Reloading the 357

[rwsmith]

I load 14.6 grains of W296 behind 158 SJHP in my Model 19s, and 5.4 grains of 231 behind 158 gr LSWC. These are probably not much more than 38 +P loads, but the target has holes in it just the same.

edited to add that these loads are in 357 brass.

I do the same. Anything from a target .38 Special loaded wadcutter up to full bore goes in .357 brass. I pretty much only use .38 Special brass for .38 revolvers. I like to shoot .38 loads before I shoot .357 magnum loads and I don't like taking range time to brush out the cylinders. Using .357 brass eliminates the problem.

 

[rwsmith]

Hornaday swc and wc bullets used to be swaged not cast. They are soft and 900 fps would be as fast as I wanted to push them. I would look to buy bullets from a private company that are already powder coated.

I like Missouri Bullets. Their quality is very consistent. They use Hi-Tek coating.

 

[alwslate]

Titegroup load data is very close to Bullseye. I have used it in great mid range loads in the .357. .357 brass, Winchester mag primer, 5.6 grs of Titegroup, 158 gr cast Magma style SWC, chronos at just over 1050 fps in my 4" 27-2 with ES of only about 15 fps. Hard to beat.