357 Bunny Loads for old man

[cowboy4evr]

In post 18 , Gary mentioned the ideal / Lyman 358432 mold and the stellar accuracy . I got one from a forum member that's a 4 cavity . The incredible accuracy is hard to describe . I did find that I had to reduce my std load using a 158 gr swc by one half grain , Using WSF my std load has always been 7.5 grs using a 158 gr cast bullet , with the wadcutter I had to drop it back to 7.0 . 7.5 grs of WSF gave sticky extraction . Regards Paul

 

[rwsmith]

Not trying to be argumentative......

I generally agree - as long as you aren't loading MINIMUM charge weights for 38 special loads in 357 magnum cases.

The extra length of the 357 case gives more empty space under the bullet. This extra volume can significantly reduce pressure and velocity. There is the distinct possibility that the pressure may be TOO low - causing a bullet to stop before exiting the barrel.

All powders don't light easily, are position sensitive or don't handle reducing well.

But that should only be a concern if you use the absolute minimum amount of powder for a 38 special load in the 357 magnum case.

Even just a little "bump" of .1gr above the minimum 38 special charge should be enough to prevent this kind of problem.

IMO, I will only load mid-range 38 specials in a 357 magnum case. Most of my reloads are mid-range. I don't feel the need to load barn-burners, but I don't feel the need for bunny-fart loads either.

Middle of the road seems like the best course to me.

Better safe than sorry.

But that's just my opinion and YMMV.

...but my mileage varies. I can certainly appreciate the stance of staying with the book data, but I've made a specialty out of much reduced loads in both pistol and rifle. The relationship of powder volume to the internal volume of both the .38 and the .357 is tiny. I get velocities greater than 700 fps depending on bullet weight, with minimal loads and have never come close to sticking a bullet in the barrel. But I do check the loads carefully, first on the target and second, with a chrono. If you aren't careful in this business you need a new hobby.

Just as a ferinstance, I've loaded 100 grain bullets in 30-06 that clocked at 1500 fps that felt like shooting a .22LR. People ask, "why not just get a .22?" I have one, but I'm fascinated by the possibilities in reloading and I love to experiment. I've also experimented with heavy for caliber bullets, like 165 grain lead bullets in 9mm. It's tough getting a decent powder load along with a big bullet and the limited OAL, but my light loads with Acc#7 were tack drivers at close range. They are just too much trouble to get right to make a habit out of reloading them all the time or I would shoot them a lot more.

Again, I'm very careful and have never stuck a bullet in the barrel. The OP asked about bunny fart loads and I'm the king of bunny fartdom. =8^ )

 

[glenwolde]

Lyman made the 358432 in two weights , 140 grain and 160 grain , same number !
Both discontinued by Lyman but NOE makes the 358432 - 160 gr WC . I have this design to be the most accurate cast wadcutter in all my 38's and 357's ...it's an accuracy sleeper that few realize is out there . When NOE started making 4 cavity 358432 - 160 WC moulds I ordered one so fast it made my head spin ... the single cavity Lyman mould was so slow ...
but I just love this bullet ... I don't cast much of anything else !

If you can put your hands on one of these ... try them out ,
the accuracy just may surprise you ... realy like the 160 grain weight !
Gary

The NOE is slightly different and I'm not sure why. From the drawing it looks like they changed the crimp groove to a third lube groove. Not that it matters much. A minor thing. Mine is a rather ancient IDEAL 2 cavity. Still makes perfect bullets. Being a two cavity it's not really all that old. 1960's maybe.

 

[glenwolde]

In post 18 , Gary mentioned the ideal / Lyman 358432 mold and the stellar accuracy . I got one from a forum member that's a 4 cavity . The incredible accuracy is hard to describe . I did find that I had to reduce my std load using a 158 gr swc by one half grain , Using WSF my std load has always been 7.5 grs using a 158 gr cast bullet , with the wadcutter I had to drop it back to 7.0 . 7.5 grs of WSF gave sticky extraction . Regards Paul

Just for clarity...

I am assuming that's in .357 not .38 Special.

 

[daverich4]

My next project will be to load 38 SPL with 158 gn Lead bullets for my model 14 with 6" barrel to achieve 800fps with Trail Boss powder. Anyone tried the TB loads?

Do you already have a supply of Trail Boss? It’s been generally unavailable for several years now with no sign of being brought back. If you do happen to have a reliable source for it I’d appreciate finding out where to get it.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Yes , in 357 magnum loads . I should have clarified that , thx . Regards Paul

 

[oldbrownhat]

Google "ellipsis"...

I think I asked my doctor about that last year. He said I was clear.

 

[Imissedagain]

Just have a bit less than 2lbs of TB left.
Fill the case to the base of whatever bullet is being used.
Just use it for the 460 S&W Mag and 458 Win Mag.
Found that to give the best accuracy with TB.
Have about 100+ loaded between the two.
Have read that it might return, but only scammers have it for sale.

TB loads to the left, hand on tight, to the right.

I use BE with 155 Penn PC leads, for the Ladies, in the
'71 DS.
Data not handy now.
I'll be Bach

 

[Rick H.]

For a minute I didn't know if I was on a proper grammar forum or a shooting forum.

Rick H.

 

[drayks]

TB loads in 38

Thank you for the responses to Bunny loads. I do have (3) 9 oz jugs of TB I got from a guy who was trying it to make subsonic .308 loads. I do have my name on "waiting to be notified" lists when it does become available again. Love the smell of the fired loads.

 

[rwsmith]

The smell of fired loads....

Thank you for the responses to Bunny loads. I do have (3) 9 oz jugs of TB I got from a guy who was trying it to make subsonic .308 loads. I do have my name on "waiting to be notified" lists when it does become available again. Love the smell of the fired loads.

I know it sounds weird but so do I. Problem is that my go to bullets for range shooting are mostly coated bullets, and they smell a little like burning insulation on electrical wiring.

And like I mentioned before, I got all kind of looks (mostly negative) at some of my experimental loads, but since the subsonic thing has taken hold, it seems many people are in on the trend.

 

[taz666]

I have a stuttering problem
I'll try to watch it
Gary

I hear singing helps.

 

[Model19man]

I used to use nothing but jacketed rounds when I first started reloading maybe 45 years ago. I learned about the difference between lead hardness and the proper use of bullet lube - then I started using nothing but cast bullets. You might do the same. Cast bullets might use a little less powder and provide a little less recoil.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

While you are playing around with 146 grain bullets:

In the early 80's, Lee made a single cavity 146 gr SWC/HP. I cast it 50/50 Lead/ Wheel Weights, and load it about 775-800 fps in 38 Special brass. In my 6" 10-7 it has done the most accurate shooting.

I use the 146 SWC/HP in 38 S&W loaded to standard RN overall length (in Iver Johnson and H&R top breaks) with 2.7 gr WW231 load. Typically, 3 to 4" at 20 yards.

BTW, When Hydra-Shok bullets first came out (before Federal bought them out) they were only available as 146 gr WC with their HP with the post. I loaded them in 38 S&W (same length as LRN) They expanded beautifully and were very accurate in my 1896 Safety Hammerless (Lemmon Squeezer). I saw I still have half a box left.

Ivan

 

[ghawke]

Google "ellipsis"...

Learned a new word today, thanks.

 

[sniper]

The oooold rule of thumb was: take a good mid range .38 Spl. Load, add.1-.3 gr. to compensate for the additional case capacity in the larger 357 case, which will give about the same fps/pressure as the .38 Spl. As long as a person isn't loading to the ragged edge of sanity, works pretty good.

 

[slickracer]

I’d sell the Trail Boss, that stuff is gold!