Want to reload for a Rossi .357

N

Nomes

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Jun 14, 2023
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I have Cast bullets that I cast soft lead RN and SWC Both 150 gr.
I would like to pick up some other bullets for general purpose and self protection.
What would be a good bullet to get?

And If I can ask Where to get them?
By the way does the brass make a difference or is that just a myth?



I am not selling anything just for my own Info. PM me if you want.
 
Last edited:
Nomes said:
I have Cast bullets that I cast soft lead RN and SWC Both 150 gr.
I would like to pick up some other bullets for general purpose and self protection.
What would be a good bullet to get?

And If I can ask Where to get them?




I am not selling anything just for my own Info. PM me if you want.
Click to expand...
Why do you need another bullet? I ask because it results in a recommendation that will fit your needs better... are you looking for another mold or commercial cast. I love the 154 noe rnfp but your already have that need met.
 
Buy a box of hornady 357 158 gr XTP ammo. shoot it and recreate it. Keep it simple so you dont need to resight in so much. A lyman revolver manual is good reading as is a hornady book. When ive had brass issues its been off brands.
 
{Why do you need another bullet} Part of the reason is leading and from what I gather copper bullets help cut down if you shoot a few after lead.
And I want some for SD just in case also I want to get some bulk to have them on hand.
 
Nomes said:
{Why do you need another bullet} Part of the reason is leading and from what I gather copper bullets help cut down if you shoot a few after lead.
And I want some for SD just in case also I want to get some bulk to have them on hand.
Click to expand...
Your leading issue could be fixed with powdercoat for about 20 dollars. What size are you sizing your bullets to? I shoot piles of .358 pc bullets in a Marlin microgrove and a colt pistol no lead ever....
 
Brazo's bullets are all I use now for lead bullets. 158gr SWC. MBC also sells Hi-tech coated bullets like Brazo's Bullets does.

nofendertom said:
Check out Brazos Bullets. They sell powder coated bullets. I like them and use them.
Click to expand...

Brazo's are not powder coated, they are Hi-tech coated bullets. They are really good accurate bullets and they don't lead up my GP100 or my 686-4.
 
Since no one has tackled the question of brass, I’ll weigh in. I have shot many, many rounds from my Henry .357 Magnum, and in my opinion, they all do equally well when reloading. You may get a few more reloads out of one brand or another with a revolver, but if you load hot loads in a lever action .357, you can get case stretch due to the rear locking lugs. Loading hot loads over and over can lead to case head separation due to the case stretch.
B2F1500B-6AF9-49C4-AEC7-7BADE6E06493.jpeg

If you load moderate jacketed or cast loads you won’t likely run into this, but if you want to run 2,200 fps 125 gr XTPs you’re likely to run into a few after about 10 reloads.
 
No need to use a jacketed bullet to deduce the leading in a barrel shot with cast bullets. For the most part it doesn't work.

If you want a good SD or game bullet I also have to agree the Hornady XTP bullets are a good choice. They perform well and they won't break the bank. Either the 158gr or 180gr bullet will serve you well for different applications. I would use the 158gr for SD and probably the 180gr for game. They are usually very accurate.

Back to the cast bullets, if the bullet fits the barrel correctly and you are using a good lube you should not be getting any leading. If the lead is near the back of the barrel the bullet is too narrow and if it's at the front closer to the muzzle your lube is running out.

If you are sizing the bullet to .358" and it's leading try .359" instead. Use a high quality line too and I'm thinking your leading problem will go away.
 
Mr_Flintstone said:
Since no one has tackled the question of brass, I’ll weigh in. I have shot many, many rounds from my Henry .357 Magnum, and in my opinion, they all do equally well when reloading. You may get a few more reloads out of one brand or another with a revolver, but if you load hot loads in a lever action .357, you can get case stretch due to the rear locking lugs. Loading hot loads over and over can lead to case head separation due to the case stretch.
View attachment 1157469

If you load moderate jacketed or cast loads you won’t likely run into this, but if you want to run 2,200 fps 125 gr XTPs you’re likely to run into a few after about 10 reloads.
Click to expand...
I've never seen that on a 357. My brass cracks down the side in the marlin. Intresting.
 
I mostly shoot a very accurate 38 special cast load out of mine. When I feel the need for a full house load, I either shoot a 358156 cast, gas checked SWC over a near max load of 2400, or a Sierra 158 grain JSP over Lil Gun. Nothing wrong with the hornady, but at the peak of what the rifle is capable of with Lil Gun a stout bullet is called for and the Sierra has a reputation for toughness.
 
(sizing the bullet to .358)
That brings another question.
Is there a reason to do swaging on the barrel or is that just Bull?
 
Nomes said:
(sizing the bullet to .358)
That brings another question.
Is there a reason to do swaging on the barrel or is that just Bull?
Click to expand...
I'll go ahead and assume you mean swaging the bullet down. I use the process because I pc and the bullet ends up bigger than I want, as pc adds .0015-.002 in diameter. The die also helps with roundness. Your needs might be .358-.360 and testing is your only answer.
 
I've fired lots of cast bullets from .38 Special in CAS competition, 900 or so fps, and my mid-range load is a 158 gr. home-cast, traditionally lubed SWC sized .359" @1200 fps with no leading. My hunting load is a rather soft gas checked 172 gr. flat point HP running 1700 fps or a bit more. No leading from any of them.
You are correct that running a jacketed round or two through a (lightly) leaded bore is great for removing leading. I haven't had to do it with my Rossi, but have with some of my other .357's.

35W
 
Tightgroup tiger --- I thought Brazos's Hi-tech coating was powder coating. Whatever it is, I like them.
 
If you get the Hornady 158 XTP, get the “flat nose” version that is rated for the higher velocity.

I like the Zero 158 JSP bullets in my 16” Rossi, running with 300MP powder.
 
AJC1 said:
I also like the zero, and a way better value. Have you tried the jsp.
Click to expand...
Not sure I understand the question. I did state that I liked the Zero JSP. We’re you asking about a different brand JSP?

FWIW, I get about 1800fps out of my 16” Rossi with a charge of 0.5gn below max published charge of 300MP.
 
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