Lead vs. jacketed bullet

[tipiguy]

I saw some load data for a 158 grain bullet but it didn't say if it was for a lead bullet or jacketed bullet.  Does it matter?  It is for a 357 mag and it said 12.7 to 17.7 of H110.  If I am using a lead round nose bullet should I start still start at the minimum or do I need to go up a little for a starting load?

Thanks for the help.

Tipiguy

[ricciardelli]

"The data contained here is for copper-jacketed with lead-core bullets. It can be used with lead bullets and solid bullets (but YOU must take into consideration the composition and construction of the bullet). It is not designed to be used with coated bullets of any type. If you are intent on using coated bullets, buy yourself the reloading manual published by the bullet manufacturer!"

[PA-Joe]

Lead bullets should be kept under 1000 fps or they will start fowling your barrel.

[Duffy]

I'm guessing that's for a jacketed bullet and unless you are shooting hardcast with a gas check I'd switch to a different powder. Even at the lower charge you'll get severe leading with plain soft lead.

[skb2706]

Not to be a SA but that is probably the absolute worse bullet to load in a .357 Magnum there is. They are typically not designed for much over about 800-900 fps and are not known for any kind of accuracy. If you want mid-range to full power loads and still want to shoot lead bullets contact someone who distributes hardcast bullets w/gas checks. Beartooth is my choice.

[Mac11700]

My current  Hodgdons Annual manual shows using a Hornady 158gr. XTP and H110 as...start load  15.0gr---at 1418fps..... and 28,600 cup...Max load..16.7 grains----at 1591fps...and 40,700 cup

Speer #13 shows using 13.9 grains to 15.5 grains

Hornady( #3 ) which isn't current...shows 12.1 to 16.5 grains

Seirra #5 shows 13.3 to 16.3 grains

Nosler #5 shows 14.9 to 15.9 grains

Lyman 48th edition shows 16.3 gr...to...17.0 grains jacketed 158 grain

and 155 grain Linotype cast 15.0 grains... to 15.7 grains and for a 160 grain Linotype cast  15.8 grains to 16.5 grains....pressures are the same on the max loads for the 155 grain and the 160 grain Linotype cast...both at 40,300 cup


Hope that helps...


Mac

[tipiguy]

I just have a couple lbs. of H110 and was hoping to use it for plinking with some cheap lead bullets.  Thanks for all the info.

tipiguy

[Somerled]

It does matter. There would be higher pressure generated by the jacketed bullet compared to the lead bullet when using the same amount of powder.

I usually use H110 behind jacketed, 158 grain Hornady XTPs. It is a lot like Winchester 296. I generally load it to within 10 percent of maximum loads listed in manuals. The only online data I would use is that listed on the Hodgdon site.

For commerically cast "cheap" lead bullets, I'd use 231, Unique or another faster burning powder and keep velocities below 900 fps. to avoid leading problems.

[Leftoverdj]

Save the H 110 for when you need it. There ain't no point in using 15 grains of powder when you could be using less than 5 grains of some other powder.

I share the common opinion of cheap bulk cast bullets. It's a pity because good cast bullets are a joy to use. If you have to buy cast bullets, do not buy .357; .358 may work, but .359 would be better if you can find them. A coat of Liquid Alox helps because the lubes most commercial casters use are near worthless.

[kombi1976]

Out of interest, if the old black powder rifles used lead pills and often pushed them beyond the 1000fps mark why isn't there the same problem with leading that you mentioned above with the .357 Magnum?

For instance, the .310 Cadet has a faster MV for the the lead bullet(1500fps) than the jacketted bullet (1250fps) according to ADI Sporting Powder's reloading guide.