...the following question:

In the HODGDON's reloading website they show 2 loads using WIN 231 and the 140GR Hornady "Cowboy" (LFN?) for .38 S&W Special & .357 Magnum.

.38 &W Special shows MIN of 4.1 GR (@ 861 fps) and a MAX 4.6 GR (@ 980 fps)

.357 Magnum shows MIN of 2.9 GR (@ 718 fps) and a MAX OF ONLY 3.7 GR (@ 897 fps)

WHY ???????????????????

I actually sent them a question on their CONTACT US page and was told the following:

"Yes the data is low velocity with that bullet, that is what we intended to produce for the lead bullet and Cowboy ACtion was to keep it under 900 in that cartridge. I am sure it can be loaded to a higher velocity but why do that and lead your barrel up, Hornady recommends a velocity between 650 and 1100 fps with that bullet."

I was looking for info as to the SAFE MAX of WIN 231 for the .357 Magnum loading: as if it is going to "lead up" LESS in the 38 S&W Special load of 4.6 GR (@ an estimated 980 fps) than it would in a .357 Magnum loading of 3.7 GR (@ their estimated 897 fps)? What I'm really looking for is the data for a SAFE MAX load for the .357 Magnum at 1000-1050 fps. I can't believe that 3.7 is MAX published for .357 Magnum when they show 4.6 for the .38 S&W Special?

Any suggestions: I don't have a chrono yet, BTW?