357 Mag 158 gr SWC - Red Dot target loads

38SPL HV · Aug 15, 2016

Have some Red Dot and want to develop a 357 Mag target load with velocity not to exceed 975 fps in 4 inch. Had good luck and very fine accuracy with Red Dot in std 38 Spl loads in the past. I like the way it takes up space in the cases as well.

I've seen published load data showing max of 5.5 grs in 357 Mag with 158 gr lead. I will probably start at 4.5 grs. Probably would get me near 950 fps. We'll see what the chrono says.

Probably an economical load as well - if it shots as well as my old 38 Spl loading, I'll be very happy.

Any inputs and experiences will be appreciated.

Boogsawaste · Aug 24, 2016

Why not start around where you found that accuracy in 38 special and go from there? That's what I'd do anyway.

2152hq · Aug 24, 2016

I used to shoot a lot of RD in 38spl for Bullseye match loads and just plain plinking.
I liked the the bulky powder and the way it filled the case too.
Green Dot is another that works good in the slightly larger caliber cases..

For 357, if you have published data that gives only a MAX load, there's usually somewhere on the data that says to reduce by 10% for a starting load.
LEE usually does that on their reloading data furnished with the die sets.

It's not as clean burning as some powders but that point is overdone by some I think. Run a cleaning rod thru the bbl when you're done and wipe the gun down. It's not like you're shooting triple Fg in it.

Mark in GA · Aug 25, 2016

Here are results from my tests about 5 years ago.

Cart: 357 Mag
Powder: Red Dot
Brass: Starline
Primer: CCI 500
Test Firearm: S&W 686-5 4"

Chrg__Avg_____Hi____Low___ES___SD_____Bullet_________Cart. OAL
5.0____981___1032___947___85____45____HDY 125 XTP___1.580
6.0___1104___1117__1094___23____12____HDY 125 XTP___1.580
7.0___1226___1238__1217___21____11____HDY 125 XTP___1.580

Chrg__Avg_____Hi____Low___ES___SD_____Bullet__________Cart. OAL
5.0___930_____960___883___77___41_____SPR 135 GDHP___1.590
6.0__1078____1093__1067___26___13_____SPR 135 GDHP___1.590
6.5__1131____1161__1103___58___29_____SPR 135 GDHP___1.590

Chrg__Avg_____Hi____Low___ES___SD_____Bullet_________Cart. OAL
4.0___657____660____633___27___13_____HDY 158 XTP___1.590
5.0___796____814____774___40___20_____HDY 158 XTP___1.590
6.0___944____956____933___23___12_____HDY 158 XTP___1.590

Chrg__Avg_____Hi____Low___ES___SD_____Bullet___________Cart. OAL
4.0___802_____823___798___25___12_____Magma 158 SWC___1.585
4.5___876_____889___860___29___14_____Magma 158 SWC___1.585
5.0___942_____959___928___31___15_____Magma 158 SWC___1.585
5.5__1018____1027__1008___19___10_____Magma 158 SWC___1.585
6.0__1063____1067__1061____6____3_____Magma 158 SWC___1.585

Hope this helps,
Mark in GA

cowboy4evr · Aug 25, 2016

I have shot a lot of 5.0 gr loads using red dot with a 158gr cast bullet . They were very accurate and fun to shoot . I didn't have a chronograph (still don't ) but would use that load again the next time I wanted some 357 target loads . I used a 686 4" at the time .

gwpercle · Aug 25, 2016

Thank's Mark ,
Those loads with the 158 gr Magma SWC look very interesting !
I have Red Dot , Starline brass , a 158 grain SWC gas check mould and a Ruger Blackhawk 357 that are just begging for a range trip !

Gary

much ado · Aug 25, 2016

Red Dot 357 SWCs

Looked up some #s from "way back in the day" and 4.2 with 158 Speer LSWC with CCI500 primers in mag cases averaged 828 in a 4 inch Python. 4.7 with everything else the same went 900 even.

Moe Mentum · Aug 25, 2016

i have been using Red Dot for .357 mag for years. 5.0 grains under a 158 grain bullet is a nice mild target load.

38SPL HV · Aug 25, 2016

Thank you for all the great inputs!

rwsmith · Aug 26, 2016

Don't ignore.........

Don't ignore putting .38 or .38+P loads in the .357 case. I do this to prevent crud build up in front of the chambers so when I want to load hot .357s I don't have to brush them out.

fredj338 · Aug 26, 2016

Boogsawaste said:
Why not start around where you found that accuracy in 38 special and go from there? That's what I'd do anyway.

Use 38sp data, add 1/10gr, you are right about there.

357 Mag 158 gr SWC - Red Dot target loads

38SPL HV

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Boogsawaste

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2152hq

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Mark in GA

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cowboy4evr

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gwpercle

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much ado

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Moe Mentum

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38SPL HV

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rwsmith

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fredj338

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