I am new to reloading and do not know where to start..I have Lee Classic hand loader. The only store I can get components is le baron I would like to use what is available to that store, I have RUGER GP100, 106mm Barrel and planning to buy the Winchester 158 grain JHP notched bullet. Does anyone use this particular bullet and if so what powder and primer combination do you use for your 357 magnum? Btw. they only carry Winchester and IMR powder..Thanks
I need help re loading 357 magnum
- Thread starter mrq5daw
- Start date
- Location
- Ottawa, Ontario
look at the hodgdons load data center or buy a loading manual for load data. where are you located? GTA or Ottawa? because in either case there are lots more options for bullets that will bring your cost waaay down.
The best loading book I have ever seen for handguns is the, "Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook." A great variety of loads, including accuracy loads, plus tons of different bullet tables, out to 300 yards.
You may have trouble finding the book, it came out in 1978.
There is really no need to buy expensive jacketed bullets for your 357. Cast bullets will get everything either you or your gun are capable of, at a fraction of the cost.
For getting the most powerful loads, H110 (or Win. 296) or 2400 will do it.
For lighter loads, unique is good.
The Ruger forerunner of the GP100, the Security Six, was a great, strong, 357. So, I presume the GP100 is also very good.
Edited to state that you will have to get a powder scale. I can't comment on the Lee scale, but any of the other well known brand of beam scale will be good, I would just get the lowest priced, major brand.
You may have trouble finding the book, it came out in 1978.
There is really no need to buy expensive jacketed bullets for your 357. Cast bullets will get everything either you or your gun are capable of, at a fraction of the cost.
For getting the most powerful loads, H110 (or Win. 296) or 2400 will do it.
For lighter loads, unique is good.
The Ruger forerunner of the GP100, the Security Six, was a great, strong, 357. So, I presume the GP100 is also very good.
Edited to state that you will have to get a powder scale. I can't comment on the Lee scale, but any of the other well known brand of beam scale will be good, I would just get the lowest priced, major brand.
punkrockboy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Eastern Bantario!
I can, it is very accurate. I have used a lee scale exclusively, and finally broke down and bought a digital Hornady scale, which verified that my Lee scale is bang on.
As far as .357 goes, I agree, H110 and cast bullets is the way to go!
if you want to load ammo to shoot for fun and accuracy, you can use cast lead bulllets. DRG and Wolf are two local makes that are available. I shoot thousands of the 158 SWC (Semi-Wad Cutter) and the 148 WC (WadCutter).
If you have a big pile of 357 brass, you can reload that. I have 100 357 and 5000 38Spl brass, using the 38 brass 99% of the time. I only shoot full power 357 loads about once a year, when needing a cure for constipation....
There are many different powders available. Win 296 is good for full power loads. It is not good at making reduced loads for accuracy.
IMR SR7625 is a medium speed powder (similar to Unique) that makes real good mild to moderate heavy loads. It meters very well in all brands of powder throwers, which should be your next purchase, if you don't have one yet.
Another popular powder is Win 231. It makes good ammo, but is more dirty than 7625.
4 to 5 grains of either powder, with either bullet, in either case makes a good round for your 357 revolver. (The 5gr, 148 gr bulllet in a 38 case is too hot for a 38 revolver - but fine in a 357.)
If you have a big pile of 357 brass, you can reload that. I have 100 357 and 5000 38Spl brass, using the 38 brass 99% of the time. I only shoot full power 357 loads about once a year, when needing a cure for constipation....
There are many different powders available. Win 296 is good for full power loads. It is not good at making reduced loads for accuracy.
IMR SR7625 is a medium speed powder (similar to Unique) that makes real good mild to moderate heavy loads. It meters very well in all brands of powder throwers, which should be your next purchase, if you don't have one yet.
Another popular powder is Win 231. It makes good ammo, but is more dirty than 7625.
4 to 5 grains of either powder, with either bullet, in either case makes a good round for your 357 revolver. (The 5gr, 148 gr bulllet in a 38 case is too hot for a 38 revolver - but fine in a 357.)
Thank you for the quick reply guys.. I am from Oakville, Ontario and as I said I am stuck what ever that store have, If I order through internet and have to pay for shipping and handling well there is no savings in there might as well buy factory load..that store carry only 158 grain JHP notched bullet, Winchester primers, IMR powder. I did research on hodgdons load data center but the powder they have for 158 grain JHP is not available in that store..what they have is; IMR 4756-4759-4227-4350-7828
in Winchester none for handgun..I am soo confused
in Winchester none for handgun..I am soo confused
4227 will work but performs best in full power loads in the .357. If they can get W231 that will make better target or mid-range loads. You should try and get either plated or commercially cast bullets by the thousand--would cut costs somewhat. You need to get a couple of loading manuals and read them over.
just having some fun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Check out
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
if it's IN THE CATALOGUE, it should be able to DROP SHIPPED to THAT STORE at no charge to you- most of these guys have several stores with ONE CENTRAL WAREHOUSE that they draw from- you just have to speak to the manager, make a DECENT order, and it comes from central in their next order- if he won't( assuming it is a he) then TELL him that you can get it from one of the competition's stores ( don't mention that you don't have access to anyone else) - by decent order , i mean enough supplies for 1000 rounds,which is not unreasonable for target shooting- unless he has some stupid policy against handguns( and bullets are bullets and powder is powder- get him to explain WHY he can order rifle powder and not pistol) it SHOULD work- you may have to pay up front, but you should get your order
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Jacketed bullets cost much, much more than cast. I think I last paid $35/500 for cast 148gr wad cutters. Does that even buy 100 jacketed bullets?
Many more choices from Oakville than LeBaron. Have you checked with Al Simmons in Hamilton?
Many more choices from Oakville than LeBaron. Have you checked with Al Simmons in Hamilton?
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
W231 & HP38 are now the same powder. Newer manuals give the same charge for both. Versitile and easily obtained from LeBaron's they are great for range use (Which is all you're going to do anyway). 158gr Lead SWC is the way to go for .38Spl & .357Mag.
