Trail Boss and TiteGroup...

[Shiloh13]

Any other powders I should try for 357 and 45LC target loads? I am already using the above mentioned.

I am just checking to see if anyone else makes something I should be trying.

I am looking for around 1000 fps with lswc bullets, and some case filling ability so that powder position is not an issue.

As always, thanks for the feedback!

[5hundo]

Unique seems to have good loads for both Calibers. Also consider bullseye...

Also, if you can find one of the "Dot" powders that works well for both of your calibers, they are good too.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/recipedetail.aspx?gtypeid=1&weight=230&shellid=36&bulletid=69

Trail Boss is only for lead cast bullets...

[Shiloh13]

Thanks for the reply 5hundo...

Lead cast is my main use. The loads I run are very similar to cowboy loads. The powders mentioned all have good load info available, but I can't tell if they will fill the cases enough at the lower velocities I want for basic target loads. That's the premiss behind Trail Boss. And TiteGroup is made to be non-case sensitive, so it works for my needs. I am trying to stay away from having to worry about powder position in the larger cases.

[5hundo]

Thanks for the reply 5hundo...

Lead cast is my main use. The loads I run are very similar to cowboy loads. The powders mentioned all have good load info available, but I can't tell if they will fill the cases enough at the lower velocities I want for basic target loads. That's the premiss behind Trail Boss. And TiteGroup is made to be non-case sensitive, so it works for my needs. I am trying to stay away from having to worry about powder position in the larger cases.

The consensus seems to be that if you're using lead cast bullets, trailboss is the way to go (especially for your .45 LC). I have no personal experience with it (yet ) but I hear good things. I haven't heard much about guys using it with .357, but a quick search of the hogdon website gives me the impression that you have a wide range to work with, as far as trailboss in .357 is concerned, especially when using 125 cast bullets.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Apparently, (according to the Hogdon website) you can go as low as 3.5gr all the way up to 5.3gr of Trailboss. That's a 2gr range of load data, which is pretty good...

[Shiloh13]

Anyone have experience with Hodgdon Clays (not universal or international)? I have a recommendation to try that. I have seen load data, but how well does it fill a case?

[eaglemike]

I've used a lot of Clays. I've not found it to be especially position sensitive. It's VERY clean burning, the cleanest I've ever used in handgun loads. It's might be too fast burning to get 1000 fps with cast stuff, as temp's and pressures go up pretty quickly. I've settled on International Clays for this application, even though published data is not as available. It's still very clean burning, but pressures and temp's go up slower. Universal is great, but dirty, with some unburned powder at the pressures I run.
all the best,
Mike

[buffybuster]

If you're looking for light Lead bullet loads for revolvers, Trailboss is a good powder since it's just about impossible to double charge. RedDot is also a bulky fast powder that would work well for light loads. Unique and Herco is also a good powder medium burnrate powders that can up to 1200-1300fps.

[halifax]

I've also had success with TB and copper plated bullets. CP acts very much like lead.

[RaymondMillbrae]

For .357 Magnum I am using IMR 4227.

I just recently sold my Smitty 627 V-comp (see pix below), but still load for my bedside .357 snubby.





In the past, when I was still searching for a good snubby round, I tried some store-purchased 120 grain beasties...but they were just too "hot and snappy" for comfort. It actually hurt me to shoot them.

I found that the Speer 140 grain HP Uni-Core bullets, with 16 grains of IMR4227 gives me a very pleasant 1000 FPS out of my snubby - which also gives some very good take-down power. As a matter of fact, it is so pleasant, that I am working it up to 1100 FPS.

In Christ: Raymond