Suitable Light Target Loads with .357 Cases

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Scragbait

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Hello Pistol Reloaders

While waiting for my ATT to come in, I'd like to get some target loads ready for my S&W 686. My main criteria for a good load is accuracy and I'd like to use full length magnum cases to avoid the extra jump that the bullet would take to the forcing cone if I were to use .38 Special cases.

I have a question: Would it be okay to use a .38 +P loading in a magnum case or could there be a potential problem with too much empty space in the case? I have heard that this can potentially lead to dangerous pressure levels. Are +P loads intended for .38 Spl sized cases? Would I be better off sticking to Magnum loads for Magnum cases?

I have to replace my old reloading manuals with a new one (they are expensive) but I'd like to hear from anyone who target shoots a .357 with full length cases but with a lower powered load for comfortable and accurate target shooting. I'm also interested in recipes that work well in the 686 - don't worry, I'll check that anything I do is blessed by proper literature.
 
You should be able to find some light loads for .357

What bullet are you going to use?
There are lots of light loads using Clays powder for pistols, usually with lead bullets.
 
I haven't selected a bullet yet but it will probably be a cast lead SWC - no jacket. I have to check out the availability of powders and bullets from the local gun shop.
 
Go check out the cowboy loads for .357 Magnum. You'll probably find what you're looking for there.
 
When it comes to accuracy in a revolver, accurate loads can be gun specific. There has been very good accuracy obtained from shooting .38 wadcutters in .357 revolvers, so I'm not sure if your concerns about bullet jump are warrented. From a safety view point, there is no problem with .38 Special loads in .357 cases that I can think of.
 
With 150, 160 or 162 gr cast SWC with Winchester 231 I have found 3.4 gr is all that is needed. Have even wandered down to 140Gr SWC cast with around same loads or lighter. You can go even lighter if you wish. You do not have to be overy sensative with 38Spl revolver loads. I have seen some with some of the above bullet tips using 3.1 gr of 231 or Bullseye.

Fact is I am using an outdated 452AA Winchester powder of only 3.1 gr & 162gr SWC which group well in my PPC revolver or a 586.
 
Boomer said:
When it comes to accuracy in a revolver, accurate loads can be gun specific. There has been very good accuracy obtained from shooting .38 wadcutters in .357 revolvers, so I'm not sure if your concerns about bullet jump are warrented. From a safety view point, there is no problem with .38 Special loads in .357 cases that I can think of.
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The extra volume of the .357 case will make the load lighter yet chronograph your loads. Work up from 38spl. Reduced .357 mag load that I use with 158gr lead wc is 5grn of IMR 700X & small pistol primer. I like it because it is clean.
 
AOWM said:
The extra volume of the .357 case will make the load lighter yet chronograph your loads. Work up from 38spl. Reduced .357 mag load that I use with 158gr lead wc is 5grn of IMR 700X & small pistol primer. I like it because it is clean.
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I believe you should use light loads listed for .357 cases, not just .38 spl loads. If you get to light, you begin to risk detonation rather than burning do to powder behaviour in the large empty case.
 
Be careful in powder selection as said above some powders can detonate instead of igniting (boom!). Stay away from h110 and I think 296 don't recommend reduced loads (5% instead of the usual 10%). You can make light 357 loads reducing their max loads by 10% and should be OK.
 
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