140 SWC in .357

[beng]

This lead bullets is somewhat new to me. I have a S&W 357, model 66-4. I have been loading with 158 JHP with 296 of 15gr. I was given 2,000 bullets, 140 SWC and 4-lbs of win 231. I can not get any info for this load for a 357 mag. for 231 or 296 powder. The 38SP has a load of 4gr, but nothing for a 357 mag. Can this be done and what load? Thanks.
beng

 

[pownal55]

i often shoot speer 146gr jswc bullets with w296 powder and it's one of the best performing loads i ever used. since it is a jacketed bullet, not cast, you may have to adjust the powder charge a bit. the bullet maker should be able to supply you with the correct data, good luck.

 

[OKFC05]

The load that can be used depends on the alloy, hardness and shape of the bullet.
About 6gr of 231 in a .357 case will get it out of the barrel safely for a starter load. How much more you can go depends.

Be sure and use a copper solvent to clean ALL of the copper out of the barrel before shooting lead bullets or you risk major fouling.

 

[beng]

I did try 231 of 5gr & 6gr, they came out good. It will only be for target type loads. I just can not get any thing for the 296 with 140 LSWC load. I was told at the range this morning that 296 will be to much for a 140 SWC, it's for mag loads only and to use 5gr of 231 or go to HP-38 or HS-6. As my wife says, every thing I shoot has to go BOOM!!!!! 357 Mag, 44 Mag and S&W 50. Thanks beng

 

[OKFC05]

just can not get any thing for the 296 with 140 LSWC load.

Unless your 140 lead bullets are harder than the hinges of Hades and well lubed, shooting them over 296 may result in having to scrape the lead out of the barrel. Unfortunately, 296 is not a good powder to play around with reduced loads. 2400 or HS6 is better for that.

You want to shatter glass with the blast, shoot 158gr JHP over 296.

 

[harry carey]

5.4 231 in 38 cases works. this is +p in a 38 gun.

 

[fredj338]

You can load 158grLSWC data for the 140gr but W296 is just too slow for anything but maximum effort loads.

 

[bagolden]

296 likes heavier bullets and a very firm crimp or funny things happen. I was using it in a .45 colt at one time. In the box of speer 250 gr lead SWC there was one 200 gr bullet. I did not notice when loading and at the shot it just went pop. The bullet travelled 6-8' and there was this yellowish gooey glob plugging the forcing cone. Let your wife shoot the 231/140 gr loads if she doesn't like the boomers.