low pressure 357 load

[tactical870]

So I have an old Colt 1889 Navy DA revolver converted to use 357 from the standard 38 long colt. Naturally I wouldn't trust this gun with factory ammo so I'm looking for a nice, accurate, low pressure round. Ideally I'd like to use 158 gr bullets as I've already got lots kicking around. Any recomendations? Thanks

 

[firemachine69]

So I have an old Colt 1889 Navy DA revolver converted to use 357 from the standard 38 long colt. Naturally I wouldn't trust this gun with factory ammo so I'm looking for a nice, accurate, low pressure round. Ideally I'd like to use 158 gr bullets as I've already got lots kicking around. Any recomendations? Thanks

Why not go with standard .38 special? Or am I making a newbie assumption here?

 

[sunray]

"...go with standard .38 Special..." Target loads in .357 cases. Mind you, some .38 Long Colts used a .362" bullet. Slug the barrel.

 

[mlehtovaara]

My plinking loads for my .357 are the same loads I load in my 9mm. I never have to change the powder thrower settings this way.

158 gr LSWC, .357 mag cases, standard SP primers, 4.5 - 4.7(thrower error) grains of Power Pistol. Alliants website lists 5.4 grains but I just went for the easy way out and not changing my powder thrower between calibres. LOL

4.5 grains of Bullseye was working well also, and is listed on Alliants website for 158 gr LSWC.

Cheers
Mark

PS - I just got that sticker today, and will be putting it on tomorrow! Thanks.

 

[unstableryan]

3.5 to 5 grains of Unique will work well.

The wonderful chuck hawks's site says this too for low power cowboy loads:
.38 Special

STARTING LOAD - Case: Win. / Primer: WSP / Barrel: 7.7" / Bullet: .357", 158 grain LSWC / Powder: 2.7 grains Trail Boss / MV 661 fps / MAP: 11,400 PSI.

MAXIMUM LOAD - Case: Win. / Primer: WSP / Barrel: 7.7" / Bullet: .357", 158 grain LSWC / Powder: 4.2 grains Trail Boss / MV 804 fps / MAP: 13,700 PSI

.357 Magnum

STARTING LOAD - Case: Win. / Primer: WSPM / Barrel: 10" / Bullet: .357", 158 grain LSWC / Powder: 3.2 grains Trail Boss / MV 754 fps / MAP: 16,500 CUP.

MAXIMUM LOAD - Case: Win. / Primer: WSPM / Barrel: 10" / Bullet: .357", 158 grain LSWC / Powder: 4.2 grains Trail Boss / MV 865 fps / MAP: 20,400 CUP.

 

[tactical870]

I'll have to try some of these loads tomorrow. I had my 1889 rebarreled for 38/357 as the 38 long colt is too much of a pain to source bullets for. Plus a real old 357 is pretty sweet too.