Load Data for Rainier LeadSafe 125gr 38/357 with HS-6

[wralyn]

I'm looking to save a few cents by using the Rainier 125 grain LeadSafe bullets for plinking. I've got HS-6 that I have been using for my 357 with XTP 125 grain. Rainier recommends using lead bullet data, but I can't find anything for lead using the HS-6. Rainier then recommends using the midpoint of min/max load for jacketed bullets. That would put me at about 10.4 of HS-6 in the 357 for 125 grain bullets. Does this sound reasonable? I'm only using 9.8 (starting load) for the XTPs.

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets.  There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data.  Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data.  If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load.  A roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets; do not over crimp.

[Dave in WV]

Call Hodgdon and ask. They are very good about answering load questions.

[Larry L]

From the Rainier Loading Manual:
9.5grs HS-6 max load under the 125gr in 357 magnum cases gets 1537'ps with pressure at 34100 PSI


They show a starting load at 8.5grs = 1385'ps.

[Catfish]

You can use any data for cast bulltes loads. As long as it`s not heavy loads for hard cast gas checked bullets.

[wralyn]

From the Rainier Loading Manual:
9.5grs HS-6 max load under the 125gr in 357 magnum cases gets 1537'ps with pressure at 34100 PSI


They show a starting load at 8.5grs = 1385'ps.

This sounds a little more in the ballpark of my expectations. 10.4 grains just seemed like a really bad idea.

On the Midway website, the description states...While Rainier doesn't publish their own reloading information...I stopped looking for Rainier data when I saw that. After seeing your reference, I did a little Googling and found an old PDF with the data. Thanks.

[Larry L]

I wasn't aware of a pdf but since you mentioned it I went looking for it. Found one at this linky:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050502124831/http://www.rainierballistics.com/loaddataMW.htm


Since this is already in an archive I'd suggest if anybody wants the info it would be wise to print it. It may not be long in an archive before it's deleted.