38 and 357

[Aaro]

I have been reloading for rifles for about 3 years but havent had much to do with pistols. Well for christmas I supposed to be getting a double action 357 and after reviewing ammo prices I have decided it is worth my time to reload I need two loads, one I want to be a 38 load for general target shooting and carrying to take care of armydillos when hunting deers, The other a good 357 load for deer hunting and personal protection. I have shot my dads 357 and have no problems with recoil but the very little I have shot the full 357 loads without hearing protection the loudness was over the top. Is what I am asking too much or not. The revolver will have a 6inch barrel if that matters. Also is it worth buying a new press as mine is single stage. Thanks in advance for your time,
                                                                                                                                   aaro.

[Jerry Lester]

Unless you're planning on loading thousands of rounds a year, and are limited on time, I'd say your current single stage will serve you plenty good enough.

As far as wanting a load for 38's, and 357's, I'd just work up a nice full house load for your heavier hunting needs, and then a light load in 357 cases for general plinking, target, and hunting smaller game.

Try this load, and I'm sure you'll like it as good, or even better than 38's...

125g SP or HP
CCI 550 primers
6g of Tite Group (or)
7.5g of Unique

[Aaro]

I that supposed to be a light load or the real deal?

[Luckyducker]

I don't hunt with a 357 although I do shoot one.  I agree with Jerry Lester when he said to just load the 357's.  I have a load that I believe is  very good for general use and could be used for hunting deer and also is not terrible for recoil.  10 grains of BlueDot under a 158 grain hardcast semi-wadcutter bullet lit with a standard small pistol primer ( I use Winchester primers).  This load seems to be very accurate and powerful yet not overwhelming, but I have not run it over my chronograph yet.  I shoot it out of a 4" Model 66 Taurus.

[Jerry Lester]

I that supposed to be a light load or the real deal?

It's a very mild load that has been accurate in nearly every revolver, and rifle I've tried it in.

[vonfatman]

Here's a couple loads I like in my 38's/357's

Both are fun but NOT punishing to shooter or gun.

.38 Special Load:

158 gr. SWCs  (I use Rose Swaged bullets for this load...no leading at this low velocity)
4 gr. Win-231
Win Small Primer (primers brand is not a real issue here)
Mixed Brass (mostly my own empties plus range fodder)
OAL: 1.480

Measured FPS:  741 avg.

Guns I use this load in:  S&W Model 15, Military & Police, 10, 36, 49, 40, and .357s



.357 Magnum Load:

125 gr. JHP/JSP (I use Rose and Winchester)
7 gr. Tight Group
Win Small Primer
Mixed Brass (mostly my own empties plus  a few range fodder)

Measured FPS:  1,000 avg.

Guns I use this load in:  S&W 28, 27, 19, 13, 686 and Dan Wesson 15s

Good luck!

Bob

[Aaro]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the help with this. Although I will be around my birthday (Jan.6) before I get any reloading equipment I will have a good place to start.

[jpsmith1]

I use 3 loadings in my .357s.  I load a 158 LSWC ( cast, not swaged) at about 10% under maximum.  I use Unique powder for .38s and either h110 or w296 for the .357.  Since I don't have my logbook handy, I can't give you much more.  The third loading is FACTORY loaded federal hydra-shocks for CCW use.

Load for accuracy rather than velocity or any other factor.  You will get used to the recoil.  Also, you may be wise to look into ear protection for the field.  Even one unprotected shot WILL damage your hearing. 

[BNoz01]

If you shoot a lot of 38 cases and don't clean the revolver religiously, then you may have trouble inserting the longer 357 brass.  Hence, I do all my loading with 357 brass -- this includes 38 +P loads using 125 JFP bullets.

The reason I load my 38's to +P power levels is because of the warnings I've read in loading manuals about light 38 loads getting stuck in carbine length barrels.  This is something to consider if you provide reloads to others.

b. noz.

[Jerry Lester]

If you shoot a lot of 38 cases and don't clean the revolver religiously, then you may have trouble inserting the longer 357 brass.  Hence, I do all my loading with 357 brass -- this includes 38 +P loads using 125 JFP bullets.

The reason I load my 38's to +P power levels is because of the warnings I've read in loading manuals about light 38 loads getting stuck in carbine length barrels.  This is something to consider if you provide reloads to others.

b. noz.

Don't believe everything you hear . I've loaded 38's so low that you could literally see the bullet arcing to a 25 yard target. I'm talking about muzzle velocities at 200 fps or less. As a matter of fact, I've literally "tried" to stick a bullet in a 1894C, and from what I've learned, it's pretty much impossible if you load any powder at all in the case. Try it for yourself . I garantee you'll be surprized at the results.

[BNoz01]

Well, good to hear that there's one less thing to worry about in reloading. 

Actually, I load 38's at the +P power level because that setting on my powder measure also corresponds to the same charge that I use for 9mm loads.  Too convenient to not have to adjust the powder charge. 

Merry CHRISTmas,

B. Noz.