Softy .357 mag for early M13-2

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mejetski2000

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Want to build 2 loads for this gun, one practice and 1 defensive load. Im aware of the forcing cone issue these guns have so I'm focusing on lead 158 grain bullets in the 1,000-ish velocity range. Since the pressure data I'm looking at is in the 23K-ish range I'm hoping that won't beat the gun to death. I know there are a number of newer 125gr bullets out there that expand at lower velocities but they're pretty darn expensive and are hard to find. I'd love to hear from anybody who's gone in this direction.
 
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Simplest thing in the world, just use the recommended "Starting" loads in the manuals.

The barrel shank cracking issue was caused by loaders and shooters that tried to get the absolute maximum velocity from 110 and 125 grain bullets. Stick with "standard for caliber weight bullets (158 Grain!) and don't be tempted to "Hot Rod" your loads and everything will be OKAY.

The general recommendation for defensive ammunition is only carry factory loads. There are many valid arguments for this practice!

There was a man in Arizona charged with murder in a valid, fatal, defensive shooting because the gun he was carrying was a 10mm. The prosecutors argument was the caliber was more powerful than guns carried by the Police, therefore the man intended to kill anyone he had to shoot! He was acquitted, but he went through hell because of an over-zealous anti-gun prosecutor! And Arizona is generally considered to be a gun-friendly state!

The point is that the jurisdiction in which a defensive shooting occurs can be as important as the shooting itself!
 
My thoughts ... a lighter cast projectile at a medium pace, and use it for both. 120 - 140 grain cast in the ballpark of 1200 or a bit north there of should give you the goods you seek in one easy sleazy package.
It'll simplify your life by having a single go to load that will never leave you second guessing at go time. If it ran on the range, it'll give you exactly the same in field and street.
 
All good info guys thank you ! I already have 158s in hollowpoint and Keith swc on hand. I ran some medium 125 loads (my handload) and found recovery time to be far from good. This gun wont be on the street and if needed it will be on my land only. We tend to have reality-based jurors and officials up here in Maine thankfully. Time to start making some test ammo thanks again !
 
158 gr cast SWCs, .357 brass, 4" Model 27-2
5.3 grs Bullseye, 1012 FPS
5.7 grs Bullseye, 1057 FPS
5.2 grs Titegroup, 1027 FPS
5.6 Grs Titegroup, 1056 FPS
5.8 grs of W231, 1060 FPS
6.4 grs of W231, 1113 FPS

With .38 spl brass, 4" Model 10-5
5.1 grs of W231, 1003 FPS
5.3 grs of W231, 1018 FPS

A few more for consideration.
Winchester brass used in .357, Federal brass in .38 spl,
All the above loads used Win SPM primers, which I use in ALL .357 loads and +P level .38 spl loads. Velocity is increased by only about 5 FPS with these moderate loads but ES spreads are greatly reduced for better consistency.
 
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mejetski2000 said:
Want to build 2 loads for this gun, one practice and 1 defensive load. Im aware of the forcing cone issue these guns have so I'm focusing on lead 158 grain bullets in the 1,000-ish velocity range ...
Click to expand...

How many rounds of 357 Magnum do you shoot annually? Because your M13-2 is in no danger.

I'll second what Nevada Ed said about loading to 38 Special +P and go from there.

Most 357 Magnum owners shoot mostly 38 Special rounds out of their revolvers.
 
Stick with the 158 gr. LSWC for both loads ...
1,000 fps loads for defensive loads (see post #6 above)

For a practice load:
4.0 grs. Bullseye @ 880 fps
4.2 grs. W231 / HP38 @ 810 fps
3.3 grs. TightGroup @895 fps
4.2 grs. Unique @ 800 fps

I would put just as much faith in the 158 gr. LSWC as in any light weight jacketed bullet in the 38 Special .
Gary
 
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Alliant lists 6 grains of Unique with a 158 grain LSWC in a .357 case. It will produce about 1000 fps from a 4 inch revolver and provides about as much muzzle energy as .45 ACP hardball. It is definitely above .38 +P in velocity, energy and recoil but well below .38/44 HD and full power .357 magnum loads.

I have found this load to be enjoyable and kind to K frame 357s. It is a an economical practice round (1000 rounds from less than a pound of Unique) and as well as a good hiking load if small game or varmints are possible targets.
 
I'm not sure which powders you have on hand. I have a light load I like, that 158gr Cast bullet over 9.2hr HS-6 using a CCI-550 primer. It does well out of my M686 as a warm-up round and for light magnum plinking.
 
Just back from range, man does this gun like HG51 mould 158 SWC and HP38 powder. I started at 6.0 and a 6 round group going .3 gr increments. No trouble getting clusters at 10yds, something I could never do with a J frameor SP101. AT 6.6 the recovery time started to get too lengthy for me. Other issue were some light primer hits with magnum primers, which it never did with non-mag. Im going to order a Wolff mainspring also which should remedy that. I have HS6, 2400, BE86 (noisy-ish). Also some AA#5, Ramshot and Titegroup which never worked in anything I tried it for. If I had more Unique I'd be trying some.
 
SGT ROCK 11B said:
How many rounds of 357 Magnum do you shoot annually? Because your M13-2 is in no danger.

I'll second what Nevada Ed said about loading to 38 Special +P and go from there.

Most 357 Magnum owners shoot mostly 38 Special rounds out of their revolvers.
Click to expand...

Shot a GP100 for many years before giving it to my son. I think this FBi +P+ load shoud be enjoyable and shootable for years. He's gonna have to wait awhile for this pistol.
 
I normally don’t mention load specifics, but in this case, it’s a pretty mild load. For 1000 FPS, I use the Lee 160 gr. “Cowboy” flat nose bullet sized .358”, 5.7 grains of AA2, .357 Magnum brass, Federal 100 primers, and a moderate roll crimp. I just shot a few yesterday and was pleased with the accuracy and modest recoil. I’m sure one could do the same thing with any number of powders, like Bullseye or WST, but I really have become fond of AA2. That load is always right at 1000 FPS in my 4-inch S&Ws (19s and 66s). It’s about all I shoot in my shorter-barreled .357s anymore. Not a recommendation, just my experience. :)
 
alwslate said:
158 gr cast SWCs, .357 brass, 4" Model 27-2
5.3 grs Bullseye, 1012 FPS
5.7 grs Bullseye, 1057 FPS
5.2 grs Titegroup, 1027 FPS
5.6 Grs Titegroup, 1056 FPS
5.8 grs of W231, 1060 FPS
6.4 grs of W231, 1113 FPS

With .38 spl brass, 4" Model 10-5
5.1 grs of W231, 1003 FPS
5.3 grs of W231, 1018 FPS

A few more for consideration.
Winchester brass used in .357, Federal brass in .38 spl,
All the above loads used Win SPM primers, which I use in ALL .357 loads and +P level .38 spl loads. Velocity is increased by only about 5 FPS with these moderate loads but ES spreads are greatly reduced for better consistency.
Click to expand...

I think I'm goimg to try more 6.3 gr HP 38, was about threshold for recovery time, seemd most accurate as well
 
Since you have the bullets already go with start loads and your most accurate loads near max. Mark one or both with nail polish across the primer.
 
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