Anything I should know...

[Cerdan]

...about loading wad cutters in .357Mag cartridges? There isn't much info for that type of bullet in a .357Mag. There's tons of info for the .38spl cartridge, but the bullet was designed with that cartridge in mind, IIRC.

For example, there's some load info for loading Hornady's 148gr. HBWC in .357Mags on Hodgdon's load data centre, but no info in Hornady's own manual.

 

[ChiliDawg]

Wadcutters are mainly for target shooting at low pressure, low velocity and probably would not work as well in a 357mag case. Do not shoot HBWC at high velocity. (speaking from experience)

 

[Cerdan]

That's what i figured as well. What I've noticed is that there's no data using typical magnum powders like H110 or v-N110.

But data does exist. For example, taken from Lee's load manual: 148 gr Lead Wad Cutter using Bullseye, 2.6→2.8 in the .38, 5.2→5.7 in the .357. Using Green Dot, 2.7→2.9 in the .38, 4.6→5.1 in the .357.

Are you saying these published loads are unsafe? Also, I don't intend to use HBWC, which I'll load exclusively in .38, but these ones from the bullet barn:

 

[ChiliDawg]

hard cast bullets are safe to use at higher velocities. The only difference between 38spl and 357mag is that these small load charges have to fill a larger case, in some cases the charge may not ignite causing misfires. I haven't had it happen to me but it could in theory.

Lyman 47th Reloading Manual
lists - 141gr wadcutter in .357Mag, Mold #358495
4.8gr to 6.8gr Bullseye

 

[joe-nwt]

What ChiliDawg said. The larger case capacity can cause inconsistant ignition with small charges.

Where did you get a 1" ruler from?

 

[Cerdan]

Understood, but in the examples above the powder charge in the .357 is double what it is in the .38. And given the seating depth of the bullet pictured above, there won't be that much free space in the case...

Where did you get a 1" ruler from?

Isn't it just adorable? I wish it were mine, I took the picture from BB's site.

 

[ChiliDawg]

All I am saying is that you should not load to 38spl specs in a 357mag case.

 

[Cerdan]

That was never my intention, I will be using loads published for .357Mag.

 

[joe-nwt]

Well then I'm not sure exactly what the question is?

Yes, you can load WCs in a 357.

No, there is not as much data because WC are made for target shooting and you get more consistant results from a case more suited to a small target load such as the 38spl.

That cover it?

 

[Cerdan]

Sure does, I was just generally wondering if there was anything to look out for.

Thanks joe and ChiliDawg!