357 Magnum 158 gr JSP loads (Mid Range)

38SPL HV · Dec 13, 2024

I’m planning on doing load development using 158 gr JSPs in 357 Magnum in Mid Range velocities (+1,000 fps - 1,200 fps) using Power Pistol, BE-86, AA5, AA7 or N350. This is for a 4 5/8” Ruger Blackhawk.

Do you folks have any suggestions? I do have published reloading data but I would like to hear about your experiences and pet loads using 357 Mag/158 gr JSPs at mid range velocities.

Thank you!

alwslate · Dec 13, 2024

I have loaded a fair amount of mid range .357 ammo, 1,000 to 1,100 fps with 158 gr cast SWCs but never 158 gr jacketed bullets. Seems like a waste of expensive bullets that are unlikely to expand at mid range velocities.

BrBa · Dec 13, 2024

Alliant has load data for BE-86 and PP for .357 and 158 gr jacketed. Those should both be in the ballpark for mid-range velocity, although not necessarily mid-range pressure. I have had poor results with AA#7 in mid range pressures. AA#5 may work better for your application.

38SPL HV · Dec 13, 2024

alwslate said:
I have loaded a fair amount of mid range .357 ammo, 1,000 to 1,100 fps with 158 gr cast SWCs but never 158 gr jacketed bullets. Seems like a waste of expensive bullets that are unlikely to expand at mid range velocities.

I’m using Zero Bullets 158 gr JSPs…they can be had now in some cases less than various commercial grade cast bullets…

besshoudini · Dec 13, 2024

try aa9 its a good load

spencerdiesel · Dec 13, 2024

I love BE86 for max velocities in .38 +p with lead 158 SWC (6.2gr per Sierra no. 6 gets me 1050 fps from a 3” bbl). Taking the same bullet in .357 with 8.0gr (max per Sierra no. 6) only gets me to 1200 fps. Jacketed 158 only gets me to 1100ish.
Now, with 125gr XTPs in .357, BE86 (10.8gr max per no.6) gets me to 1400 fps AVG from the 3”. BE86 shines with 125 grainers in .357, and noses over hard with lead 158 grainers, and falls way off with jacketed 158s.
BE86 is still great with 140gr XTPs and I max out at 1325 fps avg.

Nevada Ed · Dec 13, 2024

In my 686, 6" I shot the Hodgdon #35750 , 158 XTP, oal 1.58"

with 7.8grs of BE86 doing 1079-1154 ave 1113fps at POA
and with a sand bag rest, putting 5 @ .67" at 25 yards
on a no wind summer day, with my second load of this powder.

The 125 XTP at 1307fps was even more accurate, in my 6", on 5/6/2017, with BE86 powder.

38SPL HV · Dec 14, 2024

…I’m also going to check 125 gr weight bullets, these will be earmarked for a Ruger stainless SP101 which prefers extended range sessions with jacketed bullets as opposed to cast bullets. Like others, I’ve had binding of the stainless SP 101 using cast loads > 100 rounds…even after lubing cylinder/crane gap with Mil Spec CLP as suggested by Ruger. It does better with Speer lead (158 gr SWC) at 38 Spl +P velocities…6.0 grs Power Pistol and the 158 gr Speer SWC is my go to range load 38 Spl +P in my 357 revolvers.

Merry Xmas folks

38SPL HV · Dec 14, 2024

spencerdiesel said:
I love BE86 for max velocities in .38 +p with lead 158 SWC (6.2gr per Sierra no. 6 gets me 1050 fps from a 3” bbl). Taking the same bullet in .357 with 8.0gr (max per Sierra no. 6) only gets me to 1200 fps. Jacketed 158 only gets me to 1100ish.
Now, with 125gr XTPs in .357, BE86 (10.8gr max per no.6) gets me to 1400 fps AVG from the 3”. BE86 shines with 125 grainers in .357, and noses over hard with lead 158 grainers, and falls way off with jacketed 158s.
BE86 is still great with 140gr XTPs and I max out at 1325 fps avg.

Great info, thanks! 1,200 fps with 158 gr SWC from a 3 inch is potent! I use 7.0 grs 158 gr SWC in magnum cases which clocks at 1,121 fps from my Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk.

BE-86 is an excellent Unique substitute.

rwsmith · Dec 14, 2024

9.5 grains of Acc #7

9.5 grains of Acc #7 with a 158 gr. jacketed bullet should get about 1100 fps.

spencerdiesel · Dec 15, 2024

38SPL HV said:
Great info, thanks! 1,200 fps with 158 gr SWC from a 3 inch is potent! I use 7.0 grs 158 gr SWC in magnum cases which clocks at 1,121 fps from my Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk.

BE-86 is an excellent Unique substitute.

If I could only have 1 handgun powder, be86 for sure!

zeke · Dec 15, 2024

While sightly above midrange, very accurate.

14.0 grains V V N110 under Hdy 158 xtp using Fed 100 primer

edited to add;

From old notes same loading 158 gdsp getting bout 1060 fps from M28. Couldn't find the results for the 158 xtp, but if memory serves bout 1100 fps from M28.

357 Magnum 158 gr JSP loads (Mid Range)

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