Working up loads For the Federal 130 gr. HST with new powders..AA#5 and HP 38

[IWAC]

Hello;
Can any one help? I am starting to work up loads for my 357 magnum with the Federal 130 gr. HST bullets. 4" barrel, using 357 brass, goal ~900 fps, Fiocchi, CCI 500 and/or Winchester small pistol primers. The bullet will be seated as Federal's factory load, crimped over the front of the bullet. Cases are trimmed to recommended length +- .002 for a consistent crimp. COAL? I have settled on 5 gr. Unique for one load, and wonder if anyone has reloading figures for AA#5 or HP 38 loaded to a similar level? There doesn't seem to be much data for my particular combinations.

 

[FLIGHT762]

I did a load workup for my J frame S&W 340 PD using the 130 HST. I used 38 Special cases. I found that crimping to the front of the bullet, like FBWC caused higher pressure. I seated the bullet to the center of the cannelure and this was my preferred seating length in the J Frame.

My 2 go to loads were 6.0 grs. of Unique and 5.5grs. of 231. The 231 load was accurate and a bit flashy in the short 340 barrel. My preferred load is the 6.0 grs. of Unique load it was accurate and no big flash. I did try a Bullseye load, but I didn't like it.

I found no advantage of seating the bullet to the front of the case mouth like Federal loads to. I suggest you try both seating lengths. I did test also with .357 cases, but found no advantage to the longer cases since the loads fit nicely into 38 Special cases and my 340 PD has a short throw on the ejection rod and .357 cases were difficult to eject. Your revolver should have no issues, but that is something to consider if you're going to use this load as a SD load. Reloading would be easier with .38 Special cases.

 

[reddog81]

I have only tried a few loads. For me 4.5 grains Unique in a 6" Python got 1,100 FPS and 1,040 in a 5" GP100 seated flush in 38 Special case. I'm guessing a 5 grain load will be trucking along quicker than 900 FPS and a 6 grain load seated flush might be a pushing well into 357 mag pressure range if seated flush in a .38 Special case.