WIN 231 / 357 Mag Load Data

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Gentlemen---I loaded some 38 special with 4.3 grains of win 231 under a an extreme, jacketed RN 158 grain bullet. I have a S&W 586 heavy frame so this was a nice comfortable round to shoot. Next I want to load 357 magnum using the same powder and bullet. My problem is finding load data. WIN Website gives 2 recipes---158 grain Hornaday FTX at 6.2--6.9 and a lead LSWC at 3.4 to 5.0. My Lyman 50th and Lee books are sparse for that bullet and any of the powders I use. This spread listed above seems pretty spreadout. I'm looking for a comfortable magnum load that doesn't rip skin off my hands. Thanks in advance

[buffybuster]

Check the Hodgdon's website for load data. W231 is a great powder but not the best for magnum loads.

[Elgatodeacero]

You need some Alliant 2400 or IMR/H4227 for medium power .357 loads.

[divingin]

Optimally, you need a slower powder for 357. Unless you want light(ish) loads in 357 cases.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk

[sargenv]

The reason for the discrepancy is that lead bullets tend to lead up the gun when pushed to higher velocities. Jacketed bullets can handle pressure and velocity better. If you want basically 38 Spl +P in your 357 brass, load the same amount of powder. The Extreme bullets load similar to lead bullets, plated is not the same as jacketed. 231 is pretty forgiving, 4.4 gr with your 158 would be within specs and I wouldn't worry about it. (I've been loading 38/357 for about 30 years with all sorts of powders which include 231 over the years).

[mindwreck]

Just start with the same load and move up til you like it.. i don't use hp38/win231 very often I only have 1 test run with that combo. i shot these out of a 4in 686+.

I stopped at 5.0 grns and it felt like a 38spl round but in a 357 case. moderate load. great all day plinking round. definitely not a magnum feeling round. not even close.

Again. just start with that load and work up..

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Hummm----well, I don't have any Alliant but I do have a lot of Unique. Anyone have experience with that on magnum loads? I'll jump over to their website and see what they have for load data.

[bruce381]

thats better for mag than 231 you are closer

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Thanks Bruce----sitting on a keg of unique and the store up the street has been sitting on a keg for me till payday. Just looked it up and seems about 7 grains of unique will give me a moderate load. Again heavy frame so that should be a good launch point.

[bruce381]

Fyi I shoot about 3.5 gr in 38 of 231 and about 4.5 in 357 mag cases i find the longer mag cases more accurate in the mag gun vs 38 cases in mag gun less bullet jump. Unique is a good all around powder is older than me but works well in mid range loads for a lot of calibers.

[Clemje]

Digging through my notes...

6.0 grains of W231 under a 160 grain self-cast/powder coated RNFP is my go-to load for moderate 357 loads. It's good for a smidgen over 1100 FPS and laser accurate.

5-ish grains would be a good starting point for your bullet with 231. Work up slowly in .2-.3 increments and carefully watch for signs of pressure. I don't think I'd go much above 6-6.5 grains, but again, work carefully.

Unique is also a fantastic powder in 357... velocities will be similar to the 231, perhaps a tad bit faster. Blue Dot, IMO is the most versatile powder of all in the 357. It reliably ignites at mousefart loads and will safely push bullets nearly as fast hotrod magnum powders on the top end.

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

Thanks Clemje, I have both of these powders on hand so I will load a few with Unique and a few with 231 and see how the gun likes it. I shoot very little revolver but am using this "closed" range time to experiment with all my "other" calibers in the safe!

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

ok---loaded 12 of win 231 at 5.8, 12 at 6.0 and 12 with unique at 7.0. All loads were really light in my 586. Think I'll stay with the unique and might even bump it up a tad as these were pretty mellow loads. Thanks everyone for pointing me in the right direction---appreciate it!!

[Cowboy T]

Nothing wrong with Unique in the .357M. You can safely get to a medium-power load with that power with decent (not really "magnum", but decent) velocity.

But do try some 2400 as well when you get a chance. I absolutely love it in .357M.