Magnum loads for K frames

[Snapping Twig]

Just dipped my toes into the world of the K frame. I have L and N frame .357's that I've dialed in loads for, but the forcing cone on the K frame makes me not want to use W296/H110.

I know about 160g bullets length being optimum for a more complete powder burn and allowing the bullet to jump the cylinder gap and center in the forcing cone so as not to peen the bottom of the FC. I'm only going to use big cast slugs, no lightweight or JHP.

My plan is to use Lyman 358156 and 358429.

I have a load for +P using those bullets in a magnum case and 5g W231/HP38, so the light load is handled. I need suggestions from you folks based on your experience for the magnum load.

I have plans to use Unique for this load and I have IMR 4227 (like 2400 in burn rate).

My typical .357mag load is those bullets over 15.5g W296/H110 and a WSP. That's my hallmark load for 20+ years, unless I use a 14.5g 2400 load which is also nice. I'm out of 2400 and the W296 MIGHT sandblast the FC (which is not optimum) and I'm not looking for fire breathing magnums for the K frames anyway. Something in the 1200fps area from a 4" barrel, even 1100fps, should be just fine.

Unique loads anyone?

 

[txbirdman]

I use my K-frames the same as your planning and also use Unique. In my 19-3 I use 7 gr. with the 358156 and 6.5 gr. with the 358429. These loads fit the K-frame platform well I think.

 

[ISOM]

Remember there are S&W loads and there are Ruger loads.
If you plan on shooting the loads in a K frame gun stay away from W296/H110!
4227 was to hot for my "N" frame .41 Magnum. I dropped back to 2400 and everytthing is OK.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Remember there are S&W loads and there are Ruger loads.
If you plan on shooting the loads in a K frame gun stay away from W296/H110!
4227 was to hot for my "N" frame .41 Magnum. I dropped back to 2400 and everytthing is OK.

Thanks for the advice, but as I said, these are @ 1100 ~ 1200fps, so decidedly not Ruger loads.

4227 has potential for this application and I'd be interested to know if anyone uses it. Remember, you don't have to firewall 4227, you can make a midrange load with it just fine. I use it for my 45-70 in place of 2400 (similar burn rate) and it is also suggested for magnum pistol.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I use my K-frames the same as your planning and also use Unique. In my 19-3 I use 7 gr. with the 358156 and 6.5 gr. with the 358429. These loads fit the K-frame platform well I think.

Excellent! Just the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Keep 'em coming folks.

 

[Rule3]

Where is ArchAngleCD?? He will probably say HS6

 

[six250]

13 grains of #2400 with the 358429 bullet. Very, very accurate. Certainly not full throttle but does about everything a 357 Mag can or needs to do.

 

[38-44HD45]

Don't know where Arch is, but let me add: SR 4756! Aaaaaannnnnnd, stop fretting so much about K-frame strength and all the "gotta have a long bullet" craziness!

Where's 18DAI?

 

[Rule3]

Yep, it's a 357 so I shoot 357's.

 

[358156hp]

Unique or 2400. I reserve 296/H110 & WC820 for trainstopper loads in bigger calibers, but will use them in .357 with 180+ gr cast bullets.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Don't know where Arch is, but let me add: SR 4756! Aaaaaannnnnnd, stop fretting so much about K-frame strength and all the "gotta have a long bullet" craziness!

Where's 18DAI?

I'm with you in spirit.

Seeing as these K frames are small and S&W ain't making barrels anymore, I'll stick to moderate loads with long bullets. Just read a study on this topic and it was shown to my satisfaction that in the rare instances of FC cracking at the bottom where the crane is cut was directly related to short bullets peening the cone under recoil. That and powders like W296 not having enough time to burn completely and becoming a sandblasting medium.

I use a lot of 296 in 44's, it's my favorite.

I used to load a lot of .357 for various L frames I've had over the years. I eroded the FC on my first 586 with 125g flamethrowers just this way. Ate it up! Fun to shoot, but that old girl had to go to S&W for a recut.

I have enough other revolvers that I don't need to hurt these, or myself.

Moderate speed, over 1000fps, in a small frame short barrel revolver will make me smile.

 

[Az Rick]

I've been messing around with AA no.7, mainly because I have some. I cast my own 160gr. Keith bullet. I am just not there yet. Too many loads to figure out and I haven't really concentrated on the 19. I'm at 10.5grns and not really happy with the results. I may need to pump it up in the 19. I was hoping to come up with something that would "work" in my Ruger and the 19, 1100,..1200fps and accurate, to no avail. I have bullet fitment issues too.
I know, I was of no help, just venting,...

Best, Rick

 

[Snapping Twig]

Anyone care to add?

Bueller.... Bueller...

 

[Rule3]

Anyone care to add?

Bueller.... Bueller...

One of the "classics" of all times! Must have watched 10 times!

Right up there with Fast Times

 

[jimkim]

I've been messing around with AA no.7, mainly because I have some. I cast my own 160gr. Keith bullet. I am just not there yet. Too many loads to figure out and I haven't really concentrated on the 19. I'm at 10.5grns and not really happy with the results. I may need to pump it up in the 19. I was hoping to come up with something that would "work" in my Ruger and the 19, 1100,..1200fps and accurate, to no avail. I have bullet fitment issues too.
I know, I was of no help, just venting,...

Best, Rick

Wy "go to" load for my 357 is any 158gr SWC over 10.0gr of AA#7.

 

[2hawk]

I've been using HS-6 in my .357 loads for a while now. I think I must've picked up my first can after reading something about it on this forum I had been using Unique, which was ok, but I like the HS-6 loads better- lower ES's and SD's, seems more accurate, and a bit cleaner as well. 9.0 gr. under a 160 K-LSWC is a nice load. Just use a magnum primer and you're good to go.

 

[joedaddy]

Anyone care to add?

Bueller.... Bueller...

I have cracked the forcing cone in my model 19-4 and let me tell you I don't want to do it again.

After a re-barrel, I now mostly shoot +p 38's or mid-range .357's. I'm liking 12 grains of 2400 under keith style MBC 158 grain lswc.

 

[tommy F]

I agree with joedaddy, +P and occasional 11-12 grain of 2400 for Ks. 13.5 2400 behind any hard cast 150-160 SWC works well in Ns, Reds etc... and will handle most 357 needs.

 

[TNFrank]

Yep, IMHO the K-Frame works best with 38spl +P or mild loaded 357Mag. Full power should be saved for self defense. No reason to push these great revolvers so hard when you can pick up an L-frame and shoot all the full power 357Mag that you'd like.

 

[PattonTime]

357 Magnum lite Loads

My favorite light load is Accurate #5 and a 158 grain plated bullet.
This load knows its not a 38 Special, yet you can shoot it all day.
I have gone between 7 grains and 8, but one should confirm these in book of your choosing or download Accurates pdf at their website.
It meters great, burns clean and has replaced Unique for me at least.