'Powderpuff' .357Mag. loads

[foxbat]

Is there any downside to using mild++ loads in .357Mag cases?
I'm thinking of doing this instead of shooting 38Sp. to avoid feeding/pressure issues when I shoot the occaisional 'full monty' factory .357Mag rounds.

 

[Canuck223]

The problem with light loads in large capacity cases is burn consistancy and powder position.

 

[BrockPython]

I just worked up a nice little accurate load in .357 cases

5.2 grains of winchester 231
winchester small pistol primers
125 grain lead semi wadcutters

its nice to shoot and outa my Ruger GP100 its a tack driver

 

[acrashb]

titegroup is also relatively position-insensitive. I used it for 38special velocities in 357 cases with 158's. stdev in the teens.

 

[foxbat]

Thanks guys...
I happen to have an 8lb tub of Titegroup..and a 's**load' of 158's....

 

[Andy]

Try IMR Trail Boss. Very fluffy - a little bit fills a large space, and it ignites very reliably.

Bullet: 125 GR. LRNFP, Dia. .358", COL: 1.580"
Min 3.5 grs, 874 fps, 14,900 CUP
Max 5.3 grs, 1035 fps, 17,900 CUP

Bullet: 158 GR. LRNFP, Dia. .358", COL: 1.610"

Min 3.2 grs, 754 fps, 16,500 CUP
Max 4.2 grs, 865 fps, 20,400 CUP​

 

[RePete]

Is there any downside to using mild++ loads in .357Mag cases?
I'm thinking of doing this instead of shooting 38Sp. to avoid feeding/pressure issues when I shoot the occaisional 'full monty' factory .357Mag rounds.

Use 38 Sp cases and clean the cylinder chambers with a 38Cal Hoppes Tornado Brush prior to shooting .357.

Reason as per Canuck223.

 

[foxbat]

Try IMR Trail Boss. Very fluffy - a little bit fills a large space, and it ignites very reliably.

Bullet: 125 GR. LRNFP, Dia. .358", COL: 1.580"
Min 3.5 grs, 874 fps, 14,900 CUP
Max 5.3 grs, 1035 fps, 17,900 CUP

Bullet: 158 GR. LRNFP, Dia. .358", COL: 1.610"

Min 3.2 grs, 754 fps, 16,500 CUP
Max 4.2 grs, 865 fps, 20,400 CUP​

Hehe...just happen to have a couple of containers of Trail Boss sitting idle!

 

[ruger22]

good info...

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/handgun/trailboss-feb2005.php


I have not yet tried this powder.
But it may be a good 38 special and 357 target powder.

Also 45 70 target powder.

 

[doc25]

At the price of .357 brass vs. .38 I'd just load the .38 and be happy. If you do this you won't mix the loads up either.

 

[ruger22]

why not trail boss???

The problem with light loads in large capacity cases is burn consistancy and powder position.

I want to start loading 45 70 and 357 for targets.

Trail boss sounds ideal.
My lyman 48 th book has not mention of trail boss.

Look here...


http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/trailboss-oct2005.php