Pet Loads for the .357 Magnum?

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:42 pm

Ruger Blackhawk in .357Mag, 6.5" barrel:

Favorite powder and load?
Favorite cases?
Favorite primers?
Favorite bullets?

Discuss.

I'm going to a big gun show tomorrow AM, and am compiling a shopping list. I would like a good place to start with this particular load, and I just know you guys have some good info.

Edit: I am favoring the 125gr JHP, and may also work up a hunting load for a heavier bullet. I don't think the 125gr JHP will have much trouble on deer inside of 20yds though.

Thanks!
Scott

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:53 pm

Powder: Lil'Gun
Cases: Same Lot#, new.
Primers: Win Small Pistol Magnum
Bullets: 180 grain LBT Style Gas Checked

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:04 pm

Once upon a time when I wanted a rather warmish load I loaded 13.5 grains of 2400 with a 140 gr. JHP.

I don't need that kind of stuff any more and don't do it. This load was used in a very tight Python. Use with caution. IIRC at the time it was near Maximum loading.

Rusty <><

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:04 pm

Scott,

I'm fairly conservative with my components. When I find something that works I stick with it.

Favorite powder and load? --- Alliant 2400, 13.5grs
Favorite cases? ---Whatever's handy that is in good condition. If I'm working up a special load it's usually Winchester cases.
Favorite primers? --- Winchester SP
Favorite bullets? --- 170 +/- gr Keith type. Usually Lyman 358429

I've used this basic load or slight variations for many years.

Joe

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:21 pm

13.9gr VV N110
Hornady 125 HPXTP
WSPM Primer
Any available case.

meanc · Post by **meanc** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:27 pm

Well, if I were going to shoot one of my pets with a 357mag, I think I'd use 5gr of Bullseye under a 125gr JSP in a 38spcl case.

All my 357 re-loads are purely hunting loads though, and a little higher than the max published. So other than hunting/practicing with my rifles and revolvers I usually plink with 38spcl +p.

I use lil'gun and a 158gr jsp in whatever cases I have aorund at the time.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:30 pm

This is what I like for my 357 handguns,

158 gr. Hornady XTP
W-W brass
15.0 gr. of Vihtavouri N-110
CCI small rifle primers (recommended by Vihtavouri)

For my 357 levergun, well, what Tycer said.

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 8:25 am

Thanks, guys...
I'm headed there right now, and if I find anything cool, I'll holler at ya.

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:39 pm

OK, I got a lb. of Lil'Gun, some WSP primers, and 100 of 158gr JHP and a hundred 140gr JHP. Got a bunch of new brass, too.

How much powder should I use?

None of my manuals, (Speer or Hornady,) have it listed...

Any info?

Junior · Post by **Junior** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:02 pm

Go to the Hodgdon web site. www.hodgdon.com

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:21 pm

Thanks, Junior.

I guess they call for 16.0 - 18.0gr of LilGun for the 158gr bullet.

I'm going to load six of each, and check the groups. I got a benchrest for pistols, too, so that will help.

Range report will soon follow, possibly as soon as tomorrow afternoon.

bmtshooter · Post by **bmtshooter** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:44 pm

Am I the only one loading Green Dot in .357 Mag ? Seems to work well with all bullet weights I've tried ( 125 - 180 grain ).

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:47 pm

Am I the only one loading Green Dot in .357 Mag ?

Could be. I tried BlueDot in the .357 Mag. Got pressure signs in my MDL 28 after 10 grs. That's when I went to 2400.

Joe

meanc · Post by **meanc** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:54 pm

Scott,

While mileage may vary, I've run 16gr - 18gr (in .5gr increments) of Lil'gun under a 158gr JSP.

Accuracy all the way up to 18gr was very acceptable for hunting purposes... 2.5" and less @100yds.

I got less than a 95fps increase in velocity from 16gr to 18gr so, I stuck with 17gr to keep the pressure from reaching max. I have fired it in all my 357s (SA and levers) and they are actually quite controllable.

I use 17gr Lil'gun /Winchester SPP/ Remington 158gr JSP.

Vic303 · Post by **Vic303** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:02 pm

CCI primer (small pistol I think)
7.7 - 8.0 gr Bullseye
125gr JHP
whatever case is handy

salvo · Post by **salvo** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:54 pm

I guess I need to check out some new powders, I do like the looks of that Lil Gun and need to try it. Been loading H110 for so long I forget there are others

Here are my two favorites
180 gr. XTP - 13.3 gr H110 - Federal Mag Primers
158 gr. XTP - 15.8 gr H110 - Federal Mag Primers

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:02 pm

I really like 12gr of 2400 over a std CCI sm pistol primer and a home made 158gr gas checked swc bullet. It's a load I don't have to worry about in what ever revolver I pick up and it's very accurate. It also shoots really well out of my 357 carbines.
Bob