looking for 357 maximum load data for cast

[clearwater]

357 maximum cases
lasercast 158 grain cast, bevel base bullets

looking for loads that won't lead the bore

have powders--
unique
2400
imr 4759
ww hs500
dupont pistol #6
a5744
a1680

[bikerbeans]

Hi Clearwater,

I just tried Bullseye and 158 grn. LWSC in the 357 Max and it was a bust.  Tried a 20 round ladder method with powder charges from 3.8 to 8.3 grains.  Closest 2 rounds where @ 5.0 and 5.2 grains.  Shot (3) rounds each with 5.0 and 5.2 grains and 5.0 grains had the best group @ 2" @ 50 yards.  Bullseye now is off my plinker list for the 357 Max.  Going to try IMR 700 X next.

If you find a good plinking lead load for the 357 Max, let me know.  I was using remington 357 Max brass, trimmed to 1.6", Fed SP Mag, light roll crimp on the grove, OAL was 1.88".  IF the 700X doesn't work I am going with a longer/heavier bullet and try to get closer to the rifling.

BB

[aromakr]

You did not say what kind of a load you're trying to load. A light plinking or a full blown Maximum load. Without a gas check you will get lots of leading with maximum loads. Plinking loads you're better off with 38 special cases unless you add a filler to the case of the Maximum. You can get really high pressures loading light loads in a large case. When the powder charge lays along the bottom of the case and the flash hole is above the powder pressures can soar. If your doing light loads its easier to keep full blown loads separate from the light ones using 38 special cases also.
Bob

[bikerbeans]

I agree there are certain powders, like ww296, where a light powder load can be a problem.  I don't think it is an issue with Bullseye or 700 X.  I load 45 ACP rounds for Bullseye Shooting with well under 50% case capacity and these are not high pressure loads.  also, there has been quite a bite of low velocity load development done using the fast burning pistol powders for larger bore rifles, like the 45/70.   I would give you the link to this work but I can't find it, HELP TIM! 

The 357 Max loads I shoot today had zero signs of pressure spikes and in fact tend to show low pressure signs with black smudges halfway down the side of the brass on the lightest loads.   I know the prevailing wisdom is to load 38 special plinkers for the 357 Max or Mag, but I have decided to see if I can get an accurate load with the 357 Max brass.  If not then I will go to the 38s. 

BB

[tacklebury]

I have done several low power loads for the .45-70 with Unique.  I had to increase over what some claimed to be good gallery loads with RB, but only I think because of the long barrel of the .45-70 BC.  I use 10-13gr. Unique with a single .457 round ball and can hit a 10x10 gong at 100yards consistently.  The lower velocity moves my POI about 6" right and down 3", but other than that no issue.  I don't use any fill and still get good consistency with the unique.  In shorter .45-70 barrels I understand it's possible to go as low as 6gr. unique.  I have also made Trap Door loads in the 34gr. range with Reloader7 and have read that people get even lighter loads down to 30gr. even, although I haven't gone below the minimum trap door load I have found for my bullets.  I load these for my wife, because she's pretty recoil intolerant.  lol  Ball powders like the WW296 and other slow powders like H110 (I guess they are nearly the same powder) can cause pressure spikes and burn differently than with full capacity cases.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=22804  Good discussion on RB

http://www.castpics.net/ is an interesting piece on whisper loads.