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Powder for 357 Magnum
- Thread starter crazyjake
- Start date
When I started in LE, our department issued RNL 158 gr. 38s, cast and loaded by jail trusties. I was issued a brand new 4" Model 28 S&W.
Not that I didn't trust the "trustees" but:
I started loading my 357s using Lyman's 158 grn SWC (358477) and 2400. Today I load Lyman's 358477 and 2400, in the same gun because the dept. gave it to me when I retired.
Tried several different powders over the years, always came back to 2400, see no reason to change.
How ever I have backed off on the amount of powder when I shoot bowling pins. 15 grs. is hard on the pins.
Not that I didn't trust the "trustees" but:
I started loading my 357s using Lyman's 158 grn SWC (358477) and 2400. Today I load Lyman's 358477 and 2400, in the same gun because the dept. gave it to me when I retired.
Tried several different powders over the years, always came back to 2400, see no reason to change.
How ever I have backed off on the amount of powder when I shoot bowling pins. 15 grs. is hard on the pins.
Many years ago when I had 357 one of my favorite powders was Blue Dot. It worked well in the 357 mag and 44 mag. I have used it in a pinch for 9mm and 45 but there are a lot of better powders out there for those calibers. I am currently loading CFE Pistol in 9mm with very good results. I have 2 other powders for my 45.
Blue Dot is good in shotguns and magnum loaded pistols but there are other powders that have better characteristics.
Blue Dot is good in shotguns and magnum loaded pistols but there are other powders that have better characteristics.
As far as powders go, I've used 2400 and Blue Dot under 158g SWC. I haven't used any AA#7.
Found good loads in each. Found both of these loads good in 'my' revolvers.
8.5g of Blue Dot gets you 1162fps out of 6 1/2" barrel
13.5g of 2400 gets you 1270fps out of 6 1/2" barrel
Should be obvious, but these loads work for 'me'. Best to work up your own loads to see what you like.
My current goto load is 5.5g Green Dot for 1071fps as I have no need for barn-burner loads. I don't need noise, blast, and recoil for general purpose loads.... Beauty of reloading.
Oh,
MJFlores, was that target shot at 25Y, 50Y? Just curious.
Found good loads in each. Found both of these loads good in 'my' revolvers.
8.5g of Blue Dot gets you 1162fps out of 6 1/2" barrel
13.5g of 2400 gets you 1270fps out of 6 1/2" barrel
Should be obvious, but these loads work for 'me'. Best to work up your own loads to see what you like.
My current goto load is 5.5g Green Dot for 1071fps as I have no need for barn-burner loads. I don't need noise, blast, and recoil for general purpose loads.... Beauty of reloading.
Oh,
MJFlores, was that target shot at 25Y, 50Y? Just curious.
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