A layman question

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AndrewWeber

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Will less gunpowder amount in a magnum 357 bullet reduce the speed of the bullet ?

Will the sound of the gunshot be different ?

Will the recoil be different ?

Will the bullet travel a shorter distance ?

What's the minimum amount of gunpowder necessary to fire a magnum 357 bullet ?

And finally what would be the purpose of reducing the amount of gunpowder amount in magnum 357 bullets ?
 
Here is a very good article on ammunition.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartridge_(firearms)

Here is an article on the basics of cartridge reloading.
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/beginners-guide-to-reloading-ammo/

Another reloading basics article:
https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2016/01/reloading-101-how-to-load-your-own-ammunition/

And if you want to know about loading down Magnum ammunition here is a search with plenty to read on the matter.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=light loads in magnum rounds&ia=web
 
First, the powder is not in the bullet, but in the case behind the bullet.

A .357 magnum is nothing less than a .38 Special that has had the case expanded 1/10" in order to keep it from being chambered in .38 Special pistols. Both rounds use the exact same diameter bullets. If you reduce the powder charge to .38 Special levels, then you end up with practically the same velocity and energy levels as the .38 Special. ( I say practically, since the extra case volume will change pressure slightly with the same load, but not enough to make a big difference.)
 
AndrewWeber said:
Will less gunpowder amount in a magnum 357 bullet reduce the speed of the bullet ?
Click to expand...
Yes

AndrewWeber said:
Will the sound of the gunshot be different ?
Click to expand...
Yes, it'll be quieter.

AndrewWeber said:
Will the recoil be different ?
Click to expand...
Yes, it'll be softer.

AndrewWeber said:
Will the bullet travel a shorter distance ?
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Yes, it'll have less velocity and less energy.

AndrewWeber said:
What's the minimum amount of gunpowder necessary to fire a magnum 357 bullet ?
Click to expand...
Use .38 special load data. Just be careful using the absolute minimum loadings for .38 special.

AndrewWeber said:
And finally what would be the purpose of reducing the amount of gunpowder amount in magnum 357 bullets ?
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1) your brass will last longer
2) you can help prevent buildup in your cylinders that .38sp sometimes causes
3) you can leave your press set up for just .357mag instead of needing both .357 and .38 sp
4) .357 cartridges cycle better in some lever actions than .38 special.
5) You'll have reduced recoil that are very similar to .38 special rounds. Perfect for the range and teaching new shooters.
 
jdavis123 said:
Questions 1 through 4.......yes
Question 5....it varies greatly depending on the powder that you select
Question 6...reduced loads are useful for target shooting, small game hunting, training, and making shooting more pleasant for those sensitive to recoil.
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Hi Thank you for your reply, you have been most helpful
 
No offense (you did say you're a layman) but you're using the term "bullets" when the term "cartridge" would be more appropriate. One can "reduce the amount of gun powder" in "357 Magnum cartridges".

Dave
 
Just curious, what's prompting you to ask these specific questions?
 
Depends on the type of powder, grain of the bullet, type of case and length of barrel. But most generally Speaking less powder amounts to less velocity and lesser recoil and small sound difference.
 
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