Issues generating a fullhouse 357 load

jwalts27

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So far I tried max published loads using Unique, HP38, AA7 and BE86 behind a Missouri Hi Tek 158LSWC. Shoots like a cap gun out of my 686 6". Are true magnum loads possible or just jump to H110 or 2400. ( I cant find any right now or I would just buy them.)

Thnks
 
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For a true full house magnum load you need a true magnum powder, H110/W296, and AA9 are my go to big boomers.

With the powders you have Unique and AA7 can provide near magnum performance H38/W231 is best at lower velocity and capable of very good accuracy in my revolvers.
 
No offense intended, but if you're looking for noise and recoil, get a lighter weight gun, and use heavier bullets...

Where did this come from? He explicitly said he was looking for full power magnum loads.

You will need H110/W296, Alliant 2400, IMR 4227, AA9, etc. Check out powder manufacturers' online reloading data centers when you get a chance, if you haven't already. Also, Lyman #49 has about 100 .357 Magnum recipes.
 
Best I got was from AA7 maxxed at 10.1 but was far from a heavy load, thanks for the input and ill try some H110 or 2400
 
I've seen a very heavy unique load, but I've been very hesitant to try it. It was in a 70s vintage manual, and much higher than any other manual I've seen. No, it wasn't Speer #8.

For full power I use 2400.
 
Availability problems have changed everything lately. I was hoping things would return to the old normal, but it's been so long now that I'm thinking that we will have to adapt and learn to use what's available instead of counting on our old familiar favorites. But, on the good side are those Missouri HiTek bullets. The 18BHN 158 gr SWCs are working out really well for me for both magnum and reduced power loads.
 
357 magnum loads

MY "go to" everyday 357 magnum load since the mid 70's has been the 158 gr cast SWC over 13.5 gr. of 2400...ignited with a magnum primer......this is not a max load, but it has handled everything I have needed of it over the years....if I need the full throttle version I will bump up to 15. gr's of 2400 driving a 158 JHP......these loads have accounted for a variety of game ranging from white tail deer, coyotes,Texas Hogs to jack rabbits ( TX & AZ)...I have shot over a 100,000 of these loads over the decades in a mix of N & K frames and other non Smith revolvers & TC's....and they have served me well.....if you are going to use 296 in the 357, the load data for that powder will give you similar velocities that I get with the 2400. Theses loads should scratch that magnum itch.
 
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I started out loading 357M and 44M with 2400,all my hot loads are now with SR4756. Burns perfectly and none of the 2400 'residue'. Except for 38sp range/target loads,everything else is SR4756. 9mm,hot 38sp,357M,40S&W,10mm,44M.
 
Another powder for magnum loads for 140+ grain bullets is Alliant Blue Dot. Not the best metering powder in the world but give velocities right up with 296/H110, 2400 and A #9. Just don't use it with 125 grain bullets, as Alliant came out with a tech bulletin about having unstable pressures with 125 gain bullets only. And another good thing about BD is that it needs less powder for these hot loads than the others, so more rounds per pound.
 
Your state of residence presents an issue. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find that Massachusetts limits how much powder a dealer can keep on hand, probably something totally nuts like 15 lbs. I would suggest working up a list of every firearms retailer in New Hampshire and spending an afternoon on the telephone calling them all. That is probably the nearest potential source for Magnum class powders in your area.

BTW, a fairly complete list of powders suitable for 357 Magnum in order of preference is as follows. Alliant 2400, Hodgdon H110 (also known as Winchester 296), Vihtavouri N110, Accurate #9, Vihtavouri N105, IMR 4227 and SR4759, and Alliant Power Pro 300-MP. Powders more suited to 44 magnum that may work for the 357 in a pinch - Accurate 4100, Hodgdon Lilgun, Accurate 5744.

Of all the above the powders those that are IMO are most suitable for a 6 inch revolver are Accurate #9 and Vihtavouri N105, and perhaps 2400. Hodgdon H110, IMR 4227, and others on that list will work for Magnum loads but I believe they are a bit too slow for use in a Handgun load and are best suited for use in Rifle loads. As for why, Flame Cutting and lots of muzzle flash with a trademark BAAHHOOOOM on each shot lets everyone know you are using a slow powder in a short barrel. Yeah, with H110 a 6 inch barrel is short.

BTW, I have 2 rifles in 357 Magnum and for that use H110 is a real favorite. Because even a "mild" charge of 14.8 grains will drive a 158 grain bullet to 1615 fps and a "moderate" charge of 17.5 grains will drive a 140 grain bullet to 1875 fps. My experience has shown me that slow powders really "wake up" in a rifle when in a handgun what you get is a lot of drama without much gain at all in velocity. It's why my favorite powder for handgun loads is Accurate #9, it's clean, accurate, and you aren't wasting what appears to be 1/2 the powder charge producing a 10 foot flame out of the muzzle.
 
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2400 or "Lil Gun" will give you some full snort screamers with a 158 LSWC. I'm getting up to 1400 fps from a 4" 66 with no pressure problems.
 
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