Loading 357 and 38-55 with Black Powder -Help

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reb

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I would like to load one of my 1873 SAA in 357 mag and my Winchester 1894 in 38-55 and cast bullets.I have never used Black Powder so any info would be great.
I have got the Lyman Black Powder manual.In the manual there is some loads for 38 spl. but nothing for the 357.Could I use this data in my 357?
Also where to buy the drop tube for the powder?
Any tips etc. would be great.
Thanks Reb
 
You don't absolutely need a drop tube and one can be made from a piece of 3/8 copper water line. It stettles the powder so that you don't need to compress it as much.

Loading data is kind of redundant in loading black. Put in enough so that it compresses when you seat the bullet. You don't want any empty space in the shell when its loaded. Other than that feel free to use all that will fit. :D

If you are squeezing it a lot use something harder than the bullet first so you aren't distorting it when you do seat the bullet.
 
You certainly are headed in the right direction, don't use the same load in the .357 as the 38 load would leave empty space in the case and you don't want that. For a drop tube, just fashion one out of 3/8" copper tube and a small funnel on top, fasten to the front of bench and you're off to the races. Use soft cast bullets and black powder lube....enjoy!!
 
BP in .357

Reb

I bought a lovely little Uberti RB in .357 for my wife, the rifle, not the carbine.

I loaded up two smokeless and one BP load for it. The BP load wins hands down for sheer fun! The smokeless loads are boring.

It consists of 21 grs FFFg, drop tubed and uses a .36 calibre waxed wad under a 158 bullet.

Lots of snap and she can hit the 100 yd gong with it off hand.
 
You can also melt some SPG or equiv. BP lube in a pan and "cookie cut" a "lube wad" to mitigate fouling's effects.
 
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