357 Magnum 158 LSWC - Replacing 2400 with Unique

[Crashbox]

Another similar load that I really like is 8.0 grains of Herco.

A major +1 for Herco, it is superb IMO for cast .357 rounds on the medium-warmish side.

But if I wanted to replicate or semi-replicate 2400, I would purchase the stuff myself if I didn't have it in stock. I love 2400 for the .357 hotties, the fireball is splendid.

 

[1911Tuner]

6.5-7 grains Unique is a nice, accurate general purpose load that...while not exactly spankin' clean...hints at "Magnum" without beatin' up on you or the gun. Good load for a K-frame.

15.3 grains 2400 is a full-bore, romp and stomp snot knocker that is singularly unpleasant in my 4-inch Model 13s with the factory Magna stocks and you don't even wanna hear about the 3-incher. It duplicates the original .357 Magnum loading that was meant to have an N-Frame wrapped around it.

13.5 grains is just as accurate...amply powerful for all but the major power needs...and it's a lot easier on the smaller-framed guns, not to mention your hand

 

[Shrinkmd]

After shooting my 44 and 500, the 15.2gr load of 2400 out of a 4" 686 was not a problem...

 

[Hondo 60]

Shrinkmd - I like your thinking about 2400.
I just this summer discovered 357 & 2400.

I get plenty of velocity with a stout "bang", but recoil in my S&W M65 is very manageable.
I tried some Fiocchi 147 gr FMJTCs, wow - that recoil was MUCH sharper.

Please be VERY care substituting Unique.
I don't think you'll get same results, as Unique is a faster burning powder.
ArchAngelCD was correct in post #4.

 

[gamestalker]

Not gonna happen. Those are two completely different animals in terms of rate of burn. 2400 is up there just under H110 / 296 and is designed to produce stout loads while producing a slower pressure curve. Unique has a very sharp pressure curve, and will thus reach maximum chamber pressure long brfore the bullet leaves the barrel.

There are lots of other far more acceptable powdesr that will get you in that ball park without having to KB your firearm, or push it to it's limits trying.

GS

 

[1911Tuner]

After shooting my 44 and 500, the 15.2gr load of 2400 out of a 4" 686 was not a problem...

And a 686 is an L-Frame. I shot 14.5 grains/160 cast in my 681 almost exclusively...but not excessively...for several years. It's developed a little endshake as a result, so now it rarely goes to the range these days. When I do shoot it, I either use the 13.5 grain load or the Unique/6.5 that I shoot in the K-Frames.

 

[mavracer]

You try 6.5 to 7 gr of Unique and you may not go back to 13.5gr of 2400. While I don't use 2400 for heavy loads cause I found 296/H110 first, I just don't see much logic in loading mid-range loads with 2400 when you get nearly the same performance with 1/2 the charge weight of Unique.

 

[DC Plumber]

I completely agree with mavracer. Unique/Universal and lead bullets are great companions. I use Universal in my .357 with 158g LSWC, in my 44s with 240g LSWC and in my 45acp with 230g LRN. For the revolvers, I get great performance at less than 1/2 the cost for powder, and my guns will outlast me. Sure, I love and use 2400 for the occasional magnum rounds in my 357s and 44s, but for the extra couple hundred fps, I don't feel it is necessary for me. But, that is only my view.

 

[Certaindeaf]

True. Mid-range loads are great. I mainly use Red-Dot. Heck, you're only shooting paper or bouncing a can like close to 100% of the time.

 

[Walkalong]

I prefer medium speed powders like Unique or AA #5 vs say Solo 1000/700X/Bullseye/Red Dot for mid range .357 loads, as the recoil will be less "sharp".

 

[CZ57]

I have never been a fan of Unique in a .357 Mag. case. You say you want to load just hot enough to know you are still shooting a Magnum. IMO, Unique is not the best choice. Try moving up the burn rate chart a little less. Two powders I would look at would be AA#7 and V-V 3N37 if you don't mind spending a little more. At least check the data for #7, I think you'll find that start charges, or just a little higher, will put you right in the velocity range you want to be in. Accurate #7 is known for good accuracy in the .357 and pressures will be considerably less than using Unique. Data is available at the Accurate Arms website. At the top end AA#7 will put you closer to top end loads if you need them. You can get the thump you want and do it with less pressure than with Unique. Another good choice from V-V would be N350 and V-V data is available at the Lapua website.

 

[Walkalong]

Another good choice from V-V would be N350

I believe it, because N-340 works great. It kind of depends on how fast "midrange" is to OP. On the lower end of mid range, Unique, on the upper end, N-340, but N340 starts getting sharp, compared to the slow powders like 2400. Shoots great though.

 

[Shrinkmd]

I shot 14.5 grains/160 cast in my 681 almost exclusively...but not excessively...for several years. It's developed a little endshake as a result, so now it rarely goes to the range these days.

Why don't you just send it in to S&W for a tune up? If it is under lifetime warranty, don't they just deal with it? How many rounds did you think caused the problem?

I've seen many comments on similar threads that L and N frames can digest endless amounts of loads, as long as they're under max, and not overpressure or hot-rodded. With the caveat that 125gr JHP might cause flame cutting problems.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Got a reloading manual?

Most current load manuals do not list lead bullet loads especially at higher velocities and in Magnum calibers. Even the older manuals were limited on lead bullet data. Thank goodness we still have Lyman and even that isn't perfect.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You try 6.5 to 7 gr of Unique and you may not go back to 13.5gr of 2400. While I don't use 2400 for heavy loads cause I found 296/H110 first, I just don't see much logic in loading mid-range loads with 2400 when you get nearly the same performance with 1/2 the charge weight of Unique.

I agree but I use HS-6 instead of Unique. I also use W296 for top end loads and do most of my loading with W231(HP-38), HS-6(W540) or W296(H110)