need some .357 loading advice

M

mtinner

New member
I just got me some alliant 2400 for loading up some .357 using 158 gr. swc. I'm reading some conflicting information, so I wanted to come to the experts. What would be the starting and max. load for this? I'm thinking I want to start with 13 gr.
Thanks
I also have some Remington no.1 1/2 small pistol primers. Will they work or do I need magnum primers?
 
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What are you shooting these from? What is the BHN of the bullet?
I use SPP or Federal gm-200 with 2400 in 357 mag, a mag primer is not necessary. I would think 13gr of 2400 would be a good start, I would try 12.8 first.
 
What conflicting info are you seeing? What kind of bullets are you using - plated, lead, jacketed, other?

I'd trust reloading manuals over Internet advice. If the manuals have wildly conflicting info there should be other published sources you can consult. If the info is just slightly different it's probably OK to consider one load conservative and the other load on the hot side.
 
Those sound like the numbers that I was thinking of using. I'm shooting them thru a Ruger Gp100 with 158 gr lswc. I loaded up 6 rounds and I'll be taking them out to the range this morning. I guess I was a little concerned because I didn't see my specific bullet listed or I somehow missed it.
Thanks for the info.
 
The conflicting data on "lead" bullets is because they vary so much in hardness. Lyman load data is based on their hard cast alloy. Most other sources are based on cold swaged bullets. The max load will highly depend on what specific 158gr SWC you are using.
 
Just got back from the range and things went well. Seems that 13 grains is right where I want to be with these bullets. These are the same bullets that I use loading .38 special with 700x powder and I would like to keep things. Okay, off to town to get me some more bullets. Thanks for all of the replies guys, this is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable people.
 
Magnum primers are not called for with 2400 but the Remington 1 1/2 should NOT be used to load 357 Magnum, especially high pressure loads of 2400. The primer cup of the Remington 1 1/2 is too soft for this application and Remington specifically advises against this and this caveat is printed on the packaging. Their 5 1/2 primer has the same chemical composition as the 1 1/2 but has a harder cup and is the Remington primer recommended for 357 Magnum. I've had pierced 1 1/2 primers in 357 using Universal. I quickly switched to the 5 1/2 but prefer the CCI500.
 
There was fouling around the firing pin. Over time hot gases escaping from the primer could cause erosion and damage the gun. Remington warns not to use their 1 1/2 primer in 357 Magnum. I believe them.
 
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