I recently purchased a 77/357 and had it threaded for a suppressor. I've been feeding it full power loads since I got it, but I'd also like to shoot some subsonics through it. That said, I don't have any powders that are ideal for 38 special loads, but I do have ~7lbs of WST that I keep on hand for 45 ACP. I've looked, and Hodgdon has data for the 38 special and WST, but the velocities they're posting are extremely low (i.e. ~700 fps out of a 7.7" barrel). I wouldn't normally be leery of that, except I intend to use 357 brass and, I'm shooting this out of a 16.5" barrel; admittedly have concerns I'll stick a bullet if I used the published 38 special load, and with a suppressor I may not know know it until it's too late.
Hodgdon lists their max 38 special charge as 3.7gr @ 770FPS. I know WST is a fast powder, so I know to be careful when upping the charge weight, but I was thinking of starting around 4.2 with a 158 cast bullet, and seeing what happens. I'm not looking for major accuracy here, just something to make it whisper quiet plinking.
Anyone see any issues with that, or messed with WST in a 357 before?
Hodgdon lists their max 38 special charge as 3.7gr @ 770FPS. I know WST is a fast powder, so I know to be careful when upping the charge weight, but I was thinking of starting around 4.2 with a 158 cast bullet, and seeing what happens. I'm not looking for major accuracy here, just something to make it whisper quiet plinking.
Anyone see any issues with that, or messed with WST in a 357 before?