357 Mag powder

[sprest22]

I am going to be reloading for my new SP101 2 1/4" bbl using 158 gr JHP's.I have never loaded for the .357 and I'm looking for some advice for powder and primer choices for the short barrel that will give top velocities.Thanks.

[Dand]

I love my 2.25 SP101 - but I don't usually load it full throttle.  I really like the Rem 140 gr hp with some Unique - a moderate load - I can't remember how much but its in the middle or upper middle of the road for several manuals. For 158 gr I also use Unique as per manuals.  I had some Win AA Super Target or Super Field - can't remember which but it worked nicely though it was so fine, that some flakes tended to creep out of my Lee ProAuto disk measure.  H110 works well for full power loads with the 158 gr bullets - but I prefer to reserve those loads for my 4 inch security 6.

Hope this helps.  Unique is my favorite for moderate handgun loads in 38, 357, 41.

[Jerry Lester]

Like Dand said,

Unique in my opinion is very hard to beat for moderate 357 magnum loads is bullet weights from 125g to 158g. Higher velocities can definitely be obtained with powders like 296, H-110, AA-9, and especially Lil' Gun, but honestly, out of that short barrel, I doubt the gains would even be noticeable in the real world of shooting.

A good 140g HP like the XTP-HP's, or Remington 140g SJHP's pushed by a decent load of Unique, and ignited by CCI-550 primers should give you all the performance you'll care to handle in that gun.

[Catfish]

For jacketed bullets I prefer Win - 296 or H - 110 and for cast plinking loads Bullseye.

[LaOtto222]

I am with most of the other guys here. H 110, lil'gun and WW 296 will probably get you the highest velocities, but why? You will get more muzzle flash and recoil. The gun is a short range affair, no further than 7 yards most likely in a fight (it is a carry gun, right?). A medium range type of load will get you all of the knock down power you will need and if you would need a second shot you will be back on target quicker, with out be blinded if shooting in the dark. I shoot a 4" S&W Model 66 and I do not run full house rounds through it often, I want it to last a while (my life time +). Of course the Ruger is a stronger action and would hold up better, but why, there is really nothing to gain. BTW it is not the recoil, I have a 44 Mag I use and shoot it regularly.

[warrior1]

i stumbled onto a good paper puncher/plinker, 700x. i got an untapped keg from my cousin,so i wanted to put a dent into it. anyway 5.2 grs 700 ,158 gr lswc,and a remington small pistol primer do pretty well in my 357s.
blue dot, 2400,and unique all do well with cast,and h110 or lil gun do good with jacketed.your revolver will let you know when it likes a load.good luck dan.

[Davemuzz]

From my Smith 386sc 7 shot AirLite revolver, I shoot Vihtavouri N-110 powder loads. For the 158 grain bullet (from the VV reloading book) the low is 16.8gr and the high is 18.4. I usually load 17.0 when I shoot the 158 XTP Hornady.

Dave.

[corbanzo]

Unique gives some good loads, but I still use the H110 for my full house loads.

[sprest22]

Thanks for the replies.I stayed away from H110/W296 due the blast/flash issues.I picked up some of the newer cleaner burning Unique and I'm very happy with it.I worked up to 7.8 gr's with the 158 gr Nos JHP,Rem brass and WSPM primer.It shot good groups and burned very clean,I was surprised.I have alot more practice to do being new to handgunning,but it looks pretty good.Thanks again for the help.