AJC1
Member
Seven grains even unique with a 158 mag case is good to go!!!! Spp are fine
Last edited:
Loading .357 Pistol and .357 Rifle
- Thread starter Nomes
- Start date
eddiememphis
Member
No one has asked what bullets you intend to use.
That can make a difference.
That can make a difference.
.45Coltguy
Member
Post #25?
BRatigan
Member
Had great success with AAC 5744 in the Model 73 Winchester. The 14.4 grains under my cast MPCarb 163 grain shallow hollow point at BHN of 12, pc'd and tumble lubed. This result is what I am always shooting for. All my great loads must shoot like this. I have great confidence in these loads so that I know exactly where the bullet will go over a given distance. I can count on this load for that. Always with iron sights from a sound rest.
My EDC is .357 magnum using a 158 gr. bullet. I never load minimum or maximum always a midrange load. I use 2400 or VHT n-110 powder. On my .357 lever action rifle I use the same load from my gun, 12.5 on N-110 and 12.7 gr using 2400 powder for both my revolver and rifle. Regardless of the load used and the velocity you get from your revolver, you can expect an increase of 400 fps to 500 fps from your rifle with a 16" more with a longer barrel.
BRatigan
Member
Thanks for the tip on N110. I was running it much hotter, and it didn't group well enough, so I'll go down the ladder and see if there is magic.
small town life
Member
While I don't have any 38spl/357mag firearms (pistol or rifle) I do have 44mag in both. Haven't shot any cast. I use the same load in both with all jacketed bullets.......296. I did use unique for a while before staying with 296.
Random 8
Member
I do load for both. I'm a big fan of Hs-6, WSF or Longshot for mid power loads. Unique would be pretty much the same application if you have it. I use H110 for full power hunting. Try a 125HP with a max load of H110 through the rifle on soft targets (NR for revolver). You'll get SKS like expansion. With 158s and 180s, it will be pretty mild mannered in the rifle, and a handful in the revolvers. I think it is called MP300 deserves a try also. It's purported to really shine with maximum velocities in rifle length barrels.
For low velocity (.38s) I tend to use whatever is handy and left over, as this is all plinking ammo in my world. The closest I've had to a standard load was with HP-38, but I'm presently burning through some pulldown red dot (A benefit of living 15 miles from BPI). I've also used a few other random 1 offs or estate sale buys. This is for 158 grain cast in both firearms. The handguns are fussier, the Henry SS seems to eat just about any wild concoction equally in this area, although I do keep the loads on the warm side of data for standard .38 to make sure the bullets go past the muzzle.
For low velocity (.38s) I tend to use whatever is handy and left over, as this is all plinking ammo in my world. The closest I've had to a standard load was with HP-38, but I'm presently burning through some pulldown red dot (A benefit of living 15 miles from BPI). I've also used a few other random 1 offs or estate sale buys. This is for 158 grain cast in both firearms. The handguns are fussier, the Henry SS seems to eat just about any wild concoction equally in this area, although I do keep the loads on the warm side of data for standard .38 to make sure the bullets go past the muzzle.
Let us know how it does at the lower loads. My experience has shown me that in my firearms, the most accurate loads seems to be in the mid-range area 99% of the time.
Lever Action .357
I need load data for 231 Winchester Ball and Unique for 158 gr bullets LSWC, LRN and 124 bullets LSWC.
Also for Hornady XTP 158gr, 140gr and 125gr
I have read
Some say use pistol load data and some say don't use pistol data use rifle data.
Mostly just pinking with lead and some SD if I had to and a hog or two.
I need load data for 231 Winchester Ball and Unique for 158 gr bullets LSWC, LRN and 124 bullets LSWC.
Also for Hornady XTP 158gr, 140gr and 125gr
I have read
Some say use pistol load data and some say don't use pistol data use rifle data.
Mostly just pinking with lead and some SD if I had to and a hog or two.
AJC1
Member
The only difference between pistol and rifle should be slower recommendations in rifle to get more speed. I use 7.0 of Unique for 158xtps and my pc 158s it's not a max load and I shift to blue dot if I want more speed.
small town life
Member
I don't have 357mag, but in 44mag I use the same data for rifle that I've loaded fir pistol in.
N555
Member
I load separate carbine and revolver ammo. So imo, none.
Load the rifle ammo with H110 and the revolver ammo with unique.
Load the rifle ammo with H110 and the revolver ammo with unique.
just a thought, if your using lead bullets, the bump in velocity in a rifle barrel could get you into a high enough velocity that it could cuase issues. someone with more experience than me should be able to clarify, but I plan to do .357 for rifle and pistol, and that is a question mark I have. that pistol round in a rifle with a lead bullet can cause leading, no?
Mr.Revolverguy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2007
- Messages
- 1,882
I have come to like 300-MP myself after testing it against H110 across the chronograph and in gel. The recoil impulse is different but I also notice that the barrel on my marlin isn't as hot to the touch after 6 rounds of 300-MP like it is with H110. I know it is not scientific but the heat was very noticeable difference.
youtu.be
youtu.be
💥357Magnum A Beast: H110 vs 300-MP Velocity and Gel Test: Optimal 357Mag Bullet Weight💥
💥357 Magnum Reviewed Tested In Ballistics Gel and Across The Chronograph💥170gr Keith Style Tested In Ruger Security Six 2.5in BarrelSmith and Wesson 686Plu...
youtu.be
🔥357Magnum A Beast Part2: Cast Hollow Point 300-MP Velocity and Gel Test🔥
162gr HP Keith Style Tested In Ruger Security Six 2.5in BarrelMarlin 1894 16in BarrelFull written article and chronograph resultshttps://dayattherange.com/?p...
youtu.be
OS/N
Member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2023
- Messages
- 249
Use of a manual is handy. Most are arranged with faster powders at the top and slower burning at the bottom of a bullet type and weight table.
In general the shorter the barrel the faster the powder and visa versa. All in the load data should be safe in any length. Safe but not always practical or best performing.
When I load for both handgun and rifle I use the optimized for handgun loads. When for just rifle as for hunting I go with W296/H110 or Lil'Gun for more speed and energy in the longer barrel. For me W296 does better with 125 and lighter bullets and the Lil'Gun does better for 158 grain and heavier bullets.
P.S. True Blue or equal works well in both and you can also find it in loading tables for 38spl. Makes nice plinking loads for rifle and decent mid to high power loads for revolvers.
In general the shorter the barrel the faster the powder and visa versa. All in the load data should be safe in any length. Safe but not always practical or best performing.
When I load for both handgun and rifle I use the optimized for handgun loads. When for just rifle as for hunting I go with W296/H110 or Lil'Gun for more speed and energy in the longer barrel. For me W296 does better with 125 and lighter bullets and the Lil'Gun does better for 158 grain and heavier bullets.
P.S. True Blue or equal works well in both and you can also find it in loading tables for 38spl. Makes nice plinking loads for rifle and decent mid to high power loads for revolvers.
Last edited:
Mr_Flintstone
Member
Of the powders you have listed, Unique would yield the highest velocities, but not by much. Bullseye, Tightgroup, and 231are in the fast pistol powder range and Unique is in the fast side of medium powders. In handguns, you won’t see much difference in velocities because of the short barrels, but in rifles you really want the slow end of medium powders to slow pistol powders with powders like 4227, 2400, H110, N110, Lil’ Gun, and 300-MP giving the best rifle velocities. The reasons why are two-fold. First is because they burn longer in the barrel, but probably more important is because their loads are heavier by weight, and all of that mass has to be turned into gas that continues to push all the way down the barrel.
Most people are reluctant to just hand out reloading data except in certain circumstances. For all of the Hodgdon powders, Hodgdon’s Reloading website is very good. Alliant Powder’s website also has data, but I don’t think so for Hornady bullets. You really need a good manual or two to get data for all the different bullets and powders. The One Load/One Caliber Complete Reloading Manual for 357 Magnum is a very good source for all things 357 Magnum related, but if you do other calibers you’re going to need other manuals as well. Google Marvin Stuart reloading for a variety of viewable/downloadable manuals. The one load manual is there if you look around for it.
AJC1
Member
Yeah that Marvin Stewart page is a real goldmine..... read what's there and I really doubt any cash money is needed to be successful
What about paper and clays
Best as fastest, cheapest, loudest, best for cast or best for jacketed. Easiest to find. Best for magnum loads, best for lighter loads.
