.357 Reloading Question

[Reloader7786]

Alright, sanity check here I'm new to this so bear with me.

I'm using Berry's plated bullets, because they are readily available and I don't really need velocities over 1200FPS. I'm using .357 mag cases because I'm shooting a .357 mag revolver and would just assume shoot the magnum loads. I'm using HP-38 powder because I have quite a bit and with the plated bullets don't really need a high velocity round, so I'd like to stick with the HP-38.

My question or discussion is about the powder charge.

Using:
158 Grain Berry's Bullets
5.3 Grains of HP-38 (1/2 way between the cast loads and jacketed).
1.586" OAL
CCI Small Pistol Primers

It shoots quite well, however it feels quite under-powered for a .357 mag load, I'm not looking for a high power load here neither the plated bullets or the HP-38 are the right components for that job.

Berry's mentions to use the low to mid level jacketed load data. I'm also using Berry's in some .38 special loads and I've found that to be the case with the load data for the lead bullets to be so anemic I find myself checking for squibs.

My question comes here, hogdon shows the following:
HP-38 .357 Mag Lead Start: 3.4 Max:5.0
HP-38 .357 Mag HDY XTP Start: 6.2 Max: 6.9

These numbers are significantly separated.

While I've got the hang of rifle reloading where pressure signs are quite easy to pick up on the straight walled handgun calibers are a bit more challenging.

What is the recommended path for me here ? I'm using the Lee Powder disk as it measured the HP-38 quite well, so my next option is about 6 grains which is the bottom end of the published jacketed load, that should be just fine and I'll give that a whirl.

What process do any of you out there who shoot plated bullets use when you run into these situations where the loading data isn't obvious ?

 

[kcofohio]

Look at the pressure differences of the 2 loads you listed. I would venture to guess that the lead load is for soft lead and not hard cast.

Yeah, you won't get the magnum feeling with a fast powder like HP-38.
Nice for plinking though.

I have tried Longshot, HS-6, AA-5, and Autocomp. None of them feel anywhere near, say 2400 powder.

Haven't tried much with plated in 357.

 

[edwardware]

Since your Berry's plated bullets are softer (more easily swaged to rifling) and shorter (no hollow point, larger effective combustion volume) than the XTP data, you could safely start and work up with the XTP data. This is what I do with plated bullets, until they start shedding jackets. Many manuals underload lead bullet data out of the mistaken belief that no one wants to push them to true magnum velocity.

Regarding pressure signs in a straight-wall pistol cartridge, you have feel, sound, ejection, primer flattening, and primer pocket loosening.

Regarding flattening, if you look at the radius of the base of the fired primer, you don't want to go past square (see below, center primer). You certainly don't want to expand the primer out into the primer pocket radius; I have done this and it's unpleasant in a 19-3, but not fatal.

So, use the XTP data for your plated bullets, and pay attention to ejection and primer flattening. I'll bet you can max out the XTP data without any issues other than possibly shedding jackets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, the fast powder you are using will not feel like factory .357 Magnum ammo. Using jacketed load data isn't dangerous. The results of too much pressure and velocity is a bullet that fails. You can slowly work up until accuracy drops off, a sign the bullet is failing. Of course don't go over published data and be careful of pressure although you will probably be way over pressure before you see any sign of it.

 

[Reloader7786]

This was great information most of which I already knew and just helped solidify. I'll continue my journey into learning more and more.

You've all been most helpful. I'm just using the loads to shoot targets and occasionally steel and they'll be going through a S&W 686SSR. I'll keep at it and let you know how it goes.

Look at the pressure differences of the 2 loads you listed. I would venture to guess that the lead load is for soft lead and not hard cast.

That is now obvious. The difference was huge (about 4x the pressure in the XTP load).

 

[Shootshellz]

I believe you would obtain the best information by simply phoning Barry's Bullets.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

I haven't checked my manual but are they too long?

 

[Walkalong]

Doesn't sound overly long. If they fit the cylinder he'll be fine. The Berrys don't have a cannelure, and you can load them at any sensible OAL that works.

If using a roll crimp, tread lightly. I would recommend a taper crimp.

 

[2bfree]

I load 158 grain Xtreme RNFP using 6.2 and 6.4 grains. At 6.4 you know your shooting a magnum. Shells look fine and easy to eject. That's using a 6 1/2 in. Blackhawk. Your mileage may vary.

 

[kerreckt]

I like SR4756 for .357. It has always worked for moderate to heavy loads for me. Too bad it is being discontinued. For full house 2400 is my choice.

 

[dwhite]

Hot loads with uncrimped bullets can cause problems from the bullets being pulled from the case under recoil.

I'd keep an eye on that until I had run a full cylinder and didn't have a problem. Different cases especially
between brands have different wall thickness. What is tight in one brand may not be tight enough in another.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[joneb]

For me the mid speed pistol powders work best with plated in 357 mag. I prefer Accurate #5.

 

[RealGun]

I think if you use low to mid jacketed data, you should do fine. Also go to Berry's website and be aware of their maximum velocity guidance for their bullets. Compare that to the rating for the load recipe. When in doubt toward the higher side, chrono if possible.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I shoot a lot of plated 158's in 357 brass. I always use starting jacketed data.
I don't think HP-38 is the powder you want. I use 8.4 grains of HS-6 with 158's of any flavor. Kind of a 'magnum light' load. Very satisfying to shoot, plenty of power, but easier on the ears than a full power factory load. SR-4756 is another good one.
I use a taper crimp with the plated bullets.

 

[Dudedog]

In this case the lead data seems to be on the light side. I would think you would be ok at start to mid jacketed data if the bullets hold up. Like you noted HP38 is not the powder for high vels in .357, if you want more you need a slower powder.

 

[Hondo 60]

When I first tried Berry's bullets, their website said to use low to mid range jacketed data.
That's what i did.

If I use low to mid data & 2400, it has a nice boom to it.
Plenty of recoil for me.

 

[Walkalong]

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