low power .357 loads

[Hair Trigger]

If it were me, I would check your manual and find a .38 Special +P load I have powder for and load the max charge in a .357 Magnum case. Check it over a chronograph and if your happy with the accuracy and velocity you are done. If not play with it a bit till you are happy. It's not as complicated as you might think.

This is what I'm looking for. Just wasn't sure about the faster powder in the bigger case, even though it's not that much different.

I love shooting this revolver, and I'll eventually get some 140 gr. JHP's, but I have several hundred 125's I want to use up. I'm conscious of the "issue" with hot 125 (and 110) loads in the K-frame and unavailability of replacement barrels, so I want to be easy on the gun but still use it for target, IDPA, and even occasional carry.

I was hoping to use H110, W296 or Power Pistol, since I have the powder for other guns, but I'll pick up something else if necessary. Has anyone used LilGun for .38 loads? I don't see it in the Hornady data for either .38 or .357, and it's right there with H110 and W296 for burn speed. I have a lot of that, I also reload .300 BLK and all three work well in it.

 

[Hook686]

I have loaded 125 SJSP bullets in .357 magnum cases for my M&P 340. With 7.5 grains of Unique I get about 980 fps. With 9.0 grains of Unique I got about 1200 fps.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since you have Power Pistol why not use the max charge listed on the Alliant site for the .38 Special +P and that 125gr bullet you have? If it's too light when you shoot them you have plenty of headroom. Alliance says 6.8gr is the max .38 Special +P load so it's a good place to start what you are looking to do in .357 Magnum brass.

 

[DWalt]

Maybe I missed it, but what's wrong with simply using .38 Special +P loads in .38 Special brass? I have made up light loads in .357 cases, but there's really not much point in it, although some feel it's better to have the bullet nose level with the front face of the chamber. On the other hand, it's no trick to make up .357-level loads in .38 Special cases.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Ok, the OP didn't specify a bbl length for his desired vel. I may be off base, but talk of IDPA power factors seemingly implies at least 4in bbl. If so that's an easy benchmark , only a little above .38 +P .

Use a powder that you like/ have/ can get locally to you that works in .38 +P.
Use .38+P data as starting load ( the larger case is +/- equiv to reducing 10%).

Work up to reach vel goal.

If accuraccy is sufficient for your needs, declare Victory, and go shooting.

I could name 231 and Unique as being good choices, but they are in high demand, and supplies are spotty to be charitable. But Dozens of powders would work just fine. The above mentioned Power Pistol ought to be candidate, but haven't personally used in .38 .

 

[gnystrom]

Being one that dislikes cleaning carbon rings from .357 cylinders, I have been loading .357 "soft loads" for years. Mostly Unique, anywhere from 5.7-6.5 gr. 125 gr. plated Berrys flat points.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Being one that dislikes cleaning carbon rings from .357 cylinders, I have been loading .357 "soft loads" for years. Mostly Unique, anywhere from 5.7-6.5 gr. 125 gr. plated Berrys flat points.

Yeah,,never much cared for short brass in long cyls.

 

[Misskimo]

Check out the 460 loads. Shoot the 230 gr lead bullet at 45 acp speed. Using hs_6
Only work in a wheel gun though
Should work in the 357

 

[Nix45]

There is a funny gap between .38+P loads and .357 Mag loads. I've had some good results with Bullseye in low power .357 loads. Have also tried Titegroup (OK), HS-6 (good), and AA#5 (OK). I recently got my hands on some AA#7 and will be loading that over 158gn LSWC's.

 

[Hook686]

Maybe I missed it, but what's wrong with simply using .38 Special +P loads in .38 Special brass? I have made up light loads in .357 cases, but there's really not much point in it, although some feel it's better to have the bullet nose level with the front face of the chamber. On the other hand, it's no trick to make up .357-level loads in .38 Special cases.

My .357 magnum lite weight J-Frame, though I most shoot .38+P with, I still occasionally shoot magnums through. I find it a PITA to have to deal with the, 'Crud ring' formed in the chamber from all those .38 Special rounds.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hair Trigger, above you asked about Lil'Gun for light .357 Magnum loads, I do not recommend it. It is a slower powder than W296 and I feel it generates excessive hear in a revolver. It's best to stick with medium speed powders for medium speed rounds. (even faster powders are fine) The slightly larger case has nothing to do with the burn rate of the powder you us.

 

[10mm_Shooter]

my goto for "mild" .357 loads is AA#5 7.5 gr runs 1150 fps out of my two 8 3/8 686s, AA#5 is good you can drop the fps down to 1000 fps if needed or step it up to 1300ish. I shoot only 150g lead SWC

 

[S&W HE]

Bullet: 125 gr. X-Treme P-FP
OAL: 1,585"
Case: Various Mfg.
Primer: Federal 200
Powder: W231/HP38
Charge: 6.5 gr.
Velocity/4" Barrel: 900 fps

Bullet: 158 gr. X-Treme P-FP
OAL: 1,585"
Case: Various Mfg.
Primer: Federal 200
Powder: Accurate #5
Charge: 7.8 gr.
Velocity/4" Barrel: 950 fps

Bullet: 158 gr. LSWC / LRN
OAL: 1,575"
Case: Various Mfg.
Primer: WSP / Federal 100
Powder: W231 / HP38
Charge: 6.7 gr.
Velocity/4" Barrel: 925 fps

 

[M3Stuart]

+1 on: 158gr LSWC or RFN with 5gr or w231, HP38 or titegroup. Primer won't matter. That's a 'light' .357 mag.

 

[fatman73]

For non magnum loads I use 5.7 grains of universal. With a 158 grain bullet. Shoots great and very accurate.