.357 Maggie loads

sniper · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject: .357 Maggie loads

Esteemed Gentlemen of the Forum:

For years I have shot 5.5 gr. Unique in 357 brass, standard primer, cast 158gr SWC, for IPSC, and all other shooting chores. 860 FPS chronoed. Generally, a good all-round load. I have recently upgraded to ~6 gr. Unique, which also shows great promise.

I used to use the RCBS 150 gr. SWC with 4756 and Unique, till I stopped casting my own bullets. I wish I could buy those commercially cast.

But! I got creative, and decided that I would try a 125 gr JHP over the same load.

HOLY WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION! Muzzle flash out the Wazooda! I was at an indoor range, and I'd never seen that before with the 158 gr swcs. Shocked

What I would like, if possible, is a .38 Spl. +P+ load, about 1000 fps, to match my factory carry ammo, which chronoes at ~ 950-975 fps, and using a powder that fills the case better than Unique. Any recommendations? What about Blue Dot, or 2400?

My next choice will be to match Remmie "mid range" 357 loads: 125 gr. at ~1250 fps.
Thanks.

Vince · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: .357 Maggie loads

Gidday Snipes. I used 2400 for some time in my 357 MAG with good success. The loads were accurate and consistent, then I found an ADI (Australian) powder that is awesome.....AR2205. It is a slightly slower powder than 2400 and is in the same range as H4227 / H110, IMR4227, W296, R- 123, AA1680 and N120. I don't believe that you guys get this powder over there, but I would certainly consider the powders available in the same range.

I used 158gn cast SWC and 125gn HP with this powder with great results.

Cheers, Vince

d_hoffman · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:42 am Post subject: Re: .357 Maggie loads

Hey Sniper, here's some Hodgdon load data for you. Hope it helps.

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 HS-6 .358" 1.610" 6.0gr 990 12,900 CUP 7.0gr 1106 15,500 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 Universal .358" 1.610" 4.0gr 890 15,700 CUP 6.2gr 1247 33,400 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 HP-38 .358" 1.610" 3.4gr 796 12,600 CUP 5.0gr 1109 23,900 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 Titegroup .358" 1.610" 4.5gr 1028 19,300 CUP 5.0gr 1108 24,900 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 Clays .358" 1.610" 3.2gr 867 14,400 CUP 4.6gr 1079 33,600 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC 158 Trail Boss .357" 1.610" 3.2gr 754 16,500 CUP 4.2gr 865 20,400 CUP

158 GR. CAST LSWC* 158 231 .358"* 1.610" 3.4gr 796 12,600 CUP 5.0gr 1109 23,900 CUP

Have you looked at midwayusa.com for you bullets? They do have some hard cast bullets on thier site.

SwampFox · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 8:43 am Post subject: Re: .357 Maggie loads

Sniper,
On the 38 Spl with the 125, at 1,000 fps., try 5.1 grains of 231.
Ed

Bushmaster · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 9:22 am Post subject: Re: .357 Maggie loads

For the .38 Special +P loads I agree with Swampfox. If you have a +P .38 revolver that can handle them go to 5.3 gr of W-231 . But be aware that this is a maximum loading according to Winchester. This loading gives me 900 fps from a 4" barreled Mod 10 S&W with a 125 grain Remington SJHP. Sierra load manual lists 5.8 grains of W-231, but that will be a real stiff load and I wouldn't recommend it in a .38 revolver.

For the .357 magnum I prefer W-296 or Alliant 2400 (and W-231 for those snubbies). They will have a muzzle blast that you will feel even standing behind the gun, but if you want that 1200+ fps you have little choice.... Right...I'm sure someone on this site will come up with a "miracle wonder magical" powder that has no muzzle blast and no flame. Right...The powders that I listed have never failed to impress me. H110 is for the "MAN" in you as it also has a heavier felt recoil. Except for W-231 the two others will fill your case.

Instead of 125 and 158 grain jacketed bullets you might look at the 140 grain bullet. Most (not all) jacketed bullet manufactures make them including Hornady...An excellent "in between" bullet...I hunt using W-296 and the Hornady XTP 140 grain bullet in my Ruger .357 magnum Blackhawk.