Reloading for SW 357 Mag (L frame)

[ipser]

I've started reloading for my Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum (L frame). My purpose is to find a powerful load as a backup for boar hunting (or maybe even as a primary weapon if the situation is appropriate). So I'm looking to max out the velocity and I'm willing to sacrifice accuracy since I would only go to this from my rifle at very close range.

This is my first attempt at reloading for 357 so I'm doing the usual, working up the load. But how does the SW compare to other 357 mags in terms of managing pressure? It sure seems like a solidly built pistol.

Anyone have experience reloading for this pistol?

[trob]

dude, that sounds like a bad idea (maxing out a 357). just shoot hornady leverevolution 357 and be done with it.

[redhemi]

If you want to use max loads buy a Ruger.

[ipser]

dude, that sounds like a bad idea (maxing out a 357). just shoot hornady leverevolution 357 magnum and be done with it.

Were these pistols damaged by loads within the recommended range? Is this evidence that the pistol is not as sturdy as it looks or were they reloading mistakes?

[ipser]

If you want to use max loads buy a Ruger.

Because Ruger is better or because SW is not reliable?

[trob]

Were these pistols damaged by loads within the recommended range? Is this evidence that the pistol is not as sturdy as it looks or were they reloading mistakes?

probably reloading mistakes (too hot). What im saying is that you can find a proven factory load that is already "built up" to have as much velocity and power as they would recommend.

[ipser]

probably reloading mistakes (too hot). What im saying is that you can find a proven factory load that is already "built up" to have as much velocity and power as they would recommend.

Your point is well taken.

And I can see how easy it would be to double charge the 357; there is a lot of extra space in the case even at the max recommended load. (I don't really have to worry about double charging my 9mm since it would just overflow the case.)

[dougtoni]

If you want deep penetration in a hog, go with an 180gr solid or soft point. Using any popular reloading manual, just follow the spikes. You can use the max spike that is suggested. It will be plenty of power for hogs, cats, black bears and any other 2 or 4 legged animal in Ca.

[Fishslayer]

Your point is well taken.

And I can see how easy it would be to double charge the 357; there is a lot of extra space in the case even at the max recommended load. (I don't really have to worry about double charging my 9mm since it would just overflow the case.)

A double charge of 2400 would be pretty hard to miss. If you're loading 158gr bullets for max velocity & you're using Bullseye you're doing it wrong.

Were these pistols damaged by loads within the recommended range?

No.

As for the L frame S&W it will handle any load within published specs easily. It's the K frames that have problems with a steady diet of big Dogs.

[ipser]

I've been using Universal for realoading 9mm so I'm trying that first in the 357. What powder do you recommend?

[dougtoni]

For short barreled mags, go with power pistol or AA2. Long barrels go with unique or a medium to slow burnin powder.

[not-fishing]

dude, that sounds like a bad idea (maxing out a 357). just shoot hornady leverevolution 357 and be done with it.

I have the leverevolution for my 44 mag rifle but I'm not sure I'd use it in a pistol. Not because the round is to powerful but because it's not much better than a standard bullet. The genius of Hornady is to put a plastic tip on a hollow point to increase it's ballistic efficiency over distance. At less than 75 yds it isn't a whole lot better than a standard hollow point.

Close in for hogs I'd go big and heavy, slow is fine with me because I want a big hammer, not a little hole maker. Cor-bon makes some fine heavy hitters for retail consumption. Since I'm a reloader I'd make something out of heavy bullets and not push the pressure to much. With good shot placement you'll have plenty of extra punch.

[Timbob55]

Buy a reloading manual of your choice and use that info.

[PEZHEAD265]

I've started reloading for my Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum (L frame). My purpose is to find a powerful load as a backup for boar hunting (or maybe even as a primary weapon if the situation is appropriate). So I'm looking to max out the velocity and I'm willing to sacrifice accuracy since I would only go to this from my rifle at very close range.

This is my first attempt at reloading for 357 so I'm doing the usual, working up the load. But how does the SW compare to other 357 mags in terms of managing pressure? It sure seems like a solidly built pistol.

Anyone have experience reloading for this pistol?

Why would you want to sacrifice accuracy for velocity?At very close range you want shot placement to drop it as fast as you can.

[ipser]

Why would you want to sacrifice accuracy for velocity?At very close range you want shot placement to drop it as fast as you can.

I should have said relative to rifle. When I reload for my rifle I always choose the load that gives the most accuracy even if that means sacrificing a little velocity.

In this case, I'm thinking about taking shots at 10' or less so it's hard to imagine any realistic innacuracy from hotter loads that would be relevant to shot placement. I'm not looking to take long range shots with my pistol, as some do, just a backup/coup de grace. Accuracy at that range is just not going to be significantly affected by the load as compared with other factors.

That's my thinking, anyway.