jamesmhebert
Member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2010
- Messages
- 16
Hello!
I'm a relatively new handgun owner (S&W 627 Pro revolver) and soon to be new reloader. I have a questions about purchasing the components of a cartridge, and how to go about starting with the powder I have in mind.
I'd like to reload practice rounds with .38 Special-ish reloads using .357 casings, for a couple of reasons... they're easier on my wife's hands. She has arthritis in her hands, and as a faux finish painter, her hands usually hurt to some degree. Also, after shooting true .38 specials for a while, it's often hard (or not possible without cleaning) to chamber .357 rounds because the shorter .38's have left the cylinder too clogged and dirty to fit .357 cases. I do like to shoot some .357 before calling it a day.
1) For bullets and casings, is a recipe flexible as long as you match the specs of the component in question (but not powders, I realize)?
Occasionally a recipe calls for a bullet I can't find, or a casing I cannot locate. Is it permissible to use another bullet of the same weight and shape but from another manufacturer?
2) I've read a lot about Trail Boss powder, and it sounds appealing. Unless I'm wrong, I have the idea I may be able to use it in .357's and it will serve my purpose. Good idea, or is there a smarter/better choice?
The Lyman book doesn't show a .357 load for Trail Boss. What is a reasonable starting point, and range, for recipes using say, a 125 and a 158 grain bullet?
3) Lead bullets vs jacketed bullets. I've read many threads about it, with folks saying Hogdon doesn't recommend jacketed, and others saying they've done it and it's fine.
New reloader guy wants to keep the cost reasonable, and his revolver easily cleanable. What should I consider in making this decision? I'm at a loss here to determine which way to go.
As you can see, some new-guy questions to be sure. Be gentle, but don't hesitate to educate me! Before I load one cartridge, I'd like to have the confidence that I've done the right things.
Thank you.
I'm a relatively new handgun owner (S&W 627 Pro revolver) and soon to be new reloader. I have a questions about purchasing the components of a cartridge, and how to go about starting with the powder I have in mind.
I'd like to reload practice rounds with .38 Special-ish reloads using .357 casings, for a couple of reasons... they're easier on my wife's hands. She has arthritis in her hands, and as a faux finish painter, her hands usually hurt to some degree. Also, after shooting true .38 specials for a while, it's often hard (or not possible without cleaning) to chamber .357 rounds because the shorter .38's have left the cylinder too clogged and dirty to fit .357 cases. I do like to shoot some .357 before calling it a day.
1) For bullets and casings, is a recipe flexible as long as you match the specs of the component in question (but not powders, I realize)?
Occasionally a recipe calls for a bullet I can't find, or a casing I cannot locate. Is it permissible to use another bullet of the same weight and shape but from another manufacturer?
2) I've read a lot about Trail Boss powder, and it sounds appealing. Unless I'm wrong, I have the idea I may be able to use it in .357's and it will serve my purpose. Good idea, or is there a smarter/better choice?
The Lyman book doesn't show a .357 load for Trail Boss. What is a reasonable starting point, and range, for recipes using say, a 125 and a 158 grain bullet?
3) Lead bullets vs jacketed bullets. I've read many threads about it, with folks saying Hogdon doesn't recommend jacketed, and others saying they've done it and it's fine.
New reloader guy wants to keep the cost reasonable, and his revolver easily cleanable. What should I consider in making this decision? I'm at a loss here to determine which way to go.
As you can see, some new-guy questions to be sure. Be gentle, but don't hesitate to educate me! Before I load one cartridge, I'd like to have the confidence that I've done the right things.
Thank you.