.357 180gr Loads

[LubeckTech]

I'm looking for .357 Mag load ideas that would give 950 - 1000 fps velocities with 180gr cast bullets. I am working on a heavy bullet low velocity load that would make major from a 4" barrel for IDPA/USPSA. At the moment I have 180gr cast gas check bullets of suitable length that I am working with, later I will also work with some 200gr bullets but that will be after the first of the year. Minimum velocity for major with 180 bullets is 925 fps.

 

[NCsmitty]

The online data powder sites are a good source of information.

www.hodgdon.com

www.alliantpowder.com

www.ramshot.com

www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm



NCsmitty

 

[RidgwayCO]

Last summer I worked up some .357 Magnum loads using Remington 180gr SJHP's in my S&W 686+ (4" barrel). Remington brass trimmed to 1.282", COL = 1.670", CCI 500 primers, and a firm roll crimp. The following loads gave me about 1000 fps (400 ft-lbs):

VV 3N37 ........ 8.1gr
AA #5 ........... 8.5gr
AA #7 ........... 9.6gr
VV N105 ........ 9.8gr
AA #9 ........... 11.0gr
Alliant 2400 ... 11.6gr
VV N110 ........ 12.0gr

For 1000 fps with cast bullets, you'd probably need to reduce these loads by a couple of tenths.

Please use this information at your own risk. These loads proved safe in my guns, but may not be safe in yours. Always compare anybody's data with published, pressure-tested, data. Your health and safety are too important to do otherwise.

 

[Landric]

I load the Lyman 358430 in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. In .38 Special brass I get about 875-900 fps from a 4" gun with 9.5 grains of 2400. In .357 Magnum brass the same charge gets about 850-875 fps. 13 grains of 2400 in magnum brass with the same bullet is running about 1155 fps.

With a 173 grain LSWC I get about 1030 fps in magnum brass with 13 grains of 2400.

My IDPA major load is the 200 grain Lyman bullet with 9.5 grains of 2400. Only 825 fps is needed for major with the 200 grainer, and 9.5 of 2400 easily makes that in either special or magnum brass. I use special brass because it much more common, cheaper, and that particular load is printed in older Lyman manuals.