I cleaned out and re-arranged my ammo locker yesterday and found some .357 Mag ammo that I loaded a few years ago that I haven't fired since I first loaded it. I'm concerned about whether or not it can be fired safely.
First off, when I loaded this ammo several years ago, I was using it in a Colt Python 4". I don't have that gun anymore, and the .357 Magnum that I currently have is a S&W 686+ 7-shot L-frame with a 2-1/2" barrel.
I loaded the ammo using brand-new primed R-P nickel-plated brass and Sierra 125 gr. JHP bullets. Here's the issue: I used 14.6 gr. of Blue Dot powder.
I don't actually remember shooting this load, but my range notes indicate that it was a stout load, but there was no primer cratering when I shot it in the Python.
I just looked in my four reloading manuals. Three of them do not list Blue Dot powder. The one manual that does list it indicates that 12.0 gr. is a maximum load! I don't intend to reload more of it -- I just hate to dissassemble the 60 rounds I have, and I would rather fire it if it's safe.
Does anyone here have any more info on the use of Blue Dot powder with a 125 gr jacketed bullet in the .357 Mag? What's your opinion on the safety of this load?