there is a crossover powder choice I reckon a hardcast company would list it.
 
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