357 Reloading Advice

[badguybuster]

I need some advice. up to this point the only thing i have reloaded is for my 50 beowulf which i taught myself how to do with some advice from members of this forum and a couple others. now, i wanna reload for my 357 mag revolvers and wanted to see if ya'll had any advice or if there was anything i should be aware of.

[john traveler]

First and foremost, you need to get a reloading manual or download load data online. Study it, and don't stray from documented, recommended loads.

Trying out load suggestions from nameless, faceless strangers is a good way to damage your gun or have a shooting accident.

The most common reloading mistakes that result in a blownup gun are:
1. wrong type or amount of gunpowder (overpressure).
2. too heavy a bullet for that charge of powder (overpressure).
3. squib load leaving a bullet stuck in bore.

[kentguy]

badguybuster,
Im not sure just what you are looking for in a 357 mag. load, or how much experience/equiptment you have, however I agree with John T. get a load book! Stick with the load range listed in the books, start low and work your way up.

Also start with a soft shooting round and as you gain experience you can branch out.

A nice load I have is
158g LSWC (Suter's Choice Cast Bullets 38 Cal (357 Diameter) 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Box of 500). Lead shoots much softer (more enjoyable to shoot) than FMJ or Hollow points.

Winchester 231 Powder (Stay in the low to mid range) Also keep your velocity below 950 fps. this will reduce any lead build up on the inside of your barrel to a very minimum.

Any standard small pistol primer - Not much difference between them.

Keep the OAL - between 1.570" - 1.580" (keep the pressure at the lower range)

Above all be careful be accurate and take lots of notes! Remember you are the quality control department. You are not manufacturing candy canes here; you are putting together live ammunition.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

[ArchAngelCD]

My advice is:
-Use quality components
-Use published data from a trusted source
-Measure, weigh and check everything twice
-Have fun shooting your ammo

[badguybuster]

i gained a lot of experience loading for the 50 as it can be verytricky to make work i appreciate all the advice

[jibjab]

"to see if ya'll had any advice or if there was anything i should be aware of. "

Watch for case length variations after sizing, revolver brass that head spaces off the rim can vary quite a bit. This will have a effect on the crimp.

[kennyb]

badguy...it's really not at all tricky..as mentioned,get a reloading manual and read it...carefully...follow recipe's to the T...lots of fun and satisfaction