357 Loads for IDPA

[cds43016]

I have a Smith & Wesson 686 SSR and was thinking about trying an IDPA match. I have some 158 grain cast bullets, lots of small pistol primers (CCI500) and 357 brass on hand. I also have a supply of Titeggroup powder and some Bullseye. Can anyone recommend some loads that would meet the power requirements of IDPA? I would like to use as much as I have on hand if possible. Hodgdon lists 4.5 to 5 grains of TItegroup with velocities from a 10" barrel of over 1,000 per second which seems more than enough even though my barrel is 4". The load seems pretty sensitive with only a half grain spread between start and max. Are there better powders or other combinations to try? What are people using? I know I would have to tailor the load to the individual gun.

Thanks!

 

[OKFC05]

If you are going to use speedloaders, then you only have to meet a power factor of 105, which was set to match standard .38 loads. .357 is overkill, and the longer cases make it harder to load quickly with speedloaders.


Either powder you have will work fine with 158gr lead, coated, or plated bullets. Just load near the top for standard .38 (non +P). There is no need to work up loads to shoot standard .38 in a .357 gun.

If you insist on using .357 cases, the starting load for titegroup will meet IDPA requirements.

I know I would have to tailor the load to the individual gun.

Not really, unless something is seriously wrong with your bullets. You're only shooting at 35yd max using silhouette targets.

You do need at least 4 speedloads (like Safariland III for L frame) and 3 speedloader holders, and a strong side holster that covers the trigger.

 

[cds43016]

Thank you for the input. I watched an IDPA match recently and would like to give it a try. It looked like a lot of fun. However, most of my shooting will still be done at indoor range using conventional targets from 7 to 25 yards. As a former bullseye match shooter, I still enjoy shooting for score on conventional targets. Now I just shoot for fun. Any load I use I would like to use for both purposes. Life needs to be simple.

I was able to get hold of some coated cast SWC 158 grain bullets. I would like some 357 loads that are about 38 +P speed which would seem to more than meet IDPA power requirements. I have only 357 brass.

I have Titegroup on hand but have access to Universal, HS-6 and 231. Which of these would be the best for my goals and any recommended load ranges? Also the whole idea of magnum vs standard primers drives me up a wall. In loading for my 45 ACP and 327 with Bullseye and Titegroup I have always used standard primers. But Hodgdon and Lyman when they did their load development they used magnum primers. I can see them for large volumes of slow powders but what I'm looking for is light to medium loads with faster powders and not max loads with slow powders. Magnum primers don't seem to be needed but that's just me talking. I contacted Hodgdon they were pretty noncommittal. They do there testing for all loads with single primer regardless of load. They just didn't test with standard primers with cast 158 bullets.

I have loaded thousands of rounds of 45 ACP, quite of few 327 and some rifle but I have never loaded for the 357 before. There is some much information out there almost too much. I need some help shorting my learning curve with the 357.

Again thank you in advance for sharing your experience and knowledge.

 

[Peak53]

I shoot a lot of 158 grain coated semi-wadcutters in 357 cases. I also shoot some with a generous load of 2400, but that is a different animal. For the lower power target loads, I get along well with about 4.5 grains HP-38/Win231 (same thing). Makes a fairly speedy 38 special load, but nowhere near 357 pressures or velocities. Check your manuals to confirm

 

[Collo Rosso]

I've had great results with HS-6 with either plated or coated 158gr. bullets. No chrono but I'm most likely in the 1000 to 1200fps range. Comfortable and accurate to shoot. Less fps I would try the HP-38/W231.

 

[OKFC05]

Also the whole idea of magnum vs standard primers drives me up a wall.

None of the powders you have listed REQUIRE magnum primers. It is OK to use them.

Powders like WIN296 NEED magnum primers.

PEAK53 gave you a good load. You can use the starting load with Titegroup.
You are WAY overthinking this. I have loaded more .38/357 than most people shoot in a lifetime. 99% of the time I have had accuracy problems, it has been the bullet. I use Berry plated in my .38 IDPA loads, and have not tried the coated, but others on the forum are raving about the coated bullets (my only reservation on coated bullets is I don't know how hard you need to drive them to obturate). Lubed lead is only a problem in IDPA because of the lube smoke.

As a former bullseye match shooter

My bullseye load is HP38 under a home-cast WC, but for casual shooting with any of my revolvers, I use my IDPA loads.
When I was visiting in KY, I shot a PPC match with my IDPA guns and loads. As you may know, dedicated PPC shooters often have trays of separate loads for each yardage, and load ultra light. Some were snickering at the visitor using the heavier loads and only a 4" barrel---until I walked out with a class medal. Shooter, gun, bullet, matter most, with the specific powder charge least important in .38/.357 accuracy, in my experience.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not sure why you keep focusing on a .357 Magnum load. Just because your revolver is marked .357 Magnum doesn't force you to use them. As said above, the shorter .38 Special case will aid in a speedy reload and the reduced muzzle flip from the 38s will allow you to get back in target quicker. Why are you focused on 357s?

W231 will work very well with those coated bullets you said you have.

 

[fredj338]

You only need 700fps. So look up data for the 38sp, add 1/10gr & you should be pretty close with BE or TG. FWIW, you are asking for a ton of smoke using either w/ lubed lead bullets. Coated will be a bit better but YMMV.
For IDPA rev, you will need a good holster, at least 4 speed loaders & a speed loader carrier of some kind. I shoot rev 2-3x a eyar to bring me back to my basics. it makes me a better semi auto shooter.

 

[growr]

You only need to knock the steel over...not dent the heck out of it. Good advice given by some very up to speed IDPA competitors.

Randy

PS. MY load for .38 special and IDPA is a 158 RNL and 5 grains of Unique. It is over the minimum power factor, but the steel DOES go over with no problem!