Guys I am just getting started with reloading. I have a Lee Classic Reloader in .357 magnum I picked up at a pawn for $8.00 (don't quite have the $$ for a press yet)

I am able to use some supplies from a friend.

Franklin Arsenal Digital Scale
Bullseye Powder
CCI 550 sm pistol primers MAGNUM
125 gr Semi Wadcutter hard cast lead bullets
125 gr Flat Point DS Plated bullets from Berrys.

I have Lymans Reloading manual. They do not list these exect bullets, but they do list Bullyseye for some of the 357 mags.

Would a 7gr load be a good start? I suggest this based on Lymans bullyseye listing for:

125 gr jacketed HP 6.5 gr start 8.6 gr max.
120 gr linotype 1.585' oal 5.7 start 8.0 max
120 gr linotype 1.590' oal 6.5 start 8.30 max

Do you think 7gr would be safe to shoot?
Are the Magnum primers OK with Bullseye (it is what Lyman listed).
Is the digital scale typically accurate enough. (it came with a check wieght at 50 g and comes out at 771.9grs each time I weigh it)


I will be shooting from either a Ruger Stainless Blackhawk 6.5"; Ruger Blued Blackhawk 6.5", or a Ruger sp101 2.25"

Thanks

I think your load should be perfectly safe. Alliant says 8.4 grs is a max
load with a 125 gr jacketed bullet at 32,800 psi. This is well within the
new 35,000 max psi standards for the .357. I don't think the mag.
primers will make any significant difference with Bullseye.

Thanks for the info!

In regards to your digital powder scale. Yes, there’re accurate (given that proper calibration and zeroing was obtained) your math is correct as well: 1 gram = 15.432 grains and your scale registered what it supposed. Good luck.

When you try them out, I would be interested in how clean/smokey the loads are. Bullseye is famous for being dirty in light target loads, but it really cleans up with full power .45 FMJ loads. A .357 is capable of significantly higher pressure than a .45, which leads me to believe it might be reasonably clean.

You will find that these relatively light 125 grain bullets will give you quite a bit less recoil than the heavier 158 grain ones which most people use, and they develop high velocity quicker, especially with Bullseye, which is a very fast burning powder. This combination is rather good in a short barreled .357 like the Ruger SP101 you listed.

You can also use Unique powder for about the same effect. I like 9.6 grains of Unique behind a 125 grain jacketed soft point hollow point bullet which I swage, using pure lead for the core. This is quite effective in my short barreled S&W 649. In a gun with longer barrel, about a six inch one, it will generate around 1350 feet per second. You would get about the same with 8.1 grains of Bullseye instead, since that is the powder you have. But both of these are maximum loads, for a good, sturdy revolver in fine working condition. The three you mention are strong, reliable designs. Start with the lower power loads, which you mentioned, and work up cautiously. Don't ever "experiment" and go beyond the top published loads.

Take your time and read the Lyman manual thoroughly, not just the loading tables. They do a good job of putting things in simple terms for the person new to reloading, and they don't clutter your mind with a lot of unnecessary stuff. You'll have fun with reloading, like so many of us here. And it makes shooting much more affordable, as you are finding out.

Bullseye is a great powder choice but it is a bit dirty.The performance and low cost far outweigh the one negative.As far as scales go I prefer mechanical.I have electronic but have had issues and spend alot of time re-checking calibration.My preference is an old Lyman 2 poise beam scale.It's dead on.I have not tried the Lee scale but for $22. on sale at Cabela's you can't go wrong.For future fun try 148gn. hollow base wadcutters.You can get them from Georgia Arms for $30. a box of 500 rounds.I have a S&W 686 w/ 6 in. barrel my daughter loves.Use a 148HBWC over 2.9gn. of bullseye and you will have a ball.Light shooting,accurate and very economical.This is also a good load to start someone off with who may be a little skittish of the more powerful caliber's.Good luck,be safe and have fun reloading.

As said above a slower powder will give you better results in the .357 Magnum than Bullseye. Also, there's no reason to use a Magnum primer with Bullseye or any other easy to ignite powder, especially a fast powder like Bullseye. You will get better results using a CCI-500 primer instead of a CCI-550 primer. Just because the word Magnum is in the name of the round doesn't mean it requires a Magnum primer.

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If you are loading one at a time with a Lee Loader, a suggestion is to get some Lee dippers or you can make your own by using a empty piece of brass. Once you find the load you like you can file down the brass to dip or scoop the exact same charge every time. The Lee dies normally come with a dipper, that can be sanded down if need to deliver the exact amount of Bullseye.

Sure beats weigh every charge.

Forget the Lee scale. It is actually accurate but a real pain to use and read. Get a better beam balance if you can. It's the most important reloading tool.

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Just a note on checking digital scales.
If the weight of your check weight is given in Grams, switch your scale to Grams.
That way, you don't run the risk of a math error or using the wrong conversion factor.
Digital scales use a load cell or strain gauge that puts out a voltage proportional to the weight applied. That voltage is converted electronically to whatever unit of measurement being displayed.
If the load cell isn't putting out the correct voltage for the weight as originally calibrated, it will show up on all available unit of measurement scales.

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Bullseye would probably be my last choice for the 357mag, just too fast for anything but light loads. I prefer RedDot for a light load & Unique for higher vel, 2400 is about perfect in the 357mag for medium to full power loads.
IMO, loading lead bullets is a challenge for newb reloaders. They can cause all kinds of accuracy & leading issues. The bullet must fit the groove dia & the cyl throat dia for best results. Too small & you get leading & poor accuracy, especially w/ uberfast powders like BE.

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