.357 Power Pistol load w/ heavy bullets.

[Carbon_15]

I came across some 180gr .358 rifle bullets that I have resized for use in a 38/357. I loaded some in .38 cases and a 4.3 gr charge of American Select and they shot GREAT. I cant load them in .357 cases because I can only seat so deap because of the ogive and the need to crimp. What would be a safe max load with Power Pistol when loaded in a .38 case but fired in a modern N-frame .357.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Power Pistol isn't really a good choice for that application IMO. It's a little "hot burning" and might give you a leading problem. I looked at several data sources I have and none recommend the use of Power Pistol with a heavy jacketed bullet let alone a lead bullet. When the powder company and other data sourced don't include a powder in the data there's usually a very good reason.

I'm surprised such a fast powder like American Select gave you good results with that heavy a bullet. I'm a little worried a bullet that heavy in a .38 Special case using a fast powder might get stuck in the barrel. You might want to use a slower powder other than Power Pistol like HS-6, Unique, AA#5 or Universal. W231 might even be slow enough but just maybe. You'll have to test it if you already have some available.

 

[fourdollarbill]

That must be a tall ogive? I have never seen one too tall for 357mag OAL's. Did you try a dummy round to see if it will fit the N-Frame. Pistol oal's are very forgiving.

 

[Carbon_15]

It is a tall Ogive and makes for a weird looking bullet...like the Leverevolution in a funhouse mirror.

Oh and ArchAngel, it is a jacketed SP bullet. You are right that there are better powders available, but i was trying to use what I have on hand.

Thanks

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hey, if that's what you have give it a try, especially since they are jacketed bullets. Just be careful of the pressures.