357 Load For 140gr Lead Bullet

sjs · Nov 6, 2021

I have a bunch of 140g coated bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. which I bought when bullets were scarce and they were all I could find. I have been using them in 38 SP cases with 4.4g of HP38, the only powder I have which has load data for that bullet. I generally use data for lead bullets with coated bullets in other weights so that is what I am looking at.

I want to use some of my 357 cases now and the only data I can find is Hogdon's load for a 140g Hornady Cowboy lead bullet listing 2.9-3.7g HP38 for velocity of 718-897fps. This is obviously a cowboy action load and since I can use up to 4.6g of HP38 in my 38sp cases it will be safe to use at least that much in my 357mag cases.

But, I don't want to load anything I can't find in a manual, and I would like to get a least a little bit of steam in the load. Anybody have a manual with data for a 140g lead bullet in .357 using HP38 other than what I have listed above?

alwslate · Nov 6, 2021

The Lyman cast bullet manual has loads for a variety of lead bullets, including 148 and 150 gr bullets but may not include HP38 powder. Original Winchester data went up to 6.8 grs of 231 with 158 gr bullets in the 357 so just bump your load up to 7.0 grs or less as you choose and sleep well.

Nevada Ed · Nov 6, 2021

I hope those 140 lead bullets work out well for you.

I shot the 140 XTP in my 38 and 357 and had great accuracy in my
2" to 6" weapons.

Don't forget pictures...........

Univibe · Nov 6, 2021

I can't tell from your question what you're trying to do. Are you trying to replicate a .38 special load in a .357 case? If so, just add a tenth of a grain to compensate for the slightly larger case, and call it done.

If you're trying to run that bullet at .357 spec velocities, it's a bit more complicated. Does Hodgdon list a .357 spec load for a 158 grain hardcast? That's where I'd start. If it's safe pushing a 158, it's likely to be safe pushing a lighter bullet.

But I have to caution: extrapolation to make unpublished loads is not for the beginner. I've done it once, in order to make light-magnum loads in .44 magnum, by extrapolating from .45 Colt published data. But I was (1) an experienced reloader who knew what I was doing, and why; and (2) I was working with sub-magnum spec loads, really creating .44 spl +P+ type loads, in a modern .44 mag revolver. I knew that the pressures I was generating were far below SAAMI spec for a magnum load. I cannot recommend this kind of thing to a person who's not thoroughly experienced.

STORMINORMAN · Nov 7, 2021

Extrapolating from one caliber to another is "apples & oranges"...

From one bullet & powder to the (virtually?) same bullet and powder is more "apples to apples"(IMHO)...

The preoccupation of finding something "published" for each and every possible combination of individual bullet and powder is beyond me: finding a safe starting load shouldn't be that difficult when comparing apples to apples.

Cheers!

sjs · Nov 7, 2021

Thanks guys. What I am trying to do is get a magnum velocity, mid range not top end. I have experience using manual listed loads but no expertise in doing anything outside the manuals. I have a lot of loads in my manuals for HP38 but not for the 140 grain lead bullets. 125, 158 yes, but not 140. My only other choice for powder is Bullseye and I found nothing there in my manuals for a 140.

alwslate · Nov 7, 2021

As said above finding an exact load published in a manual that you can duplicate for your specific requirement is likely impossible and unnecessary. And a $99 CE Digital chronograph would make things much easier. They may be a bit higher now but so what. Just use published data for a 158 gr bullet and you can’t go wrong.

357 Load For 140gr Lead Bullet

sjs

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alwslate

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Nevada Ed

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Univibe

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STORMINORMAN

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sjs

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alwslate

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