True Blue - 357 Magnum 158 gr cast SWC

38SPL HV

38SPL HV

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Been working with True Blue powder since the Summer, and arrived at a nice load, powerful yet accurate. Here is a 10 shot string taken from my Ruger 4 5/8 Blackhawk at my morning session:

Cartridge: 357 Magnum
Bullet: 158 gr cast SWC
Load: 8.0 grs True Blue
Primer: SPM
OAL: 1.590” (1/2 turn Lee FCD (crimped in side of bullet to accommodate OAL requirement))
Results:
#Shot/MV
1. 1198
2. 1177
3. 1168
4. 1192
5. 1197
6. 1170
7. 1201
8. 1198
9. 1161
10. 1168

Summary:
Hi 1201
Lo 1161
Avg 1183
ES 40
SD 14

Notes:

Load data derived from Western 8.0 manual. Hodgdon advises and confirms this date that Western 8.0 data still applies. Hodgdon also advises that they are in the process of “migrating” 8.0 Western data over to their on-line reloading data center; that’s why you don’t see 357 Mag True Blue data for cast 158 gr SWC at this time.

Very accurate load (20 shots verified). ES is below 50, which is my benchmark nowadays for a good load. I will not go above 8.0 grs getting enough velocity from it compared to the Western load data. Expect 1225 fps +/- in a six inch tube - a good solid, higher end mid range load…does all what I want my Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk to do.

This load information is being posted for informational purposes only, and is for use in my revolver only. Please refer to current published load data and instructions before reloading anything.
 
Last edited:
So, I’m setting up my secondary press for lower range 357. Looking to duplicate Buffalo Bore’s 158gr + P 158gr LSWCHP - GC with both the Rim Rock bullet and Bear Creek’s Hi HighTec 158gr SWC.

Was going to work up to ~12 - 12.5grs 2400.

I have True Blue.

Which would you choose?
 
…I prefer 4 5/8 inch barrel in 357 Magnum for ease of packing and aesthetics (“packing pistol”). I tend to stay away from slower burning powders (W296/H110, N110, etc) in the shorter barrel length. I do however like 2400 in the 4 5/8 inch for full magnum loads.

Getting nearly 1200 fps with a 158 gr cast SWC in a 4 5/8 inch as I do with True Blue pretty much duplicates factory 357 Mag 158 gr JSP loads in a 4 inch barrel length….that speed is enough fun for me.
 
Last edited:
38SPL HV said:
…I prefer 4 5/8 inch barrel in 357 Magnum for ease of packing and aesthetics (“packing pistol”). I tend to stay away from slower burning powders (W296/H110, N110, etc) in the shorter barrel length. I do however like 2400 in the 4 5/8 inch for full magnum loads.

Getting nearly 1200 fps with a 158 gr cast SWC in a 4 5/8 inch as I do with True Blue pretty much duplicates factory 357 Mag 158 gr JSP loads in the same barrel length….that speed is enough fun for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate your work!

I have H110, and tried a 13 gr load. I shot great with the 158gr Bear Creek bullets (Hi Tech coated) - incredibly accurate - but it seemed the 158gr Rim Rock (Gas checked) was “unfriendly” with poor accuracy.

Thoughts
 
John Patrick said:
So, I’m setting up my secondary press for lower range 357. Looking to duplicate Buffalo Bore’s 158gr + P 158gr LSWCHP - GC with both the Rim Rock bullet and Bear Creek’s Hi HighTec 158gr SWC.

Was going to work up to ~12 - 12.5grs 2400.

I have True Blue.

Which would you choose?
Click to expand...

I chronographed Buffalo Bores 38 Spl +P 158 gr cast recently…pls see my post. I would never attempt to duplicate its velocity in 38 Spl cases. Sounds like you’re going to use 357 Mag cases to duplicate its velocity…shouldn’t be hard with 2400 and current published load data. I hope you have access to a chronograph as well. Checkout Lyman data. The only problem I have with 2400 is that it doesn’t burn as well at lower end charges…ES’s are pretty wide as well at least for me., and it is known to leave little particle residue all around!
 
…bottom line, always, always refer to your loading manual. I’ve been loading for nearly 50 yrs now…experience has its virtues but I will only recommend that you use current published load data for your goals
 
Thanks again!

Yes, 357 cases.

The current Lyman manual is my source for 2400 and I’ll work up from their starting load. An older Speer manual was my source for H110 data.

My chronograph is in inaccessible storage, looking to buy another.

I find it odd that lower to midrange 357 case 158gr LSWC, SWCHP, or coated 158gr bullet loading data is so limited, and at times contradictory.
 
I like to give my powders a try at what works best in fps & accuracy test.

True Blue is a nice powder for the 357 Magnum and many like it, since it arrived on the scene.

In todays times, some people try to use the least amount (5-6grs)of powder for target loads
while others don't mind having 11-14 grains of powder in the case, if the fps or accuracy, makes them happy.

I have heard a lot of good things about True Blue powder but I also like the other TB powder. (Trail Boss)
 
True Blue has been a favorite powder in 45 LC using my own cast 255 gr swc with my original H&G 501 4 cavity mold . I have used True Blue in 357 magnum loads for eons and found it performed well . I will also add that in the 45 LC , I have had great success using Ramshot Zip . Not trying to change the thread , just a comment about another great Ramshot powder . Regards Paul
 
Nevada Ed said:
I like to give my powders a try at what works best in fps & accuracy test.

True Blue is a nice powder for the 357 Magnum and many like it, since it arrived on the scene.

In todays times, some people try to use the least amount (5-6grs)of powder for target loads
while others don't mind having 11-14 grains of powder in the case, if the fps or accuracy, makes them happy.

I have heard a lot of good things about True Blue powder but I also like the other TB powder. (Trail Boss)
Click to expand...

I stumbled onto a decent amount and selection of powder several months ago.

I’m new to handgun reloading and it’s been a decade or so from when I last loaded rifle rounds.

My 38spl wadcutter load uses 3.5grs of HP-38. I’m looking forward to using a 357 load with a relatively taller charge of powder that isn’t as difficult to visually check. Because the 3.5gr load is so difficult to visually check I find myself weighing charges a lot more frequently than Dillon recommends.
 
Well, the bulkier (?) the powder the easier it is to determine visually... As I have no experience with Dillon equipment I can only ask if there is no easy provision for a "powder cop" type device...?

Cheers!

P.S. I still hand weigh all my powder loads, even to the extent of going from a LEE dipper to a balance beam scale & then to a digital scale for a check weight... Pretty much insures there will be no double (as in KABOOM!) OR partial (as in a potential squib) charges.
 
STORMINORMAN said:
Well, the bulkier (?) the powder the easier it is to determine visually... As I have no experience with Dillon equipment I can only ask if there is no easy provision for a "powder cop" type device...?

Cheers!

P.S. I still hand weigh all my powder loads, even to the extent of going from a LEE dipper to a balance beam scale & then to a digital scale for a check weight... Pretty much insures there will be no double (as in KABOOM!) OR partial (as in a potential squib) charges.
Click to expand...

You’re onto something there. Google reveals an RCBS powder check die for progressive presses. Would need to combine seating and crimping.
 
38SPL HV said:
Been working with True Blue powder since the Summer, and arrived at a nice load, powerful yet accurate. Here is a 10 shot string taken from my Ruger 4 5/8 Blackhawk at my morning session:

Cartridge: 357 Magnum
Bullet: 158 gr cast SWC
Load: 8.0 grs True Blue
Primer: SPM
OAL: 1.590” (1/2 turn Lee FCD (crimped in side of bullet to accommodate OAL requirement))
Results:
#Shot/MV
1. 1198
2. 1177
3. 1168
4. 1192
5. 1197
6. 1170
7. 1201
8. 1198
9. 1161
10. 1168

Summary:
Hi 1201
Lo 1161
Avg 1183
ES 40
SD 14

Notes:

Load data derived from Western 8.0 manual. Hodgdon advises and confirms this date that Western 8.0 data still applies. Hodgdon also advises that they are in the process of “migrating” 8.0 Western data over to their on-line reloading data center; that’s why you don’t see 357 Mag True Blue data for cast 158 gr SWC at this time.

Very accurate load (20 shots verified). ES is below 50, which is my benchmark nowadays for a good load. I will not go above 8.0 grs getting enough velocity from it compared to the Western load data. Expect 1225 fps +/- in a six inch tube - a good solid, higher end mid range load…does all what I want my Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk to do.

This load information is being posted for informational purposes only, and is for use in my revolver only. Please refer to current published load data and instructions before reloading anything.
Click to expand...
Help me out here please. The 8.0 Western load guide shows a starting load of 8.8 grains of True Blue for 357 Mag w/158 grain SWC. I haven’t slept well lately so I’m probably not understanding something on how you are going by the manual. I’m thinking I’ve missed something important and would appreciate some input.

I usually start low and loaded some 158 grain SWC in 357 Magnum with 9.0 grains of True Blue - the manual shows a starting load of 8.8 grains. It was manageable in my 686 but I wouldn’t want to shoot that load all day.
 
Last edited:
My 8.0 gr load is accurate as well.

For me, I also use velocity as an indicator of pressure with all else being equal. Western 8.0 uses a 6 inch test barrel, mine is 4 5/8 inch. My 8.0 gr load extrapolated to a 6 inch tube would yield an estimated 1,255 fps…which is close to the 1,301 fps velocity of the 9.8 gr maximum in the manual. I estimate that 8.3 grs would get 1301 fps in a 6 inch tube.

1255/1301*32210 (psi of 9.8 grs max) gives me a rough idea of pressure, or 28595 psi for my load. I know that there are other variables, my gun vs their setup, cylinder gap, environmental, etc…maybe my approach is conservative. Conversely, if velocities were less for a given charge weight because of outside variables or otherwise, I would not exceed and better yet I would stop before getting to the max charge. I never loaded to a max charge in 357 Magnum..and never will.

To me a chronograph is an indispensable tool absent having access to a ballistic lab with all its amenities!

…this probably will help you sleep. Best regards
 
Last edited:
38SPL HV said:
My 8.0 gr load is accurate as well.

For me, I also use velocity as an indicator of pressure with all else being equal. Western 8.0 uses a 6 inch test barrel, mine is 4 5/8 inch. My 8.0 gr load extrapolated to a 6 inch tube would yield an estimated 1,255 fps…which is close to the 1,301 fps velocity of the 9.8 gr maximum in the manual. I estimate that 8.3 grs would get 1301 fps in a 6 inch tube.

1255/1301*32210 (psi of 9.8 grs max) gives me a rough idea of pressure, or 28595 psi for my load. I know that there are other variables, my gun vs their setup, cylinder gap, environmental, etc…maybe my approach is conservative. Conversely, if velocities were less for a given charge weight because of outside variables or otherwise, I would not exceed or better yet stop before getting to the max charge. I never loaded to a max charge in 357 Magnum..and never will.

To me a chronograph is an indispensable tool absent having access to a ballistic lab with all its amenities!

…this probably will help you sleep. Best regards
Click to expand...

Thank you for your informative explanation! I extrapolate various values as well so I fully get what you’re doing. Yes, getting some real sleep would be great but that is another story all together. Thanks again!
 
John Patrick said:
...Because the 3.5gr load is so difficult to visually check I find myself weighing charges a lot more frequently than Dillon recommends...
Click to expand...
Which press? I am guessing a 550 since you mentioned you would need to combine seating and crimping. Dillon makes a powder check die that gives an audible alarm when the charge volume is too low or too high. RCBS and I think Hornady make a die that physically blocks the shell plate from advancing if the charge is "doubled or missing". If you are limited to four stations you might try getting a set of UFO lights for your press to help you see into the cases. Personally, I will never go back to seating and crimping in one step.
 
Paul in Nevada said:
Which press? I am guessing a 550 since you mentioned you would need to combine seating and crimping. Dillon makes a powder check die that gives an audible alarm when the charge volume is too low or too high. RCBS and I think Hornady make a die that physically blocks the shell plate from advancing if the charge is "doubled or missing". If you are limited to four stations you might try getting a set of UFO lights for your press to help you see into the cases. Personally, I will never go back to seating and crimping in one step.
Click to expand...

Yes, 550C. I have the center of press light or seeing the 3.5gr charge would require a flashlight. Best view is about half way between powder die and seating die.

Did a bunch of Google research yesterday and spoke with a really helpful guy at Dillon after calling to make sure I’m in line to receive a Dillon sizing de-capping die. (Expected delivery 8 months, ugh.) The Dillon alarm isn’t compatible with the 550, only 650 and up.

I ordered the RCBS lock out die after watching videos of it in use. Based on the videos I believe it will lock up with an over or under charge of significance, not just no charge or double charge. And I ordered a Reading seat and roll crimp die. I’m going to give them a try. I’m hoping the combo works for wadcutters.
 
38SPL HV said:
My 8.0 gr load is accurate as well.

For me, I also use velocity as an indicator of pressure with all else being equal. Western 8.0 uses a 6 inch test barrel, mine is 4 5/8 inch. My 8.0 gr load extrapolated to a 6 inch tube would yield an estimated 1,255 fps…which is close to the 1,301 fps velocity of the 9.8 gr maximum in the manual. I estimate that 8.3 grs would get 1301 fps in a 6 inch tube.

1255/1301*32210 (psi of 9.8 grs max) gives me a rough idea of pressure, or 28595 psi for my load. I know that there are other variables, my gun vs their setup, cylinder gap, environmental, etc…maybe my approach is conservative. Conversely, if velocities were less for a given charge weight because of outside variables or otherwise, I would not exceed and better yet I would stop before getting to the max charge. I never loaded to a max charge in 357 Magnum..and never will.

To me a chronograph is an indispensable tool absent having access to a ballistic lab with all its amenities!

…this probably will help you sleep. Best regards
Click to expand...

*****
I have loaded maximum 357 loads with a 158 lead and the old Speer 160 gr back in the 70's
when I only had Unique powder and no, 2400, H110 or 4227 powder.

No chrony, just looked at the primers and how the cases ejected.

Today I have a chrony and many slow powders but find that max loads, 99% of the time can't match the accuracy of a 98% load
in my revolvers.

Target loads can be "Sloppy" but my hunting loads have to have the best accuracy possible along with energy's, for the larger animals.

My "old Unique" load with a 158 lead did 1320fps in 2011.
A 158 XTP with 2400 powder did 1340fps in 5/9/2013, c/o a 6" barrel.

Enjoy that new powder.
 
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