Reloading for SW 357 Mag (L frame)

[ipser]

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.

I do have a box of Corbon DPX copper in 357 for use in copper only zones.

The lead bullets I'm trying out are 158 grain (Hornady XTP Bullets 38 Caliber (357 Diameter) 158 Grain Jacketed Flat Nose Box) which are on the heavier end of the caliber.

[Fishslayer]

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

For 125gr bullets I like Bullseye or Green Dot. Lots of people like W231. For those type loads there are a lot of powders that will work well.

For 158gr I like 2400 but H110 is also really popular. There are others. Generally you're looking for a slower powder to keep peak pressure down.

Note: With slower powders you're going to want a really good roll crimp.

[ipser]

For 158gr I like 2400 but H110 is also really popular.

I'll give those a try, thanks.

Note: With slower powders you're going to want a really good roll crimp.

What's the purpose of that? To impede the initial expansion?

[Dhena81]

Because Ruger is better or because SW is not reliable?

Rugers frames can handle more recoil so yes they are better for what your looking to do Dan Wesson's can handle the recoil too.

BTW there is a reloading forum here this thread should be moved I'm sure you could get better answers to your questions but I doubt anyone is going to give you specific load data since its your hands and eyes you shouldn't take it either without working up to it.

[ipser]

Rugers frames can handle more recoil so yes they are better for what your looking to do Dan Wesson's can handle the recoil too.

Thanks.

BTW there is a reloading forum here this thread should be moved I'm sure you could get better answers to your questions but I doubt anyone is going to give you specific load data since its your hands and eyes you shouldn't take it either without working up to it.

Oops.

[Bill Steele]

You can use any published .357 magnum max load with that gun, but use good reloading practices and work them up to that max.

For pigs and other things that snort, I would pick a Sierra 180gr JFP.

For two legged predators, I would choose a Hornaday XTP bullet.

You want Alliant 2400, Hodgdon H110 or Winchester W296 powders. Many of the max loads with the foregoing powders are compressed loads.

Alliant and Hodgdon both have load data on their sites (Winchester is also on the Hodgdon site).

Good luck.

[ipser]

You can use any published .357 magnum max load with that gun.

For pigs and other things that snort, I would pick a Sierra 180gr JFP.

For two legged predators, I would choose a Hornaday XTP bullet.

You want Alliant 2400, Hodgdon H110 or Winchester W296 powders. Many of the max loads with the foregoing powders are compressed loads.

Alliant and Hodgdon both have load data on their sites (Winchester is also on the Hodgdon site).

Good luck.

Interesting! Looking quickly on MidwayUSA, they have 180 in hollowpoint but I read elsewhwere that for pigs you want a flat nose to penetrate and avoid overfragmentation before striking an organ.

Compressed load in the 357 case? That's surprising.

[AJD]

What's the purpose of that? To impede the initial expansion?

First, it allows complete combustion of the slower burning powder. Second, it keeps the other bullets from jumping forward under heavy recoil.

As others have suggested, H110/W296 or 2400 are good powders for max loads. There's also quite a bit of load data for those powders. Good luck.

[Bill Steele]

Interesting! Looking quickly on MidwayUSA, they have 180 in hollowpoint but I read elsewhwere that for pigs you want a flat nose to penetrate and avoid overfragmentation before striking an organ.

Compressed load in the 357 case? That's surprising.

Yes, I prefer jacketed flat point, penetration is pretty important. I think Powder Valley carries the Sierra 180 JFP (Jacketed Flat Point).

Off the top of my head I can't remember which was compressed and which wasn't, probably the W296. I don't think 2400 was compressed, 2400 is a great all around .357 powder. The H110 and W296 do not like to be downloaded to lighter loads. The 2400 will tolerate more downloading although if you want really light loads, some of the other powders mentioned by others (like W231) work better.

I also like VV-N110 for hot .357 loads. It too will probably be compressed at max loadings.

[JagerDog]

Any regular published load. H110 is good for max velocity. Bullet choice...heavy cast or Barnes would be good choices.

[scarville]

I've never loaded 180 gr bullets in 357 so I can't help you there. I have loaded 158 gr XTP -- FP and HP -- to 1200 fps from a 686 w/6" bbl using 2400 powder. From my Marlin the same load generates a bit more than 1700 fps. I've shot feral pigs with it and it makes them just as dead as my BLR in 308 did.

As long as you stay within the SAAMI spec for 357 -- 30,000 PSI -- your gun will do fine. Working up to at or just below the maximum load the powder and bullet manufacturer recommend is a good way to do this.

I assume you are not hunting in the condor zone...

[BigDogatPlay]

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

Nice... and I note that none of those revolvers pictured are a .357.

FWIW.... you can get right up close to maximum in almost any N frame .357, and certainly in any full sized Ruger. Remember please that the N Frame .357 was designed to shoot factory .357 loads in the 1930's that were somewhat warmer than the factory standard now. 1400 FPS was the advertised standard back then with 158 grain Keith style SWC.

L frame S&W's I'd back off just a wee bit from what might be a heavy N frame load. A heavier bullet, up to 180 grains, to 1150 or maybe 1200 FPS, is likely going to be more than ample for large hogs as a backup. Start low and work up. If not in condor country, consider a hard cast lead flat point. If you are in condor country, your projectile choices are going to be significantly reduced.

[scarville]

Nice... and I note that none of those revolvers pictured are a .357.

Feel better now?

[Rudolf the Red]

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.

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This

[ipser]

Thanks, everyone, for all the great advice.