357 mag

[PHATINJUN]

I need some help with load data for the bbl that should be here next week. First what is the PSI or the CUP pressure for the 357 mag handi. What I am gonna do is load some mag and I have data for that but I also am gonna use 360DW brass I have H110 powder that I want to use I will be trying some Cast Preformance bullets looking more for 180 grain or heavier  bullet loads.358 on the cast also I have some 35 cal 180 grain speer hot core bullets .358 that I want to try. I have not done any reloading for pistol brass yet so any suggestions are welcomed not really lookjing for max loads just some thing safe and sensible to start with. Even links to where I might find some info are good. Thanks Kurt

[KevinG]

  Seems to me all your bullet selections are good ones,first and formost h-110 is a great powder my favorite combination is 13 grains of h110 and hornady 180 gr xtp,great performer in ruger blackhawk and gp161,also 162 gr handcast w/gas check installed also untp of h110 is outstanding ,have dropped deer in there tracks with both loads the hand cast is sweat one hole through and through and one nice blood trail, have you also thought of win296, or imr 4227 also great performers, that 357 is a great cartrige,just my thoughts. keving

[PHATINJUN]

I have not worked much yet with the 357 but do intend to I got to think that and the 45/70 have so many combinations it will be lots of fun. But then there's the 30/30,44mag and a host of others that will shoot a very wide range of styles and grain's . I need to read more about this gas check stuff. Kurt

[GrampaMike]

First 357 Magnum max pressure is 35,000 psi.

Rifle: 357 Magnum Handi 22” barrel; w/4x scope
Bullet: .358 Beartooth WLN GC 180 grain   
Brass: Starline   
Primer: Win SPM

I tried all the powders mentioned plus others, but these 2 powders gave me the best results.

Have 2 loads that are very accurate (10 shot groups at 50 yards gives me one ragged hole).  I have only shot paper targets with this rifle.

15.4 grains of Hodgdon LilGun  (tested range was 14.8-15.9 grains)
Brass trimmed to 1.287”
C.O.L. is 1.737”
Chronograph gave average of 1678 fps; this computes Energy to 1126 ft lbs; and about 23,900 psi.

13.9 grains of Vihtavuori N110  (tested range was 13.3-14.0 grains)
Brass trimmed to 1.280”
C.O.L. is 1.730”
Chronograph gave average of 1633 fps; this computes Energy to 1066 ft lbs; and about 25,600 psi.

Mike

[canon6]

Let me agree with GrampaMike, IMHO LilGun is the powder that I use in   my 357's(3 revolvers 2 rifles) and it gives me more uniform velocities and small groups .With a Handi  rifle you can very easily exceed 30-30 performance , with less recoil.       Doug