Uncannelured 158 gr .357 FMJ bullets for heavy .357 loads?

[Tech Ninja]

You might not be aware but you can buy plated bullets with cannelures made for 1500 fps velocities:

http://www.xtremebullets.com/38-125-HP-p/xc38-125hpcan-b0500.htm

http://www.xtremebullets.com/38-158-HP-p/xc38-158hp-b0500.htm

 

[Walkalong]

I like X-Treme bullets, especially this one, but the cannelure is nothing but marks on the bullet, with no indention at all.

I have taper crimped them hard with success, but have never tried roll crimping them.

 

[gamestalker]

I tried some Zero's, which have a visible canelure, but the canelure is shallow and is little more than a cosmetic feature. I tried using them with both H110 .357 loads, and +P 38 spcl. loads. The .357's wouldn't stay put, but the +P 38's held the crimp fine.

As for accuracy, I can't imagine accuracy being very good with a bullet that's getting pulled up, or failing to produce enough bullet hold, resulting inconsistent pressures would probably degrade accuracy.

GS

 

[Richard Head]

I use those bullets all the time. Just use a Lee Factory crimp die (for 357 Magnum pistol) and you're good to go with no bullet pull.

 

[bluetopper]

^^^^^If we had a "like" button to press for the above post, I would.

 

[RealGun]

I loaded 200 of them as 38 Special using 4.0 gr of Bullseye. I noticed no problems in the ones tested.

 

[Mauser69]

I tried some Zero's, which have a visible canelure, but the canelure is shallow and is little more than a cosmetic feature. I tried using them with both H110 .357 loads, and +P 38 spcl. loads. The .357's wouldn't stay put, but the +P 38's held the crimp fine.

As for accuracy, I can't imagine accuracy being very good with a bullet that's getting pulled up, or failing to produce enough bullet hold, resulting inconsistent pressures would probably degrade accuracy.

GS

My experience is completely different with Zero brand bullets. I have loaded well over 1,000 of their 158g JSP, and over 500 each of their 125g JSP and 125g JHP-c bullets in full tilt .357 magnum. I have shot all of these in my Ruger Blackhawk and M92 lever gun, experiencing ABSOLUTELY NO BULLET PULL OR SETBACK in any that I examined. I cannot swear that none ever occurred, since I never have looked closely at them after my initial testing, but I certainly have never experienced any symptoms.

I have loaded them with both Lyman and Lee dies, and I do bullet seating and roll crimp in the same step with the standard seating die. Bottom line for me is that they are an excellent bullet at an excellent price and provide me with excellent accuracy. I just wish they made them in .44 for my big guns. I love Zero brand bullets.

 

[rondog]

One could also buy a canneluring tool and groove them yourself.....

 

[Richard Head]

My reloading bench is such a cluttered mess that I was too embarrassed to show it so I photographed the cartridge on my basement floor in case anyone was wondering.