Cannot find anywhere 357 Magnum mid range loads using WW231 with 170 gr Lyman 358429s. I’m looking for a 1,000 FPS load for 4 5/8 inch Ruger Blackhawk. Lyman goes as high as 6.1 grs of Bullseye, a faster burning powder than WW231.

I may start at 5.0 grs and max at 5.5 grs using WW231/Lyman 358429 combination and verify over my chronograph.

Anyone have experience with WW231 and the 358429?

Not with 231. It's a fast-to-mid range powder. I use the Lyman 358 in 38's with 4.0 gr of 231 for a good mid range load in my 38's. Also 4.0 gr of Universal. Very similar ballistics and accuracy for me. For 357's W296 is is my go-to powder. For mid range the standard is Unique. Haven't loaded that in years but I remember it shot well in 357 cases.

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Heavily armed old man.

I have 1 lbs of WW231 to use. My standard mid range load with the 358429 uses Unique, but I want to try the WW231.

I have a Winchester powder manual from 1975 that says you can use 6.7 grains of 231 with a 158 gr lead swc for 1275 fps and 42.500 CUP.

How long do you want your pet to live? Bullseye and 231 are fast flash in the pan propellants. Unique and slower powders are more gentile but longer lasting push powders. If you want magnum performance, use magnum powders. If you want economy, shoot mild gallery loads.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

I didn’t say I needed magnum velocities, I have been using 2400 for magnum applications for nearly fifty years.

I have the same manual, and the speeds given are for a long test barrel. If my calculations are correct, the op can't get there safely with his chosen MV, barrel and bullet. However, it's his Ruger, and if he wants to overload it with 231 instead of using HS6 or something else slower than 231, I'll stand way over here and watch; not interested in an argument.

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Science plus Art

There is nothing wrong using W231 in his 357 loads in his Ruger . He's not wanting magnum velocities . I think he is about right on his loads of starting at 5.0 and moving up to 5.5 using the Keith swc . A chronograph will tell him when to stop . For years I have used 5.0 grs of Red Dot with a 162 gr cast swc for about that same velocity according to the manuals that I use . Regards Paul

My Speer #10 book (1979) does not show a 170 projo but 4.9g 231 as starting with 158g LSWC, CC! 500 primer, 897 fps 6''Ruger Sec Six; 5.5g Unique starting 970 fps. A 170g projectile must be reduced from there.

My Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #3 (2008) does not show any lead loads heavier than 115g #358345 with 231 using .357 magnum cases.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

I have found through the years that w231 and Alliant Green Dot are very close in fps and pressures.

If you notice, Bullseye's maximum is listed at 6.1grs with that bullet.
Since GrDot and W231 are a little slower burning than Alliant Bullseye powder.....................

I would think that working up to 5.8 grs would not cause a problem but...............

Unique or 2400 would be a good choice if you don't mind using MORE powder.

Guess I’ll just put the 231 to good use in 38 Specials, my loads here use 3.8 grs 231 and 148 DEWC (Full Wadcutter which mirrors 3.2 grs of Bullseye) and 4.7 grs 231 with 158 gr SWCHP (+P load which chronographs at 789 FPS in my S&W 637, duplicating +/- Federal’s 38G FBI load).

Your 231 will be just fine with the 170 gr Lyman bullet for a mid range
load at 1,000 fps in your Ruger. You had a good plan from the beginning
to start at around 5.0 grs and work up to a charge weight that yields
your 1,000 fps in your strong revolver. Why bring it here for the naysayers to pick apart? You will never even come close to the 35,000
psi limit for the .357 with 231 and your cast bullet and you have a
chronograph to tell you when you're where you want to be. Go for it
and report back.

A Winchester's Reloading Manual 15th edition shows a 357 Magnum 200g lead with 5.5g 231@ 1060 fps 42,500 cup. So somebody's done it. Misprints may happen.

Attached Images

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

I've loaded many 160g cast SWC with 6.5g of 231. They are definitely hotter than a 38 but much milder than a hot magnum. I realize that doesn't help you much with the bullet you're using.