Load data for .357 Maximum, Rainier Ballistics bullets

[schuetzen]

I have some Rainier Ballistics "lead safe" bullets (copper plated, 158gr FP) that I would like to load in .357 Maximum for target practice.  I would prefer to use Unique or 2400 powder as that is what I have on hand.  I find the following text from the Rainier Ballistics website confusing.  If they recommend using lead bullet load data, why would they also say use a starting charge BETWEEN minimum and maximum load for jacketed bullets?  I thought that starting charges for lead bullets were usually (if not always) lower than for jacketed bullets.  ...
"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. "
Load data available from Speer and Lyman on 357 Maximum:
Speer has some starting charges for 158gr jacketed bullets with 2400 at 16.5gr.
Lyman has a starting charge for 158gr jacketed bullets with 2400 at 14.5gr.
Lyman also has a starting charge for 155gr lead bullets with 2400 at 12.5gr.

[anachronism]

They're saying either/or. There is no direct correlation between the two loading data. Also, Lymans lead bullet data is very mild, about 38-44 level, or starting 357 mag load levels, and this isn't helping the situation at all. In some instances, there can also be differences in data for Contenders, and loads for revolvers.

[stimpylu32]

I have some Rainier Ballistics "lead safe" bullets (copper plated, 158gr FP) that I would like to load in .357 Maximum for target practice.  I would prefer to use Unique or 2400 powder as that is what I have on hand.  I find the following text from the Rainier Ballistics website confusing.  If they recommend using lead bullet load data, why would they also say use a starting charge BETWEEN minimum and maximum load for jacketed bullets?  I thought that starting charges for lead bullets were usually (if not always) lower than for jacketed bullets.  ...
"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. "
Load data available from Speer and Lyman on 357 Maximum:
Speer has some starting charges for 158gr jacketed bullets with 2400 at 16.5gr.
Lyman has a starting charge for 158gr jacketed bullets with 2400 at 14.5gr.
Lyman also has a starting charge for 155gr lead bullets with 2400 at 12.5gr.

Some people only have axcess to jacketed data , thus the statement in RED , yet their tests show that cast data should work better .
 
stimpy

[jays375]

I would look into heavier bullets.Especially if the gun is a Ruger.