What are your favorite .357 loads?

[Funshooter45]

I have a few good loads for the .357. My wife loves about 4.0 gr of 231 with a 158 gr cast bullet in "her" model 60 S&W. 4.6 gr of the same powder and bullet shoots a lot more accurate in most revolvers, but it's more than she likes.

Moving up a bit, 16 gr of 296 makes a dandy load with a jacketed 158 gr bullet in my Blackhawk.

But lately I have found new love for the little wimpy .357 by going to 180 gr hard cast bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. Amazing the difference moving up from 158 gr. This is now a real revolver! Using about 13.5 gr of 296 or about 14.0 gr of Lil Gun gives good accuracy and a satisfying recoil.

The other day though, my shooting buddy and I were shooting some of the 180's with 296 and a question came up. They feel real good in a 6" revolver, not very good in our 2" or 3" revolvers. He's not a reloader, but he buys the bullets and helps me with the loading and he understands the principles. He asked if it were possible to use a medium powder like Universal or Unique with the 180 gr bullet and get a more manageable load for the lighter shorter barrels?

I dunno. I have used around 6.0 gr of Universal with the 158 gr cast. What would be a good powder weight for a 180?

 

[zxcvbob]

I dunno. I have used around 6.0 gr of Universal with the 158 gr cast. What would be a good powder weight for a 180?

Probably about 5.5. But I think I'd go to a little slower powder like 7.0 grains of Herco or 10 grains of AA7.

 

[joneb]

If I had lots of Bullseye, I would try 6.5 grains in the .357 with 158 grain lead bullets. This is a max load in Alliant's 2004 load data book, so work up to it.

With 158gr LSWC for .357 mag. Bullseye will work well, I would use standard small pistol primers and start at 4.2gr of Bullseye. Work up load until you have your desired result, I'll guess you find your load before 6.5 gr.

 

[soloban]

158 Gr. Hornaday XTPs over a near max load of H110 with CCI #550 Primers. Be prepared for a THUMP!