.357 Velocity - What's your normal load?

[felix]

"The 357 is the most versatile of the magnum line" says it all. Any of today's pistol powder formulations will work just right from the fastest one up to the fastest rifle powders and including some of them too. ... felix

[cbrick]

I didn't vote because a 158 Gr boolit at 1400 fps hardly qualifies as a WOW in the 357, well, maybe in a 2" snubby.

I use my FA 9" 357 for handgun silhouette and load mostly the RCBS 180 silhouette boolit at 188 Gr in my alloy at 1550 fps. My current match load uses H-110 but I have experimented with 296, H-108 and others. Grouping is at 200 meters and best accuracy has always come with the slowest powder that will get you to your velocity goal. I've recently experimented with 1680 and DW 360 brass cut to properly fit the FA cylinder, accuracy was fair but it will take a redesigned boolit with the crimp a bit lower (less boolit in the case and a bit more in the throat) to allow 1/2 to 1 Gr more powder. I may go to the Mountain Mold web site and do this, if nothing else it's an interesting experiment. I don't like putting this load data on the internet because someone out there would feel compelled to try it in a fine S&W or Colt and turn it into a hand grenade, this data is for Freedom Arms revolvers ONLY.

Lot's of other calibers and loads for plinking or paper punching, for me the 357 is my match gun and both accuracy and enough power to take down the 55 pound 200 meter target is what's important, a 158 Gr boolit at 1400 fps would be anemic. As seen in this thread the 357 is indeed a versatile caliber, from mouse fart loads to what is really impressive accuracy and power.

Rick

[mroliver77]

cbrick,
There are those that will tell you the extra 150 fps does not mean much. hehe. My .357 MAGNUM is used as a magnum. I do shoot .38 in it for plinking 1000fps but the Blackhawk is a hunting gun so I practice with hunting loads. Since the 1930's the .357 has been loaded down for the somewhat smaller guns that are chambered for it and the heavy guns suffer because of this. I dont load mine "hot" but do load it to its potential.
Jay

[uncle joe]

I used to load 15 g of 2400 for my blackhawk. nice big boom, love a 357

[101VooDoo]

Looks like the largest group is the 1100-1200 fps range.

I've got some medium speed powders: True Blue, Power Pistol, N340, and I think I've got a couple cans of WAP somewhere. Think I'll work up some loads around the 1200 fps mark.

Thanks for the input,

Jim

[MakeMineA10mm]

For economical practice loads, I use 5.6grs W231 with WSP and Matt's GB 358156-PB bullet either seated normally in 357 brass or seated long and using the lower crimp groove in 38 brass. This is about a 1050-1100fps load, enough to let you know you're not shooting a 38 anymore but still quite pleasant.

For "social purposes" I load 12.6grs AA#9 with WSP and Lyman 358156-GC which has been HPed by Buckshot for me. He made 4 different HP pins for me, but my two favorites are my modified "big Ben" and my "Winchester Sine-wave" ones. This load goes about 1200fps on a warm day in August, but I find it sufficient if the alloy and HP design are matched up along with the velocity.

[Ekalb2000]

13 grn of 2400 for the light duty stuff.
15 grn for the occasional backwoods adventures.
Probably not to much difference.

[Crash_Corrigan]

If I want to attract a crowd at the range I fill my .44 Spcl cases with Swiss #1 and put a 256 gr .430 LSWC on top and have at it with my CA Bulldog 2.5 tubed revolver.

It makes a very impressive BOOM and will also illuminate low flying planes and hillsides and roast small birds in the area.

It would be a dandy CCW loading save for the fact by the 2nd shot I can't seem much in front or around me for the smoke.

As far as ,357's. I have two of them. Love them to death but I seldom load them up beyond 1000 FPS. I am too old and I do not like pain in any form.

[Rusty Shackleford]

I like 6.0 grs. of Unique under a 158 gr. Lee tlswc.

[Ekalb2000]

I like 6.0 grs. of Unique under a 158 gr. Lee tlswc.

Pee's and Carrots rite there.

andy

[Thumbcocker]

Lee 158 rnfp over 4.5 of red dot has been doing good for me lately.