Would 148gr WC be more accurate loaded in .357 cases?

[Snowdog]

I'm attempting to load up some super-mild 148gr wadcutters for my .357 magnum revolver in attempt to make it very pleasant to shoot as it's the next step up from a Mark II for someone who I've recently introduced to the shooting sports. These will be from either a S&W 681 or a Taurus 669.
I just purchased Lee's 4-die carbide set and 250 Hornady hollow-base wad cutters. I already have Winchester WSP (and WLP) at the house, along with about 2K of mixed brass in .38 and .357magnum.

Here's a couple questions:

1: Does anyone care to share a pet load for the .38 or .357mag that involves 148gr hollow base wadcutters and Winchester 231, Alliant Power Pistol or Alliant Bullseye powder (as that's all I have on hand and I'd rather not build up a stockpile of different kinds of powder)?

2: Will I likely notice any difference in accuracy if I were to load these Hornady WCs in .357 cases instead of .38 special cases? I'm wondering if the shorter jump to the forcing cone will make any difference.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve C]

1: Does anyone care to share a pet load for the .38 or .357mag that involves 148gr hollow base wadcutters and Winchester 231, Alliant Power Pistol or Alliant Bullseye powder (as that's all I have on hand and I'd rather not build up a stockpile of different kinds of powder)?

Here is a link to an article writen by Ken Waters in Handloader magazine on .38spl wadcutter loads in PDF format. Ken Waters on 38 wadcutters

2: Will I likely notice any difference in accuracy if I were to load these Hornady WCs in .357 cases instead of .38 special cases? I'm wondering if the shorter jump to the forcing cone will make any difference.

The slight added gap between a .38 spl revolver vrs a .357 mag is a difference that makes no difference in accuracy. If you read the article above and look at their accuracy results you can see that the .357 mag can be the most accurate pistol with some ammo, even more accurate than a semi auto which has no gap at all.

 

[Snowdog]

Thanks for the link, Steve!

 

[Quantrill]

The rule of thumb that I was taught, was add .5 grain of powder for a .357 load compared to a .38 load. My load for .38spec wadcutters is 2.5 grains of 700x so I add the .5 grain and load 3.0 grains in a .357 case. Having done that, I find no difference in accuracy between the 2. The "standard" target load for .38sp is 2.7 Bullseye. Quantrill

 

[Corey ACP]

I have lost count of how many .38 spl rounds I have fired in my vintage Colt Python. I use only one load for 148 gr. HBWC. That is 3.1 gr 231.
With either a WW or Federal small pistol primer.
After 20+ years I still use this gun and ammo combo to shoot the rare bullseye match. It is very accurate out of most all revolvers whether chambered for .38 spl or .357. I have never seen the need to use .357 brass for these light target loads.