IWAC
Member
I'm looking for a mid-range Universal load for my 357 Magnum.... about 900-1000 fps. I ONLY want recommended loads for Universal, not "I have loaded ______ (fill in the blank) powder for 97 years" or the like. My constants...357 brass, CCI, Winchester, Fiocchi Small pistol primers; again, whatever was on the shelves, cast/plated 158 gr. bullets. 4" barrel. No chronograph.
My previous experience with Universal (what I found on the shelves) has been the recommendation printed on the can; .38 Special 5.2 gr. I loaded that recommendation, and they shot well, but the cases were sooted for maybe 1/3 of their length, indicating low pressure. I am considering raising the loading to the 5.7 gr suggestion for 357, again using info printed on the can label. My manuals haven't been much help, using weird barrel lengths, etc., etc.
My reasoning for my choices: I shoot better with what kicks me least.My Grandson declined to shoot any more of my Unique 5.5gr/158 SWC loads after his first experience! Arthritis and weaker hand strength make milder loads more pleasant. Plated/Cast Boolits that don't expand reach their most effective velocities around 1,000 fps, imo...it is mostly bang and flash after that. Ymmv.
So, any recommendations?
Thank you!
My previous experience with Universal (what I found on the shelves) has been the recommendation printed on the can; .38 Special 5.2 gr. I loaded that recommendation, and they shot well, but the cases were sooted for maybe 1/3 of their length, indicating low pressure. I am considering raising the loading to the 5.7 gr suggestion for 357, again using info printed on the can label. My manuals haven't been much help, using weird barrel lengths, etc., etc.
My reasoning for my choices: I shoot better with what kicks me least.My Grandson declined to shoot any more of my Unique 5.5gr/158 SWC loads after his first experience! Arthritis and weaker hand strength make milder loads more pleasant. Plated/Cast Boolits that don't expand reach their most effective velocities around 1,000 fps, imo...it is mostly bang and flash after that. Ymmv.
So, any recommendations?
Thank you!