Need load data for Berry's DEWC 148gr 38spl

[Jal5]

I just picked up some of these and need a good recipe. These are plated bullets and the Berrys webpage says to load so that the rounds are at minimum 800fps.

Lee manual has HBWC at 2.7-3.3 gr Titegroup and Hornady manual has DEWC or HBWC at Titegroup 1.9-3.0gr and Bullseye at 2.1-3.0 gr.
What would be a good target load for 357 brass in my S&W M66, 6" barrel?  I could use 38 spl brass but this gun shoots the 357s better at least for me.

thanks
Joe

[Dand]

I'd start at the middle of the recommended powder weights listed and put them in 357 cases, and work up. I'd crimp over the front of the bullet so there is minimal void in the case.

[tc scout]

I think you would do better with 38 brass. I have shot hundreds of Berry's 148 Gr HBWC in my 686 with 3.2 Grs of Unique in 38 cases with a COL of 1.180
Wife shoots same load in her 637 with great accuracy. IMO the case volume of the 357 is detrimental to good accuracy with such light loads.
Also I do not recommend the lower end of the loading charts with these bullets, you will stick one in the barrel, been there!

[Jal5]

Thanks Ken I have Unique and will try that in the 38 spl brass and see what I get.

Joe

[mbopp]

6.0 gr of Unique in .357 cases and a Berrys 148 DEWC seated about 1/8" out (lightly crimped) is very accurate in my M-19.
My standard plinker load is 4.5 gr of Unique in a 357 case and a 148gr cast WC. The Berrys plated WCs didn't shoot well with this charge weight though, hence the increase.

[Jal5]

thanks for the input.

I had loaded some in the 357 cases but at the light loads mentioned: 2.7, 2.8, 2.9- I think I will pull those. I loaded some in 38 spl cases at the same loads with BE and I will see how those shoot.

Joe