Why is ???gr your preferred bullet weight?

[gwpercle]

357 Magnum - mid-range , cast lead bullet loads
158 gr. cast lead WC(358432) or SWC (keith type)
5.5 grs. Unique @ 918 fps
6.0 grs AA #5 @ 925 fps ... when Unique is in short supply

Both loads are very accurate , started using Unique in 1967 ...
AA #5 is Accurate Arms ... Not Alcan ... I just started using it a couple years ago ... I don't like Change but in 357 Magnum , mid-range , lead bullet loads ... the AA#5 isn't a bad choice !
Gary

 

[bigt5150]

My 686 just loves the 140 gr. Hornady XTP with 18.8 gr. of H110 a WLP magnum primer in a Starline case. It's a little warm but it's super accurate and and super effective on hogs!

 

[pasound]

For 38 and 357, 158gr SWC and SWCHP, usually Missouri coated, or Hornady 158gr XTP for serious work. Same charges of Unique, or Universal for each. Hornady 148gr HBWC in 38 cases for strictly target work. The usual known Bullseye or 231 loads for them. I don't discuss my handload charges. They're not hot, just accurate.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I have at least a half-dozen molds for .38/.357 bullets. The two I have used the most over 5 decades are the 158 SWC and the otherwise identical 150 SWC-HP.

For .38 Special:
Range and training use, 4.5 grains Unique.
Standard velocity field load, 5.0 grains Unique.
+P loads, 5.4 grains Unique.

For .357 magnum:
Range and training load, 6.5 grains Unique.
Field and hunting use, 7.0 grains Unique.

None of the above are what I would consider maximum loads. All are accurate and effective for their purposes.

My supply chain needs are easy to remember; just stay stocked up on primers, Unique, and lead alloy for casting (mostly salvaged wheel weights, plumbing lead, linotype, just about all of it came free or very inexpensive). 50 years ago I figured about $0.68 per box of 50, today I figure about $5 to $6 (the major variable being primer costs).

Last box of factory .38 Special ammunition was about 1982 for on-duty use, Federal .38 Special +P 158 LSWC-HP.

 

[38SPL HV]

In 357 Magnum I like 150 gr - 158 gr cast SWC’s (Lyman 358477, 358156, generic cast SWC). I do like using 38 Special cases with Keith 358429 (170 gr) for use in my 357 Magnums at times