Powder Question - How low can you go

[Nickelboy]

I want to safely load down a .357 using LSWC and HS6. The Hogdgon book I have calls for 8.0 using LRN. I'm looking for a practice load without going all the way down to 38 specials. And I want to use up my HS6.

Thanks,
Nickelboy

 

[GP100man]

hogdgons site calls for 6gr. under a 158gr lswc for starters.

GP100man

 

[Nickelboy]

Thanks GP. Oh Yes I do now see online they say 6.0. I do not understand why my older books have everything listed higher. In my 1996 Hodgdon it says 8.0 and in my Lee Data Manual it says 8.0! This is frustrating!! Why does a manufacture change this? To hurt someone? If a powder needs to be lowered to be safe they should have changed the name. I can not be the only one with the original books from my press. Or am I?

 

[MMCSRET]

Powder formulations change minutely from production run to run, also there are a whole lot more lawyers embedded in everything now. As the 357 started there was no point loading it down because there was the 38 special; we as handloaders want everything our way, if I want 38 performance out of 357 cases I should be able to have it.

 

[GP100man]

i `m just tired of cleanin that carbon ring out!!!!!
try a 148wadcutter over 3gr. of clays ,like shootin a 22!!!!
my baby girl will shoot every one i`ll cast & load for her !!!!!

GP100man

 

[KI.W.]

The best powder for reducet loads is VihtaVuori N-32C / "Tin Star" low bulk density powder.
.357 mag 158gr FNCM Gunhill N-32C 4,5gr COL 1,583" 869fps
The testbarrel 6".

 

[Remo-99]

using ADI AS30 powder (similar to bullseye & red dot) and having a 158gr SWC seated backwards to reduce empty case volume, placing a carboard wad over the small powder charge keeps the powder pushed back against the primer end of the case for reliable ignition. I can use charges as light as 1.5-2.5gr in a 357mag case. This makes for fast follow up shots on targets at close ranges, due lack of muzzle flip/jump. Gun stays pointed on target and just keep squeezing off shots as fast i can. They seem to shoot good groups for me at 25 yards also, and people tell me they can watch the bullet fly down to hit the target as a silver streak lit up by the sunlight. lol