Need a good load ?

R

rebs

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I am having a hard time loading 158 gr LSWC's in 357 cases with an accurate target load. I am using bullseye powder and so far 3.2 grains is the best but not that accurate. I am trying to load this like a 38 spl target load but n a 357 case.
Anyone have any help or advice ?
 
Are you running Swaged Lead (ie Hornady, Speer, Remington lead) or Hard cast? If hard cast.. bump the throttle up a bit.
 
They are cast bullets. I was looking to stay in about 800 fps. I use it for target shooting on an indoor range.
 
Try to ensure that the projectile is sized to .001 over grove diameter. Also, many powders become finicky if loaded under a certain pressure threshold. Looking to achieve 38 target velocities out of 357 case capacity can put you under that stable pressure threshold. I have no experience with bullseye so I have no specific insight on that powder. If you suspect this is the case (easy enough to find out, just start loading them warmer and see if the groups tighten) you may be able to mitigate the issue by seating the bullet much deeper to try and get COAL closer to 38 standard. You won't be able to get all the way there, but you should get a good bit closer
 
For 800 fps you would be way better off with a softer lead swc or better yet a dewc and around 3.0 of bullseye in 38 special cases. Save the 357's for more robust loads.
 
Next batch make half .2 grains less and half .2 grains more assuming you're still with in the min/max range for that powder and bullet combination. See if you get better results with one of those loads.
 
I have loaded 3.0, 3.2, 3.4 and so far he best group was 3.2 but not a great group. I will try some in 38 spl cases and see if its better.
 
The following are my loads in my guns and appear safe. If interested you should work up to them after consulting a good manual and considering all pressure implications.

I've had great luck with my home cast Lyman #358156 (without the gc) sized 0.360", WW alloy, and 4.5 gr of Win 231. I use a light roll crimp with this load, Win .357 brass and Win primers. I estimate this is an 800 fps load from my S&W M60 (3" bbl.). It's also good in a 4-5/8" Ruger Flat Top .357, and a Smith M19 (4" bbl.). (The same 4.5 gr of 231 load in .38 special brass is close to .38 Special +P pressure and 100-150 fps faster.)

Accuracy runs <2" at 25 yds from a sitting rest.

If you're looking for some add'l umph, Skelton's old carry load with the same bullet plus gc, is 13.5 gr of 2400 for +-1100 fps, depending on bbl. length. It's my daily carry load with any of the .357's here on our farm.

BTW, if you're having leading issues with commercial cast bullets, undersize is usually the problem. If you can find 0.360" dia. it'll help. Also, try re-lubing them with Lee Liquid Alox, using Lee's swirl lubing technique. Dilute the LLA by 30% with paint thinner and you'll be surprised at the results.

HTH's Rod
 
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"...but not that accurate..." 158 SWC's aren't exactly target bullets. However, any .38 Special data will be fine. You must work up the load, not just pick one and hope.
Issue with Bullseye for your 158's is that 3.2 of Bullseye is the just start load for a cast 158. Go up by .1 to the 3.5 max load. 5 of each will do. No crimp.
 
From the RCBS cast bullet manual:

158 SWC Bullseye powder.

Start: 4.3 gr./842 FPS

Maximum: 4.8 gr./910 FPS

Speer brass/ CCI 500 primers

Your 3.5 gr. load is for .38 Spl. brass. You have to allow for the greater case capacity of the .357 Magnum case.

I'm thinking that 4.3 gr. load is might close to the level you're looking for. I also don't think that 4.8 gr. load would kick too bad, at least in the heavier handguns. You should be able to find the accuracy you want somewhere within that load range.

ou might want to consider slugging your barrel and chamber throats. If the throats are smaller than the groove diameter, cast load will never be accurate in that gun. If your groove diameter is .358" (Colt's can run as small as .354") then the cylinder throats shout be the same or slightly larger. A .358 groove diameter with throats at .359 would be ideal but it a bit larger no big deal.
Paul B.
 
In 357 magnum with a 158 grain cast SWC , for approx. 800 fps , try from 3.7 to 4.7 grains of Bullseye , that will put you in the 800 - 900 fps ballpark and should help accuracy.

The 3.2 grain load is just a tad on the light side , but you're almost there.

I would load some for testing at 3.7 / 3.9 / 4.0 , see how those do.

I load 4.0 grains of Bullseye , with a 158 grain SWC in 38 special and although it's not a powder puff load , it's great for targets and tin can shooting.

4.0 grains BE , 158 gr. SWC , in a 357 magnum case , fired out of a model 19 should be just the ticket.
Gary
 
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