Sierra Manual 6th Edition - question about max load

[wasa]

Greetings,

While going through my Sierra reloading manual, 6th edition, I note that for 180gr bullets the maximum load with W296 for 357 Mag Pistol is notably different than the load for 357 Mag Rifle. Also for "True Blue" powder and others.

The rifle data has a maximum W296 of 13.3gr, while the pistol data has a maximum of 15.4gr.

It was my understanding that since the SAMMI specs for 357 Mag pistol & rifle were the same, that "pistol" loads could be shot in rifles, and "rifle" loads could be shot in pistols - I might have more muzzle flash and/or unburned powder, but those loads should be safe in either.

Also, I recall an article in Shooting Times magazine stating that pistol 357 Mag loads were safe in rifles, as per SAMMI specifications.

Thoughts?

YMMV

 

[remington jim]

MAYBE it is and MAYBE it isn’t !
Loaders SHOULD learn to derive at there your Own Maximum loads in there your own rifles and pistols by carefully working up in small incrementals of powder and by velocity .
The BOOKs are GUIDE lines ! So are other peoples loads that are discussed.

 

[bearhunter]

OP, RJ is telling you like it is.

The 357 magnum pistol loads "might" differ between rifle and handgun loads because of "legal issues."

RJ could have been a bit more explanatory, but he's very knowledgeable and sees your question as a "no brainer."

Commercial 357mag chambered handguns are strong enough to handle the loads listed in the manuals, but, just like rifles, each pistol is an entity unto itself, and care must be taken when handloading.

Sloppy tolerances can make any firearm unsafe, even at minimum spec loads.

When it comes to rifles and the 357 magnum, some of the designs they're chambered in are not very strong, and some folks don't understand this when they purchase or build them.

I've seen a couple of 73 Winchester, lever action rifles chambered for the 357mag give issues with heavy loads, intended for 357 magnum pistols.

Both of them were owned by acquaintances who liked to load their cartridges close to maximum, for use in their Ruger single action revolvers, and use the same cartridges in their rifles.

The rifles didn't Kaboom, but they developed all sorts of issues, such as screws coming loose, extraction problems, and some other function problems. The rifles became unuseable.

I chalked it up to poor quality materials used in the manufacture, but a knowledgeable shooter tells me it's more likely the design. He had similar issues, then was informed his loads were too hot for his rifle's design. He reduced the loads, and he no longer has the issues.

I'm seeing the odd rifle, such as a Ballard, being built up using the 357 magnum, I certainly wouldn't advise using hot pistol loads in such a rifle.

I'm just surmising, of course, but that's what's usually behind the discrepancies you've pointed out.

 

[brybenn]

Was the cartridge overall length the same?

 

[wasa]

Was the cartridge overall length the same?

I feel bad. Nope. 1.565" for the rifle, 1.585" for the pistol.

But, when I check out the Sierra 158gr projectiles, they do have the same overall length, the charges are still different, but not as extreme.

Thanks all for the thoughts and comments!