Selecting correct bullets for .357 SIG loads

[Racer X]

I know that there is crossover between 9mm and .357 SIG bullets, but how do I determine which 9mm bullets will make good loads in SIG cartridges?

I have contacted a number of coated bullet vendors/manufacturers, and the answer I keep getting is I don't know or we haven't tested any, that sort of thing.

Probably 125 grain RN for practice, then Hornady V Crown or Gold Dot loads. It's the practice rounds I need ideas on.

 

[Porkie]

The bullets for the factory loads are tapered with a flat nose and the cylindrical portion as long as possible. I have a bunch of them but so far, I have used Gorgia Arms canned heat for practice and 125 grain HST or Gold Dots in my carry gun for the last 15 years or so.

Regards, PORKIE

 

[STORMINORMAN]

I have found that the Berrys 124gr HBFN-TP works great in the exact practice application the O/P is looking for...

The HBFN leads to a good OAL of 1.135" (at least in my 357 SIG barrels) and the TP aspect even allows for higher velocities (beyond the typical 1200fps limit for plated bullets).

Hodgdons has 6 different powders listed for the 124gr XTP and I've used Longshot, CFE-Pistol & Universal: for the 125gr GDHP they add 800-X but I do feel their MAX load of 10.0gr C(ompacted) is higher than needed for a practice round.

Cheers!

P.S. Round & conical nose bullets typically provide the most problems in 357 SIG vis'-a-vis' OAL. Most of the bullets specifically designated as appropriate for 357 SIG have a flat nose (Speer 125gr TMJ & GDHP, Hornady XTP & HAP, etc.).

 

[Racer X]

I have found that the Berrys 124gr HBFN-TP works great in the exact practice application the O/P is looking for...

The HBFN leads to a good OAL of 1.135" (at least in my 357 SIG barrels) and the TP aspect even allows for higher velocities (beyond the typical 1200fps limit for plated bullets).

Hodgdons has 6 different powders listed for the 124gr XTP and I've used Longshot, CFE-Pistol & Universal: for the 125gr GDHP they add 800-X but I do feel their MAX load of 10.0gr C(ompacted) is higher than needed for a practice round.

Cheers!

P.S. Round & conical nose bullets typically provide the most problems in 357 SIG vis'-a-vis' OAL. Most of the bullets specifically designated as appropriate for 357 SIG have a flat nose (Speer 125gr TMJ & GDHP, Hornady XTP & HAP, etc.).

Thanks! I have Longshot and 800-X on hand, as well as one or two more that list SIG load data.. I did notice that 10.0 grain compressed load. Not sure that is necessary.

These are something specific I was interested in 9mm 124gr hardcast lead bullets

or these 9mm 125 FP – precisionbullets.com

My concern is that the dished base on either might not feed well in a tall tube style bullet feeder on my progressive press. I like the Precision Bullets option because they have a dry lube component in the poly coating.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The bullets for the factory loads are tapered with a flat nose and the cylindrical portion as long as possible.

Yes, because the 357 SIG's case neck is relatively short, due it's bottle-neck design, it needs bullets with straight long bearing surfaces to keep it properly aligned, once seated.

Long nose 9x19 style bullets don't provide enough of a straight bearing surface for that.

.

 

[AlHunt]

I've tried for a long time to find definitively if the LEE tumble lube TC 124 and 120 grain design works. I know for certain the round nose TL 125 gr doesn't.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Regarding lead bullets for 357 SIG, I have personally not reloaded nor shot any. Plated or jacketed bullets seem to be the only ones commonly found with any load data.

At typical 357 SIG velocities (i.e., Hodgdons LOWEST are in excess of 1,100 fps) you may run into a problem. Frankly, I would (and do) load 357 SIG as on a single stage or turret press. I check my brass with a Wilsons gauge 1st after sizing and flaring, then again after seating and crimping is done.

There are quite a few really good threads on this site about loading this caliber.

Just a suggestion.

Cheers!

 

[fordson]

In my experience, Almost any truncated 9mm bullet will work in the 357Sig. The Ogive on the Round nose 9mm bullets are too far back along the bullets shank to allow for sufficient case/neck/bullet retention for the proper seating depth.

 

[Fatboy01]

I had good luck with these. Didn't worry about set-back with correct crimp.
Of course, they are not in stock.
357SIG/125gr FMJ - 100ct - Montana Gold Bullet Inc

 

[MontanaNerd]

These:

9mm 124 Gr. RMR FMJ Truncated Cone Flat Point MatchWinner Bullets | RMR Bullets

I load these over 12.3 gr Accurate #9
All this talk of how 357 Sig suffers from setback is bogus, a simple crimp is all it takes.

Great round, you’ll love it.

Steve

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Can't believe I didn't mention the LEE 357 SIG collet-style FCD!

Perfect for this application!

Cheers!