wadcutter loads for .357 Mag for revolvers

[stonecoldy]

I lucked into a bit of mixed headstamp .357 magnum brass, once fired, about 300 cases brass and nickle-plated.
My intent right now is to load up at least half of what I have with 148 grain cast lead double-ended wadcutters, very mild loads for shooting in a S&W Model 60 (I have plenty of .38 Special wadcutter, RNFP and semi-wadcutter loads). I'd like to cut down on fouling and the subsequent cleaning caused by shooting alot of .38 Special in this little gun. I would also like to use them in a Dan Wesson 15V, 4" barrel.
I have plenty of Bullseye and some Clays on hand for powders. If anyone has some recommendations for powder and grain weight, I'd love to hear it. I would assume similar loads for .38 Special would be acceptable, but with a little bigger case wondered about powder position in the .357 Mag. case (I have been loading 3.1-3.2 grains Bullseye with a 125 gr lead RNFP mostly).
Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[joneb]

3.2gr of bullseye works well, I've loaded up two 4.2gr with good results with 148 cast DEWC.

 

[bullseye308]

I like 3.5 gr of Bullseye in a 357 case with a 148 LSWC in a 6" GP-100.

 

[earplug]

I used to reload lots of 357 cases with red dot, bullseye and Unique under a wad-cutter.
In a 38 spl 2.7 of Bullseye is the classic. I'd start from there.
The 357 case is only 1/10" longer then a 38 spl.
Your case tension due to (trimmed} length and crimp has more to do with accuracy then the length of the case compared to a 38 spl for a light target load.

 

[Remo-99]

In a 38 spl 2.7 of Bullseye is the classic. I'd start from there.

Yep, and 3.0gr of Bullseye with 148gr DEWC's in a .357mag case is same load for the longer case of a .357(very mild for 357mag in the range of 15,000psi) nice light recoiling load for 25yrd presicion shooting, but I like 'em with a dash more curry powder for 50yrd targets.

ATM I'm using 3.5gr and 4.0gr of Clays with 158gr hardcast SWC's in 357 cases, and have been playing around with some TrailBoss loads of 3.0gr-4.0gr which would also work for 148gr DEWC's as long as it's not compressed.

If your looking to give Clays a try with the 125gr lead RNFP's, 3.5gr to 4.5gr should work well also, but don't exceed 5.3grs (listed as max by Hodgdon-33k psi).

 

[Walkalong]

I use Clays for light loads in .357 cases. Super clean, accurate, low recoil. I would suggest about 3.0 for those wadcutters. Start at say 2.8 and work up as needed/wanted.

I am using 4.0 with plated 125 Gr bullets. (Max) I am using 3.3 Grs with 158 Gr plated bullets. (Max)

 

[loadedround]

I used to shoot a similar load in my 6'' Python. Starting load was 3.1 gr of Bullseye and 148 gr DEWC. You may increase to 3.5 gr watching for barrel leading and+/- accuracy. If by chance you should use the 148 gr HBWC, I would not go over 3.1 gr for fear of blowing out the bullets hollow skirt and causing som real problems.

 

[stonecoldy]

Thanks for all of your very helpful advice
I now have more possibilities than expected. Responses were great.
Have a good one!