357 pet loads using red dot, blue dot or PB

[Jamesbondage]

Hello, fine folks of THR. I've been lurking around the forum for a while and wanted to say thanks for all the knowledge I've picked up from all the collective experience around here.

Now, my question: I'm gearing up to start reloading 357 mag to make ready for my newest acquisition (a Dan Wesson 15-2). I have the following to work with: IMR PB, Alliant Blue dot and Alliant Red dot, Small pistol magnum primers (Winchester and federal match) and 158 GN hard cast lead SWC and FPRN bullets. Does anyone have any favorite recipes using these components?

Thanks for any input

 

[Slamfire]

Someone can give you advice about Red Dot and the other powders, but my experience with Blue Dot and cast bullets was poor. Valiant told me they cast their bullets to 13.5 BHN which should be soft enough to obdurate and not lead. However Blue Dot leaded awful with these bullets, leading I did not experience with 2400 or AA#9.

Blue Dot will work well with jacketed hollowpoints.

I submit the following chronograph data as a guide incase you want to use your Blue Dot.

[SIZE="3"][B]Smith & Wesson M27 6.5" Barrel[/B]				
							
158 JHP (W/W) 13.5 grains 2400 R-P cases WSP			
5-Aug-06 T = 102 °F						
							
Ave Vel =	1222		 				
Std Dev =	26.45				 		
ES	72.12				 		
High	1262				 		
Low	1190						
 N =	5				 		
							
							
							
158 LRN Valiant 9.0 grains Blue Dot CCI500 Midway cases 			
5-Aug-06	T = 102 °F	 

leading	
							
							
Ave Vel =	1203		 				
Std Dev =	29.22				 		
ES	120.8				 		
High	1261				 		
Low	1141						
 N =	22				 		
							
158 LRN Valiant 10.0 grains Blue Dot CCI500 Midway cases 			
5-Aug-06	T = 102 °F	

v. Accurate heavy leading		
							
							
Ave Vel =	1290		 				
Std Dev =	24.91				 		
ES	88.15				 		
High	1324				 		
Low	1235						
 N =	20				 		
							
							
							
158 LRN Valiant 12.0 grs AA#9 CCI500 Mixed cases 			
5-Aug-06	T = 104 °F	 

Accurate	little or no leading		
							
Ave Vel =	1278		 				
Std Dev =	34.98				 		
ES	117.4				 		
High	1344				 		
Low	1226						
 N =	27				 		
							
							
158 LRN Valiant 12.5 grs AA#9 CCI500 3-D  cases 			
5-Aug-06	T = 104 °F	 

Very Accurate	no leading		
							
Ave Vel =	1348		 				
Std Dev =	34.16				 		
ES	134.7				 		
High	1386				 		
Low	1251						
 N =	25	[/SIZE]

 

[nix4me]

Check the alliant website too, they have a few 357 Mag loads listed.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Lee #2 shows Red Dot 5.0 1,115 fps to 5.5 1,215 fps, 34,000 psi. My favorite is smack dab in the middle. Moderate recoil, very good accuracy and smoky (usually due to bullet lube).