Loading .357 lead for rifles

[Snapping Twig]

What powder would make a good compromise for both revolver and rifle loads with a 158 gr LSWC?

I'm not looking to hotrod the round out of either, I want accuracy for plinking.

I've experienced poor accuracy using below 5.0 grains of HP-38 in my .357 revolvers.

Unique might be what you're looking for, it's a good middle of the road powder.

2400 can be downloaded from magnum to middle, so it might make a good selection as well.

Look at .38Spl data and make the conversion for a magnum case, should do the deed for you.

 

[acl864]

I read through this thread and remembered that I had my nephew's Rossi 357 lever gun in my closet as a loaner. Shot it some last night just to see what it would do. I had real good results with a 158 gr. SWC gas check bullet I cast out of straight air cooled WW's using a Lee mold over a middling load of 2400 powder. I didn't feel like dragging the chrono out last night but the load shot accurately and certainly did a job on water bottles at 50'.

 

[tommy F]

my marlin is an older MG barrel. After initial test and 2-3" groups with lead 38s, I mounted a dot scope and tested several 38 & 357 loads. My 38s with hard cast 160 SWC and 158 Vance RN over 3gr of Titegroup shot sub 3/4" groups with several 3 shot one hole groups at 25 yards. I agree MG will shoot if the right bullit/load is found.

 

[Sevenshooter]

I load hardcast (21 brinell) non gas check 158 grain LRNFP's always in .357mag cases, in my Marlins with good results and no leading using mid range to mid+ published data for Titegroup. A little goes a long way with TG.

TG is great powder for a lot of calibers I load; 9mm, 44mag, 357mag. both rifle and handgun.

Also, 2400 works very well, using published data for the lead 158's with the non gas check. I do not load max data for any of my stuff. Mid range to just shy of max, and I get good accuracy, no leading and a fun range day.

Ss