Is this 357 load safe?

[Centella]

Hi there folks,
New handloader here. So far I've had great results loading 38 specials. I'm interested in moving on to 357mag, but with components scarce these days it's hard to find exactly the stuff you need for published data.
I'm thinking of trying the following for a 357mag load:

Powder: 8.1 grains of N340
Bullet: 125 grain plated (Evergreen Ballistics, truncated cone)

Would you consider this load safe/usable? Right now I'm only interested in range velocities, nothing too crazy.
Here's a link to the bullet in question:

https://evergreenballistics.com/product/38-125-plated-bullets/

Alright, thanks so much!

 

[AJC1]

I expect that load to be in the 1400-1450fps range and I don't see any speed restrictions on that site. Normally plated is speed restricted...

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Down on their page they have this;
"The typical plating thickness of plated bullets on the market today is 0.003-0.006 inches. The heavy plating of our bullets, 0.008 inches, is a distinct advantage over others. This thicker total copper jacket allows you to achieve FMJ velocities without the cost. You may also see these bullets referred to as Total Metal Jacket (TMJ) or Complete Metal Jacket (CMJ) bullets."

So, according to them you can push them as hard as you want. I wouldn't do that, but they seem to think it is fine with their 0.0002 increase in plating. I think other plated I have seen a 1200fps or so limit on them. I would think these are good for more than that, however, don't like their open ended statement with no upper range.

Sorry, I digress. OP, I think you should be fine but would watch the first few to see if odd things are happening to your target (or bore) showing that the plating is coming off. Or, see if you can back the load data down some to be safe with the plating.

A coated bullet from Missouri Bullet Company may be a good option for you if you haven't bought the plated yet. I like plated fine but want to know how fast I can push one.

 

[fxvr5]

Check the Vihtavuori guide.

 

[AJC1]

Check the Vihtavuori guide.

The guide does not have that bullet, but the load is in the appropriate range... he is new and asking about the completed product and he obviously looked already.

 

[fxvr5]

The guide does not have that specific bullet, but the load is in the appropriate range... he is new and asking about the completed product and he obviously looked already.

Vit does not show that bullet but it does have data for other 125 grain bullets. The start and max loads can give a user some guidance if using a bullet of the same shape and loaded to the same COAL.

It's not obvious they looked already. I don't see any mention of it in their post.

 

[Walkalong]

Powder: 8.1 grains of N340
Bullet: 125 grain plated (Evergreen Ballistics, truncated cone)

Would you consider this load safe/usable?

The Vihtavuori PDF shows a start charge of 8.6 Grs of N-340 with the 125 Gr XTP,
so it is probably safe pressure wise, so if the bullet can take it......

My N-340 load with a Powerbond 125 Gr "HP" is a bit higher than that,
but below the Vihtavuori max for the 125 Gr XTP. Heavy taper crimp.

Average just above 1300 FPS from a 6" Trooper Mk III.


My N-330 load with the same bullet. Avg 1257 FPS.

 

[Centella]

Down on their page they have this;
"The typical plating thickness of plated bullets on the market today is 0.003-0.006 inches. The heavy plating of our bullets, 0.008 inches, is a distinct advantage over others. This thicker total copper jacket allows you to achieve FMJ velocities without the cost. You may also see these bullets referred to as Total Metal Jacket (TMJ) or Complete Metal Jacket (CMJ) bullets."

So, according to them you can push them as hard as you want. I wouldn't do that, but they seem to think it is fine with their 0.0002 increase in plating. I think other plated I have seen a 1200fps or so limit on them. I would think these are good for more than that, however, don't like their open ended statement with no upper range.

Sorry, I digress. OP, I think you should be fine but would watch the first few to see if odd things are happening to your target (or bore) showing that the plating is coming off. Or, see if you can back the load data down some to be safe with the plating.

A coated bullet from Missouri Bullet Company may be a good option for you if you haven't bought the plated yet. I like plated fine but want to know how fast I can push one.

Hey thanks so much! Yeah, I've been wondering about coated. Because I'm new to the world of reloading, my tendency has been trying to follow published data, which typically call for plated or cast, or jacketed. I know coated should be more affordable, so will definitely will give them a try soon...

 

[lordpaxman]

Powder: 8.1 grains of N340
Bullet: 125 grain plated (Evergreen Ballistics, truncated cone)

Would you consider this load safe/usable? Right now I'm only interested in range velocities, nothing too crazy.

No.
I checked the VV guide, they have two different jacketed bullets listed at 125 gr and have higher “start” charges than 8.1gr. I would first attempt to determine if “my bullet”, which isn’t listed, is approximately the same OAL as one of these, to see how the seating depths compare. If they were close, I’d start at the start charge. If you want to work down from there, have at it. You have a heavy plated bullet which is closer to jacketed than a lightly plated bullet which is closer to cast.
I realize components are scare but if you haven’t used N340 or any other VV powder before, it’d be best to follow SOP.

I’m not sure what you mean by “range” velocities - if that’s a target/light load vs a hunting/sd load. If you download too far, you’ll have a squib - not safe unless you’re expecting it and take appropriate actions.

 

[Centella]

No.
I checked the VV guide, they have two different jacketed bullets listed at 125 gr and have higher “start” charges than 8.1gr. I would first attempt to determine if “my bullet”, which isn’t listed, is approximately the same OAL as one of these, to see how the seating depths compare. If they were close, I’d start at the start charge. If you want to work down from there, have at it. You have a heavy plated bullet which is closer to jacketed than a lightly plated bullet which is closer to cast.
I realize components are scare but if you haven’t used N340 or any other VV powder before, it’d be best to follow SOP.

I’m not sure what you mean by “range” velocities - if that’s a target/light load vs a hunting/sd load. If you download too far, you’ll have a squib - not safe unless you’re expecting it and take appropriate actions.