Reloads for .357 Snub noses

[MJS]

I’m looking for a reload recipe for a 66-1 2.5”barrel and a 66-3 3” barrel “F” comp, This will be for range shooting only, I would like to use 158 gr bullets and .357 cases, please list primer, powder, bullets and OAL. Something mild not too hot, I’ve read where lighter bullets can cause damage to the forcing cone. I have searched but all I can seem to find is .357 loads for longer barrels

Thanks Matt

 

[drummer007]

The bad behavior of 125s in the forcing cones of Model 66s reportedly happens with full strength loads that use lots of powder. Midrange and light loads with 125s won't hurt the forcing cone.

I like either Rainier or X-treme 125 JFNs ahead of either 4.0 or 4.5 grains of Bullseye. Winchester 38 Special cases, CCI 500 or WSP primers. The X-treme version of the bullet offers a cannelure for crimping into.

This load shoots very well in all 6 of my .357 revolvers.

 

[Rule3]

Use 38 special +P data, Kick it up 10% using 357 mag brass.
The 357 mag data is not barrel length specific, use the start load of the powders you have, slower powders like H110 and 2400 will still be to hot so look at the velocities in the manual or online data for the faster or medium powders.

 

[rwsmith]

Lead bullets.....

If you are shooting down the range you don't need jacketed bullet all the time. For targets I use soft swaged Speer/Hornaday full and hollow base style or the SCW. If I want to pick up the pace I use hard cast lead bullets (brinell about 12). For the highest velocities I use coated hard cast (shoot like a dream) and for serious work I use jacket.

\

 

[colt_saa]

For midrange loads using plated projectiles in the 357 Magnums, I use Winchester 231. You will find many loads in any of the manuals you already own

Personally I run 6.0 grains with a plated and 6.5 grains with a jacketed

I never measure COAL, I just crimp in the cannelure.

Primer is not too relevant, but I run Winchesters

As others have stated, it is not the weight of the projectile that causes forcing cone erosion. It is very large charges of very slow burning powders. Lighter projectiles have larger amounts of powder space under them.

That being said, I like full Magnums and load mostly Winchester 125 JHPs over 21.6 grains of H110. That has been a standard load for me since the eighties.

 

[4barrel]

This is a 38 load I shoot in my 19. 12 gr. of 2400 in a mag case does good also. Primers don't matter & crimp in the groove by the book. You can shoot these loads all day & not hurt you or the gun or the brass.

 

[Rule3]

It would be easier if you tell us what powders you have or can get?

You want lead, jacket, plated, coated??

 

[MJS]

It would be easier if you tell us what powders you have or can get?

You want lead, jacket, plated, coated??

I'm really looking for powder suggestions but as far as powder, I have W231/HP-38, VV N320 and Lil'Gun. Winchester small pistol primers, and I was looking at using Xtreme plated bullets.

Thanks Matt

 

[chmpco]

I usually reference between the 4 manuals I have as well as the web sites of the powder and or bullet manufacturer's.
Speer/ Lee/ Hornady/ Nosler
Some times data didn't make it into print for some loads. Pick the bullet weight and find your powder/primer. Start low and work up the ladder till the accuracy is where you want it.

 

[pws63]

This is a 38 load I shoot in my 19. 12 gr. of 2400 in a mag case does good also. Primers don't matter & crimp in the groove by the book. You can shoot these loads all day & not hurt you or the gun or the brass.

You fail to mention what grain bullet you are using with this powder load.

 

[4barrel]

You fail to mention what grain bullet you are using with this powder load.

In post 6 I said 158 Lyman. It is really a hard cast flat base bullet I make myself. A 158 SWC or jacketed will work with 38 or 357 in about any middle of the road pistol powder. MJS is looking for a range load and has the powder he needs & most any bullet 130 -158 gr should do good. A good bench rest will tell your results. The rest is up to the shooter.

 

[Rule3]

I'm really looking for powder suggestions but as far as powder, I have W231/HP-38, VV N320 and Lil'Gun. Winchester small pistol primers, and I was looking at using Xtreme plated bullets.

Thanks Matt

I am a big fan of HP38/Win 231, it will do what you want to do and then some. It was made for the 38 special.
Not a full mag load but can be loaded pretty stout and very good for target/range shooting, Hodgdon has data and no, you do not need the mag primer they indicate, They did that for all mag loads for consistency.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I don't have a short barrel mag but in the old M19 6" I Had;

CFE, Red Dot, Unique and HS-6 powders work with the 158 lead bullet, from 1100 to 1173 fps.

You should get around 1020 fps in your short barrel +/- 50 fps.
Several bullet shapes tested... OAL went from 1.58 to 1.66" and the crimps went from light to heavy.
Primers: cci and federal standard and cci mag's with the HS-6 powder.

Good loading.

 

[rockquarry]

Data for longer-barreled revolvers is fine for your use. Generally, what shoots well in 4", 6", or longer barrels will also do well in snubnose guns. Of course, blast and muzzle flash will be greater in the short-barreled guns, even with mild loads.

 

[jimbo728]

This is a 38 load I shoot in my 19. 12 gr. of 2400 in a mag case does good also. Primers don't matter & crimp in the groove by the book. You can shoot these loads all day & not hurt you or the gun or the brass.

12.5 of 2400 with standard primer in a .357 case with a 158gr LSWC or round nose bullet shoots very well in my 4". Inexpensive and works well.
Jim

 

[jimbo728]

You fail to mention what grain bullet you are using with this powder load.

Its in the picture. Lyman 158 gr............
Jim

 

[MJS]

Thank you all for your replies, Colt saa nice looking "F" Comp!