Best load for 357 Mag using X-Treme 158gr SWC
- Thread starter Richardf8
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BEST is an awfully subjective thing. If you are poking holes in targets that best load would be one thing. If you wanted protection against a two-legged or medium size four-legged threat, that would be another. If you wanted protection against a large, dangerous four-legged threat it would be another thing entirely.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I agree, the "best" is subjective.
Every gun is different so a good load in my gun may not shoot well in yours. Accuracy and reliability is the objective which I'm sure you already know.
Please be a little more descriptive on what you are looking to achieve and we will probably be better able to advise you.
Every gun is different so a good load in my gun may not shoot well in yours. Accuracy and reliability is the objective which I'm sure you already know.
Please be a little more descriptive on what you are looking to achieve and we will probably be better able to advise you.
Paul in Nevada
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X-Treme seems to think you can shoot these up to 1300fps. They don't list any of your powders in their reloading manual but Unique is closest to what they list in terms of burn rate.
Unique will probably do whatever it is you want to do with that bullet, from mild to at least 80% maximum velocities, maybe a bit more. 700x would be limited to lower end or target level loads. Green Dot is useable but you might have to look in some older manuals for data. Any good manual will give you a range of options for loads with Unique.
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STORMINORMAN
Member
Per Hodgdons, 5+ gr. of 700-X should be a fine place to start and no concerns about the bullet (plated) holding up either...
Cheers!
Cheers!
O.K., If you haven't already, first thing, go to your LGS, or order a good manual or two, featuring your caliber of choice. Generally, buy the newer ones, and avoid Speer #8. It contains some "nuclear suggestions."
My go-to powder for many years has been and is Unique. It will do everything I wanted it to, from just barely getting the bullet out of the barrel...sometimes not...to reasonably hot loads. I don't load really hot any more. I tried the "Skeeter Load" of 13.5 gr 2400, and decided it was too hot for me. I think 11-12 gr is better. Ymmv.
There are many powders in a similar burn rate that will do marvelously. I've no experience with Green Dot, but many people like it.
Depending upon what you wish to do with the caliber you have will likely determine what powder(s) you will settle on. My advice is pick one powder, and find out what it will do for you, before buying several. That said...I do have Unique, AA #5, Universal, and Trail Boss.! I have used Bullseye, 4756 (fortunately discontinued) and Blue Dot. Just my opinion, and worth exactly what you paid for it!
Good luck!
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The Hornady 158 XTP out of my 686 6" maxed out with these powders;
Unique at 1240fps
2400 at 1340fps
HS-6 at 1108fps was the most accurate load, for my revolver.
Unique at 1240fps
2400 at 1340fps
HS-6 at 1108fps was the most accurate load, for my revolver.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Of the powders you have Unique is probably your best choice IMO.
For target shooting you can use 2400, Unique, HS-6, Blue Dot, AA#7, AA#9, W572 and a bunch of others in that burn rate range.
Since you're using Xtreme's plated SWCs I'm going to assume you're not looking for a load to hunt large, dangerous four-legged animals.
Just a good target/plinking load, correct?
These loads have grouped the best for me in my S&W 357s.
COAL= 1.525" with a light taper crimp.
Unique @ 7.0gr = ~ 965mv
Green Dot @ 6.0gr = ~1025mv
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Not one of your powders but with the right load they can still shoot good.
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38SPL HV
Member
Unique will serve you well. Check Speer reloading data on line for their 158 gr lead SWC/357 Magnum. I personally like 6.0 grs Unique and standard 158 gr cast SWC in 357 Mag cases…not a barn burner but heavier than a 38 Spl +P with same bullet weight with adequate accuracy.
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