NOW I WANT IT TO KNOW!!! WHAT DO YOU LOAD FOR 357 MAG. JACKETED OR LEAD BULLETS?

[6GUNSONLY]

Recycled wheelweights because I am also cheap. Here is a batch of # 358429 I poured last week.

Yep, just like that. Standard primers and 2400 or AA-9. Haven't shot a jacketed .357 in years. Also cast the 358156 Thompson design but I'd rather not have to mess with gaschecks.

 

[jnyav8r]

Is powder a factor in barrel leading? I use bullseye and 158 gr LRN I buy and I get MUCHO leading. Is bullseye too hot a powder? I'm only using 3.4 / 3.5 grains

 

[6GUNSONLY]

That's possible - faster burning powder may "melt" the bullet base to some degree or at least soften it so that leading is more likely - but I'd more suspect the bullets are soft and/or undersize for your chamber/bore. Buy a couple of hundred good quality hard-cast SWC and load with your same powder. Bet they don't lead. (clean the lead out first so you can see the difference).

 

[Skip Sackett]

Is powder a factor in barrel leading? I use bullseye and 158 gr LRN I buy and I get MUCHO leading. Is bullseye too hot a powder? I'm only using 3.4 / 3.5 grains

Are you loading this load in a 357Mag case?

It is a 38spl load, that is why I am asking. I have used it before in the larger cases, that is not a problem at all. When you do so, the pressure goes down and with a small hard lead bullet, that can be a bad thing. There is FAR more leading done when the bullets don't fit and are too hard than ones that are too soft. If the bullet was too soft, with the load you are using, they would lead less than a hard one, trust me.

If you are using 357Mag cases, find out what maximum is and work your way up to that. Personally, I would like a slower powder for maximum loads but, hey, you can use the partner you brought to the dance to get there! Bullseye just will not get you to true magnum velocities.

It is a very lead friendly powder. When you say MUCHO leading, where is it at in the gun? At the forcing cone or at the muzzle?

 

[jnyav8r]

That's possible - faster burning powder may "melt" the bullet base to some degree or at least soften it so that leading is more likely - but I'd more suspect the bullets are soft and/or undersize for your chamber/bore. Buy a couple of hundred good quality hard-cast SWC and load with your same powder. Bet they don't lead. (clean the lead out first so you can see the difference).

Rog bullet diameter was listed as .358 and mic'd out to that also. I forget the brand name but they were bulk from N E trading. Any suggestions on where to go??

 

[jnyav8r]

yes .38 spl load and alot in the cone area and some in the muzzle. Im shooting it out of a 681.I'm used to shooting a Mod 15 or 19 so I'm not used to full Magnum loads but my gun should handle it well no?

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Lead. Very rarely jacketed. Mostly 158's and 180's in the little maggy.