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Old 07-28-2011, 03:27 PM
parabarbarian parabarbarian is offline
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Default 357 magnum load for copper bullets

I have a small sample of 125 gr and 140 gr copper bullets that I want to try out. I intend to load them on 357 cases and I'd like to use 2400 if possible. Unfortunately Alliant had no data for copper bullets when I wrote them about a month ago. Anyone here have a good source for load data. I just ordered the Barnes reloading manual but, AFAIK, it doesn't have any data for Alliant powders

These are intended for a Marlin 1894C (and maybe a 77/357) but must still be safe for a 686 revolver.
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Old 07-28-2011, 03:48 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
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Are these copper plated bullets, or all-copper lead free bullets?
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Old 07-28-2011, 05:54 PM
parabarbarian parabarbarian is offline
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All copper.
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Old 07-28-2011, 06:18 PM
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All copper should be a longer bullet and will either be seated deeper if you follow manuals or will need to stick out further. I wouldn't want to cut the load to much and risk a squib load. So I would seat it out further. Not sure how much though.
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Old 07-28-2011, 07:00 PM
Snowbandit Snowbandit is offline
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Might check with whoever made the bullets and see what they have for load data. The 2400 powder should be workable if you can figure out a starting load. How much experimenting I would be willing to do would be directly related to the strength and value of the gun used for testing.
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Old 07-28-2011, 07:05 PM
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Add to what Snowbandit said: Make sure if they give you data that it is safe for a revolver. Some .357, .44, and .45 load data is rifle or even Marlin rifle specific.
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Old 07-28-2011, 08:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
Add to what Snowbandit said: Make sure if they give you data that it is safe for a revolver. Some .357, .44, and .45 load data is rifle or even Marlin rifle specific.
SAAMI pressure limits in handgun calibers like the .357 Magnum don't change if the ammo is used in a rifle or handgun. The only difference is the velocity attained because of the longer barrel length. A safe round is a safe round and if the pressure is too high for a handgun it just too high...
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Old 07-28-2011, 08:43 PM
Sevastopol Sevastopol is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parabarbarian View Post
All copper.
Too bad they're not Barnes Bullets, otherweise I would recomend you talk to them directly. They are very helpful (used to be, anyway), and might have been able to help.
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Old 07-28-2011, 11:46 PM
parabarbarian parabarbarian is offline
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Originally Posted by Sevastopol View Post
Too bad they're not Barnes Bullets, otherweise I would recomend you talk to them directly. They are very helpful (used to be, anyway), and might have been able to help.
FWIW, I'm a member of the "copper club". The only reloading data I could find for 38/357 on the Barnes website is for Accurate and Ramshot powders. If I could find Ramshot Enforcer locally I'd just pick up a pound and give it a try but the local stores seem to have only Hogdon and Alliant powders.
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