What If My Projectile Isn’t Listed in the Load Data

[YellowcatDaddy]

You can be off by up to 10% of the total bullet weight as long as: you start at the minimum load for the heaviest weight, the diameter and material are the same, seating depth is the same, and you are using a powder intended for your application (.357 Magnum data for .357 Magnum cases only, not .38 Special cases). W244 is a target powder, very flexible, but won't be good for most hunting or self-defense loading data; H110 is a magnum handgun/small rifle powder which reacts poorly to minimum loads - don't guess or fudge with H110!

Hope this helps.

Go the Hodgdon reloading sight & use the 158gr Cast LSWC info & you will be good.
Remember to do a ladder test from the lowest to the highest in equal increments to determine if you will have pressure problems.

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

Ladder test is new to me. I think you’re saying start at minimum loads and work up loads in .1 increment to the DO NOT EXCEED load?? My friend left me a chronic but I’ve not had time to get it out and try it. Should I try to chrono my loads.

Realistically bearing surface matters on paper but your only practical indication in 357 is sticky extraction. 38 in the same pistol is waaaaay over if you have any extraction indications. W244 is directly next to unique so would be a great choice for 38 and mid power 357. I'm looking for universal as a single base and skipped 244 as a double base ball. It should be able to get you moving ahead directly. Load a ladder with 244 and find your accuracy load and let us know your results. Target pictures are required.

Thats not good for me. When i shoot for accuracy and for publication, it means I have to keep my eyes open which tends to interrupt my flinch. Posting photos is no bueno.

You're in the right place to be asking questions. A great deal of good information is shared here. Welcome aboard!

No one knows everything that's why asking for any info you need is the best approach! Being curious is good! Being cautious is better!

Try to cross reference all the information you receive and then check it again. I hope you have a couple of manuals (Lyman 50th and Lee just to name two) to research, check and consult. They may not have the exact combo you're looking for but they will provide a guide you can pursue along with asking questions here.

Good Luck & be Safe!!!

I have Lees and Hornady, and Lyman and Nosler.

 

[Hondo 60]

This is exactly why 10 manuals are not enough.

But if you can't find data it just may not be commpatible.

Stay safe my friends.
Just my 2¢ worth.
YMMV

 

[AK Hunter]

Ladder test is new to me. I think you’re saying start at minimum loads and work up loads in .1 increment to the DO NOT EXCEED load?? My friend left me a chronic but I’ve not had time to get it out and try it. Should I try to chrono my loads.
.

For ladder loads I normally divide the difference between the min load & max load by five.(you can go more divisions or less to help on the math part) That gives me five levels & I load 3 to 5 rounds for each level. A chrono would help but to start with you just want to know your loads are safe by checking for flat primers budged or cracked brass, or anything that may be from over pressure. It's helpful to mark each brass to the level of load it has by coloring the head of the brass with a sharpie marker. Like I did on my 7.62x39 ladder, just a stripe across the head will be enough.


Only shoot one load level at a time at one target & you can get an idea of the accuracy of each level.