Q re loading LSWC for 357 magnum

[kpp80202]

I have been reloading various calibers for years, and have extensively loaded 357 magnum loads with jacketed bullets. Recently, I loaded up a few 357 magnum rounds using Laser Cast 158g hard cast LSWC bullets to try something different. Cartridge length and OAL are perfect on them, but they won't chamber in my 686 or my GP100 or my Python because it appears the shoulders of the WC part of the bullets interfere with the chamber throats. I then loaded up a round using a very similar 158g LSWC from Colorado Bullet, and had the same problem.

Are you guys aware of any LSWC that have shorter shoulders so they can be loaded in normal length 357 brass? Or, do you recommend that I trim the brass down for use in these loads, and reduce the charge a bit to compensate for the decreased volume? I don't want to load up 38 special brass to higher pressures because I'd like to avoid bullet jump in the 357 magnum chambers. Any other advice appreciated. Thanks.

[gnihcraes]

might have to slightly crimp them... my experience.

[LariatBob]

Do you have a micrometer? What is the OD of the SWC's compared to your jacketed bullets?
Sounds to me like the bullets are a few thou too big and making the OD of the cases too large to fit the chamber..
I reload SWC's for my GP100 and have no problems....they measure .357 (at least the ones I have on hand right now...) as do my jacketed.... I have used .358 with no problems....

[kpp80202]

You know, I paid a little more attention to where the binding was occurring, and realized that the base of the cases was a little too big. I had initially fired them in a GP100, which has larger chambers than my 686. The problem was traced to accidentally using the .357 spacer ring when resizing the brass, which is only used with the flaring and seating dies.