Since acquiring a good amount of 357 Rem Magnum cases my 38spl cases are sitting in a bin empty.

I've been loading 158gr hard cast and 158gr plated over 4.0gr of Titegroup for use in a 3" Model 66-2,3" Model 13-2 and 2 1/2" 686-4 with excellent success on paper targets out to 50'

I found half a box of Hornady 148gr HBWC bullets under the bench that I forgot about after I sold a 15-6.

I just loaded a box of 50 in 357mag cases over 3.3gr of Titegroup,S&B SPP and a rolled crimp at a 1.280" OAL

I'm mostly interested in using these in the fixed sight 3" 13-2.

I have great confidence in my 2 1/2" 686-4 and my use of it but the same is not present yet with the recently acquired 13-2.I'm hoping the WC loads will raise expectations since I prefer adjustable sights and stainless these days.

Do you load 148gr HBWC in 357mag cases?Targets?Carry?

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I was loading 148gr wadcutters for my 38 specials, than I realized I like the trigger on my 27-2 better. I didn't want the grunge build up on the cylinder with the 38 spl. cases in the .357 magnum cylinder so I have been loading the wadcutters in the .357 mag cases. I add a tad bit more powder to make up for the volume in the case. I also have been using those poly coated bullets. I like the fact they are totally encapsulated and they won't lead foul the barrel even at speed up to an incredible 2200 FPS. I don't push them close to that speed but that's what the manufacturer says they can withstand. Accuracy has been spot on with these poly coated bullets. The wadcutters in the magnum cases are more accurate in the .357 than the 38 spl cases were.

I load Hornady HBWC in .357 brass, 2.8 gr Bullseye. I shoot them in both my 686 and my 66.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I used 148gr Double Ended wad cutters and your recipe is the same as mine. Sweet round out of my 5inch GP100

Do it all the time. As well as other .38 special loads. And loads between.38 special and .38 plus P and magnum.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Great move! Simplifies your inventory. No reason to run .38 cases if all you have are .357 chambers.

I've been using Titegroup and 148 gn HBWCs for 38 spec. Looking through back issues of Handloader they recommend keeping them to around 700 to 800 fps. I recently acquired a 19-3 that has a fairly large B/C gap. To keep it from spraying lead I loaded up 100 158 gn LSWC in 357 cases and had no problems. I just got some 148 gn DEWC and will load up some 357 cases. Again best accuracy with WC is supposed to be around 700 fps and that's what I try for.

My experience with wadcutters in both 357 and 44 Mag revolvers is that I consistently get better accuracy using magnum length cases vs special length cases.
Given that cylinder throat diameter, and matching lead bullet diameter, is so critical to accuracy in revolvers, it makes sense that minimizing the distance the bullet has to travel from case mouth to throat should be kept to a minimum.
Generally, I find that the only compensation I have to make is a slight increase in powder charge (average just a few tenths of a grain) to keep an ideal target velocity level.

Best Regards,
Jim

I did until I discovered the Lyman # 358432 160 grain wadcutter was more accurate . The carry J frame is now loaded with them.

Lyman discontinued that mould but NOE makes it now as their
NOE 360-160-WC PB (360432).
If you cast and reload try it , it's an accuracy sleeper few know about, it shoots to fixed sighted J & K frame revolvers sights very nicely.
2.7 (38 special) , 2.8 (357 mag.) of Bullseye wins the target accuracy contest. Heavier loads with AA#5 and Unique work well also.
Gary

I found out that the 148 HBwc lead bullet did better in my J frame 38.....
while my 357's liked the BBwc 148 at a little faster clip than my 38 loads.
I finally went to the 158 Lswc bullet since it shot as well or better
and was a little easier to load than the flat faced loads in a 357 case.

All three bullets will work in the 357 case, from a low of 788 up to 984fps for light target loads.
Good luck.

hornady manual lists the WSPM for all .357 loads including the light TG and 231 loads.