Mild 357 loads

I have been reloading isnce 1970.
A mild .357 load is a .38 Special load above 700 fps.

I agree. For plinking or trying to hit small game with my 357s,
all N frames, I use light loads with fast powders and cast
bullets in 38 spl. brass. These and full power loads in 357
brass seem to cover most needs. Hard to see a real purpose
for midrange, ( 1000fps?) loads in a 357 revolver. Your load
of 14.5 grs 296 isn't really all that hot. 16 grs 296 with a 158
gr cast bullet yields about 1280 fps in my 4" 28 and about
1350 in my 6" 28.
 
I've shot thousands of rounds loaded with a cast LSWC 158 grainer loaded with 6.0 grains of Unique and a standard primer in .357 Magnum brass and have only seen poor groups in one revolver- S&W 65-6.(Darn thing only liked HOT 110 to 140 grain loads) Tack driver in my GP-100, 586, 27-2, Taurus 605, and decent in my Security Six and Blackhawk.
 
AH now look what you finally have done. Your gonna make me try and find some different powder. After all these posts on HS-6 I need to try it out.:D
You won't be sorry, especially with lead bullets. Just remember, HS-6 is a hard to ignite Ball Powder so it performs much better with a Magnum primer and up near the top of the pressure curve.
 
Back
Top