? on 357 loads using AA1680 & A2400

[JFD444]

I am trying to find some load information for  use in my Marlin 357. I  am using a Saeco 351 200gr cast bullet  but I have to use it in 38 special brass and crimp over the front driving band to get the correct O.A.L.  Does anyone have any load data for this using Alliant 2400 and AA1680?  I am also looking for data using the Oregon Trail 180gr TC in 357 brass using AA1680.  Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Leftoverdj]

I would doubt that you can get enough 1680 into those .38 Special cases to hurt anything. I use around 18 grains of it in .357 Max cases under a 212 grain Lyman RNGC or 200 grain Remington jacketed bullets in a rechambered H&R. That's close to a full case in the much longer case.

I would suggest you see how much powder is a full, but not compressed, case with that bullet. If it is around the 12-14 grains I think it will be, you should be all right.

Pat's Reloading and Jeff Barlett both sell the surplus version at very attractive prices, somewhere around $64 for an 8 pound jug.

[Mikey]

JFD444:  My Lyman 43rd edition shows a range of 9.5 - 11 grains of 2400 with the 200 grain cast bullet in the 357 magnum, giving pistol velocities of 877 - 1018'/sec.  If you have to use the 38 Spl case due to OAL, charges for that case are 8 - 9.5 grains of 2400 with velocities from 734 - 893, again in a pistol.  

Since you are shooting a 357 caliber you can always try the old Skeeter Skelton load - halfway between max 38 Spl and max 357 with any bullet in a 38 Spl case in a 357.  So that would be 10.25 grains of 2400 in a 38 Spl case in a 357.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.  Mikey.