Searching for an accurate mid-range .357 158 gr LSWC load

[Postman10mm]

I've had lackluster accuracy with MBC 158 gr LSWC BNH 18 over 5.0 grains of HP38 and CCI magnum and regular SPPs and I'm looking for guidance.

I'm interested in obtaining the best possible accuracy in a mid-range load and a 158 grain bullet, either the MBC 158s or Remington's semi-jacketed 158s.

I am open to any suggestions and am ready to experiment!

 

[Harrison]

BNH of 18 seems a little hard for a 38 Spec. LSW bullet, especially one to be used in a mid-range load. You might get better obturation with a softer bullet, especially at 38 Spec. mid-range pressures and velocity. However, try the old standby of 3.5gr Bullseye, or 4.2 Universal Clays seems to work pretty well.

 

[Texas Roots]

Postman, in my experience, accuracy with that particular bullet has been unacceptable regardless of the other components I've used.

Search for another bullet that has a plain base that is close to the Keith style of semi-wadcutter. Also, the Ray Thompson designed 158 grain SWC with gas check does really well in all my S&W guns especially with either 2400 powder or Win296/H110 powder.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

[acl864]

I've had real good luck with 6.0 gr. of SR-7625 and a 158 gr. LSWC and any brand SP primer. So far it shoots well in everything I've tried it in- even my nephew's Rossi Lever action chambered in 357 Mag was very accurate with this load.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use W231/HP-38 for .38 Special and light .357 Magnum rounds with .38 Special pressures. I'm also not a fan of trying to elevate W231 to middle hot .357 Magnum rounds. I have had great success with HS-6 especially with 158gr LSWC bullets in the .357 Magnum. The load data on the Hodgdon site is anemic at best with a Max recommended charge of only 7.0gr which generated only 15,500 CUP. That's hardly a .38 Special load let alone a .357 Magnum load. Fortunately The new Lyman Cast Handbook 4th Edition has better data. The starting load is 9.2gr HS-6 and the Max load is 10.2gr. I get great accuracy in my revolvers from the 9.2gr HS-6 load. it's not a screaming hot .357 Magnum load but Lyman is reporting just over 1100 fps with a 158gr LSWC bullet. I find that to be a great middle range .357 Magnum load and I use it a lot. Don't forget to use a Magnum primer...

 

[JohnnieB]

Make sure your barrel isn't leaded.
Make sure the bullets you use are the diameter your gun likes.
Back off to MIN and work up to towards MAX to find best accuracy.
Use Primer specified in load data for powder used.
Try different powders.
Try different bullets.

Personally, I use about 6.0gr of Bullseye under a Georgia Arms 158gr LSWC with CCI SPP for my .357mag revolver/carbine plinking/target ammo.
There are better powders for heavier loads, but I usually don't load heavy since I seldom shoot at anything over 50yds. (Mostly 25yds or less)
In fact, I shoot .38spl in my .357mags most of the time. (Less powder used, less recoil, same sized holes )

Finding what ammo a specific gun likes best is only one of the benefits of reloading.

 

[pop-gunner]

I've had fantastic results with 14gr of 2400 under a 158gr JHP.
They run at 1250fps out of my 6 inch 686.
This load is silly accurate in my guns and easy to shoot all day in either the 6 inch gun or a 4 inch service six.

 

[chingachkook]

Make sure your barrel isn't leaded.
Make sure the bullets you use are the diameter your gun likes.
Back off to MIN and work up to towards MAX to find best accuracy.
Use Primer specified in load data for powder used.
Try different powders.
Try different bullets.

Personally, I use about 6.0gr of Bullseye under a Georgia Arms 158gr LSWC with CCI SPP for my .357mag revolver/carbine plinking/target ammo.
There are better powders for heavier loads, but I usually don't load heavy since I seldom shoot at anything over 50yds. (Mostly 25yds or less)
In fact, I shoot .38spl in my .357mags most of the time. (Less powder used, less recoil, same sized holes )

Finding what ammo a specific gun likes best is only one of the benefits of reloading.

Johnnie, have you been reading my loading notes?

 

[RidgwayCO]

6.6gr of VihtaVuori N340 (.71cc) under a MBC 158gr LSWC at 1.610" COL in Starline .357 Magnum brass, with a CCI SP primer and a firm roll crimp produced 1019 fps, satisfying accuracy, and ridiculous stats. By ridiculous I mean an exteme spread of 16 fps, and a standard deviation of 8 fps (for ten shots). This was shot out of my 4" S&W M686+. Accurate #2 also produced great accuracy and surprising numbers in this application. YMMV.

 

[JohnnieB]

Johnnie, have you been reading my loading notes?

You shouldn't keep things like that on your computer if you don't want to share, especially when there are old spooks around.

I also size them and tumble lube with diluted LLA afterward.
More smoke, less leading.

 

[sjmjax]

Nothing fancy but what has given me satisfactory results is 6.0 grains of Unique. Loaded with generic 158g cast lead RN & SWC.

Load has given me good accuracy, little leading and is not too wimpy nor abusive.

 

[jake m29]

I use 13 gr. of 2400 over a 158 gr. swc without gas check and standard small pistol primer. it shoots very well in my m27 and m28 with very little leading. I've used it for small game with great success. light enough for long range sessions.

 

[Postman10mm]

Success!!!

I had great success this weekend with the 6" 27-2 and now have a midrange load that is crazy accurate.

8.5 grains of H6 produced a nice thump and superb accuracy.

Thank you to everyone who offered advice and suggestions, especially OCD1 whose direction lead me to the invaulable Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

 

[zainyD]

Nothing fancy but what has given me satisfactory results is 6.0 grains of Unique. Loaded with generic 158g cast lead RN & SWC.

Load has given me good accuracy, little leading and is not too wimpy nor abusive.

I too have used this load with good results.

 

[Crabtree]

I had great success this weekend with the 6" 27-2 and now have a midrange load that is crazy accurate.

8.5 grains of H6 produced a nice thump and superb accuracy.

Did you use magnum primers?

 

[moonshine44]

Nothing fancy but what has given me satisfactory results is 6.0 grains of Unique. Loaded with generic 158g cast lead RN & SWC.

Load has given me good accuracy, little leading and is not too wimpy nor abusive.

+1. That's what I've been loading, and shoots very well from my 4" 65-5.