.357 Sig Reloading

R

Rivertrail

New member
I've searched and read all over the boards here and many other places as well as a few of my manuals that actually have the .357sig load.

I have RCBS dies and it seems to be common for folks to run the full length size die on their .40 cal set and then just neck size with the .357 dies.

Is that for ease and not having to lube the cases? Atleast thats what it appears. Just making sure as I'm just starting to develop this load.

As in another post I will likely be using somewhere around 7 grains of Unique powder to load with as I'm trying to keep to very few different powders and it works for me.

Any other tips/tricks on this cartridge?

Thanks
 
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Just take your time and don't over crimp. Also, bullet selection is really the most important factor in 357 SIG reloading. You can't just use 9mm bullet generally though there are some exceptions. I have used 125 grain Hornady HAP, 124 Rainier Plated HP(keep speed down), and the best I have used is the Speer 125 TMJ made specifically for the 357 SIG. The 125 Gold Dot would also be good and is only a few cents per round more than the TMJ.

Powders I have used: LONGSHOT, this is a good choice as it provides great velocities and case fill and has been accurate for me. Some people like Accurate #9, I haven't used it. My favorite is VihtaVuori N105. Top velocities and as accurate as the 125 Speer factory load with even higher velocities. I have loads at 1500 fps with the N105 that shoot great.

All N105 loads are compressed so if that bothers you stick to the LONGSHOT.

Oh, I use a Redding resizing die and then load on my Dillon 550b. There is no need to use a 40 die unless you have bulged cases from GLOCKS.
 
Main issue with .357 Sig projectiles: length of ogive makes the OAL length too long. Must be variations in the Raniers- the hp snout was *way* too long back when I gave them a try. I wound up using Remington JHP's. That was years ago though.

OP- I think you are referring to a process to avoid lube by using carbide .40 followed by conventional .357 Sig to neck size. Lube will still make things go significantly smoother.
 
I use my carbide Redding 40 cal to resize and then the RCBS 357 sig die to resize. This allows me to not use any lube. The RCBS die essentially just neck sizes the case. One extra step but very easy to run several hundred thru a carbide die. I have started using Hornady one shot or some homemade brew on the cases prior to resizing. Really is a piece of cake after that.
 
Thanks thats what I was talking about. I've loaded all sorts of various rifle ammo and had to lube so its really not that big of a deal to do but if there is a way that is easier I'm all for it.
 
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