Anybody reload .357 sig?

[Don the savage]

Just picked up some dies to load this caliber since all pistol ammo has disappeared in stores. Wondering what you think the best powder is. I use win 231 for 9/45/40/10 but i dont see info for it so i imagine it is too fast for the cartridge. So i need to figure out a powder to use.

[J-cat]

I used to have one. It liked Universal Clays and Power Pistol. It will run on 231, but not at full speed.

[meaty-btz]

I didn't like Universal Clays, dirty powder. Even at pressure. At least Red Dot goes clean at higher pressures. Universal Clays even has incomplete burn at min loads.

I don't load .357 sig (need a gun that shoots it) but I do load .357sig's predecessor in design. The 7.62x25 Tok.

[Ferrum]

I reload .357 Sig. I generally run Hodgdon Longshot or on occasion IMR PB.

[biggestez]

I've used Hs6 and green dot.

[ejhc11]

Power Pistol is my powder choice from Hornady's manual, works also for .40s&w, 45acp. Clean and accurate.

[wild_weasel]

I do not own a 357 SIG but I was reading about last night. It runs at 40,000psi, HOLY COW! I have used Power Piston in 45ACP and 38 Special +P, while cleaning burning the muzzle flash is very noticeable compared to Unique. While Unique in not clean it has minimal muzzle flash. The neat thing about the 357 Sig is that guns are available with both 40 S&W and 357 Sig barrles as a package.

[jameshenry]

Loaded 500 rds for a friend using Hodgdon Universal. 6.1 gr with 115gr JHP.
He liked it said it was clean.

[sm_watkins]

I have some power pistol for sale if you interested. I'm right up the street in upland. Here's the link to the ad:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=730083

Thanks for looking!

[slixx1320]

I've loaded my previous 1k load with universal clays. Next batch will be loaded with AA#9. Reason for the change is because the AA powder fills the case up so less chances of set backs can occur.

[meaty-btz]

AA#9 is great for high pressure pistol loads. It was designed for it in fact.

You should not be getting setback on 357 sig if your neck tension is correct.

[GunNut1980]

I used 800X for years.

[J-cat]

I've loaded my previous 1k load with universal clays. Next batch will be loaded with AA#9. Reason for the change is because the AA powder fills the case up so less chances of set backs can occur.

That is not a good reason to use AA#9.

[slixx1320]

I'm not the most experienced loader so any input is appreciated. The more I know, the better I can progress to a safety loading practice.

Please share your input..
Thanks

[J-cat]

You should adjust your loading technique to eliminate bullet setback without having to rely on a excessively slow burning powder to hold the bullet in place. To get full velocity out of this round you will need to load 14-15grs of #9 and this will necessitate severe compression of the powder column to the point your seater plug will mangle the bullet nose. You should use powders like #7 or PP or UC.

To keep the bullet in place you should make sure the neck is clean. I brushed my necks and cleaned the brass in an ultrasonic tank. I did not use an expander plug. Rather, I used a flare only die. I applied a minimum bell to the case mouth and crimped lightly. I did not get any bullet setback in my Glock or Sig. I aldo found that a nickle plated case holds the bullet more securely than a plain brass case. Nickle has more friction on copper than does brass.