Need a .357 Mag recipe for 158gr LSWC and 2400 powder

[husky390]

Would someone mind sharing a recipe with me for the above components. Between my Lyman book and the internet I'm seeing powder charges ranging from 11 to 15gr of 2400. I'm in need of a starting load to work up from.

[spittoon]

""""check here""" Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide (http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/recipedetail.aspx?gtypeid=1&weight=170&shellid=28&bulletid=39)

[husky390]

I did and the only load listed is for a Speer GDHP. Unless I'm missing a reloaders trick, that data is for a jacketed bullet only.

[sellersm]

The older Alliant manuals used to list loads for lead. The 02 and 03 manuals show a charge of 15.3, which is max, so I'd start with your 11gr and work up from there.

Not sure why you don't want to follow your Lyman manual? They're one of the best for lead load data!

[husky390]

Not sure why you don't want to follow your Lyman manual? They're one of the best for lead load data!

Because I'm anal and have a tendency to over analyze everything when I can't find an exact recipe. My Lyman's manual only shows loads for a 155gr LSWC and a 160gr LRN. :)

[Zombie Steve]

Don't use a magnum primer and start at 12 grains. Below this, you're going to get a lot of unburned powder. I haven't done a lot with this combo in .357 mag. I started, found a great accurate load at 12.2 grains and stopped (I have some other full power loads, so I wasn't searching for a stomper load here). This one goes 1,125 from my 4" 686, and there's still unburned powder. Accurate, but dirty.


I do have a batch in the garage going up incrementally to 14 or so. Basically, what Skeeter Skelton called a "medium" load. Just need to get out and test them.

Skeeter's loads are in this pretty entertaining article:

http://www.darkcanyon.net/MyFriend_The357.htm

[sellersm]

Because I'm anal and have a tendency to over analyze everything when I can't find an exact recipe. My Lyman's manual only shows loads for a 155gr LSWC and a 160gr LRN. :)

No real difference between a 155gr LSWC and a 158gr LSWC. Some bullets vary by that much from the same supplier!

[spqrzilla]

No real difference between a 155gr LSWC and a 158gr LSWC. Some bullets vary by that much from the same supplier!
This.

[husky390]

Thanks for setting me straight on this guy's.

[husky390]

Don't use a magnum primer and start at 12 grains. Below this, you're going to get a lot of unburned powder. I haven't done a lot with this combo in .357 mag. I started, found a great accurate load at 12.2 grains and stopped (I have some other full power loads, so I wasn't searching for a stomper load here). This one goes 1,125 from my 4" 686, and there's still unburned powder. Accurate, but dirty.


I do have a batch in the garage going up incrementally to 14 or so. Basically, what Skeeter Skelton called a "medium" load. Just need to get out and test them.

Skeeter's loads are in this pretty entertaining article:

http://www.darkcanyon.net/MyFriend_The357.htm

Tried this load out today. Very pleasant and accurate to shoot. I did have a little unburnt powder in the barrel and a little bit of leading but not much. For the bullets I have, I can't see upping the powder charge anymore than this. Thanks for the recipe.

[Zombie Steve]

I tested again yesterday up to 14.2 grains. Found them to be most accurate at 13.6 and again at 14.2 grains.

13.6 was getting me right around 1,200 fps. 14.2 was pushing 1,300 fps. No pressure signs (I was using starline brass and a federal 100 primer). Definitely better combustion / not as dirty.

I may re-test on a warmer day, but it definitely showed promise.

[husky390]

Did you have signs of leading the bore? I have some 158gr LSWC gas checks on the way that I'll try with a hotter charge.

[Zombie Steve]

Yep. I had pretty bad leading, but that is because used straight air-cooled, clip on wheel weights (brinell hardness would be around 9). I'd already cast a bunch, so I thought I'd try. I know I have the size correct (.358"), as I didn't get any leading before, so I'll cast some up and water drop them (should get me up to a hardness of 17-18). Should cure it right up... works in .44 mag, anyway.

[husky390]

Hmm, I think I'll keep these at 12 grains for now. I was reading online this weekend that Kroil does wonders for removing lead. Ever try it?

[Zombie Steve]

I have kroil. It helps, but it's not nearly as quick as taking some copper Chore-Boy and wrapping it around my brush. Comes right out. Make sure you're not using the copper plated steel chore boy... pure copper.