I'm looking for some load data for Cast Performances 180gr flat nose, gas check bullet for my .357 Magnum. Besides the usual manuals, I have online access to Load Data software. The only thing I've found is LilGun showing a max of 16.0 gr and 1168 fps.

I'm also not sure about the effect of the gas check on loadings. I could always take a plated or jacketed bullet and reduce the starting load, but would appreciate some feedback on what impact, if any, the gas check will have on best and safest way to go. Many thanks.

George

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Peace Thru Superior Firepower

If you want good and current cast bullet load data there's probably no better choice than the Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook. They list not only bullets from their bullet molds but for the first time for bullets from other company's bullet molds. They list 7 different loads for the .357 Magnum with a 180gr Saeco #354 bullet which is a GC mold. Which powder are you looking to use? Lyman lists HS-6, Blue Dot, Enforcer, AA#9, 2400, H110 and IMR-4227.

I bought that manual soon after it's release and I'm glad I did! It's well worth the price of admission...

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SWCA #3437

Thanks for the tip......I see it's for sale on Amazon.

For handguns I mostly do .45ACP (Solo 1000), and with .38 Special and .357 Mag I've been using W231. Because I load for small caliber rifles, I've also got a good supply of LilGun, H110, AA1680 and H4227 on hand.

However, I'm open to other suggestions on the optimum powder for this kind of bullet. I'm planning on using it for hogs here in N. Louisiana.

I like to use up what I have, but also welcome the opportunity to try different powders.

Thanks,

George

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Peace Thru Superior Firepower

I have had good success with My load: Tenn. Valley 180gr. ,.358 TC. & 12.8 gr. of 2400 powder. not too hot, but good penetration & very accurate. It makes a good hog & all around woods load.

The Lyman manual load data for H110 and IMR-4227 is as follows:
OAL = 1.590"
H110 - 12.7gr 1112 fps 29,900 CUP, 14.0gr 1266 fps 42,000 CUP
4227 - 12.9gr 1064 fps 32,200 CUP, 14.2gr 1171 fps 42,200 CUP

The 4227 is a compressed load. Unfortunately they don't list data for Lil'Gun because I feel it's probably the best choice for that caliber/bullet combination.

I did some tests with W296/H110 and Lil'Gun with a Cast Performance 180gr GC bullet.
From a Marlin 1894 this is what I got: (as always, use this data at your own risk)
14.8gr Lil'Gun = AV 1657 fps
13.7gr H110 = AV 1547 fps
I used a CCI-550 SP Magnum primer with both.

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SWCA #3437

There has to be something wrong with those powders. Shooting a 358429 weighing about 170 gr, I get 1698 fps ave. out of .38 Specials with 13.5 gr of 2400. Maybe the 22" Handi rifle barrel makes the difference, but that's a serious difference.

My loads for the very similar Cast Boolits group buy Lee C360-180-RNFP are 12.5 grains of Alliant 2400 with a CCI standard primer and 14.5 grains of Lil' Gun with a CCI standard primer. I never chronographed them from a revolver, but from my 1894C, the 2400 load gets 1,544 fps average and the Lil' Gun load gets 1,732 fps average.

Here are my results with the Cast Performance 180 WFNGC out of my Marlin lever, as always start low and work up

Accuracy was very good on all