Loading .357 using .38 data

[kielbasavw]

Yes my brass was trimmed to length. Using rcbs trim die.

[Fishslayer]

If you're shooting those in a .357 Magnum revolver you should be fine, but jeeeeezzz...

First, with fast powder at .38SP levels there is no real need for any crimp at all. Just seat the bullet to a length that will fit with just enough crimp to take out the flair.

Flashover/SEE/Detonation is a non issue with fast powder in straight wall pistol cases.

Why magnum primers? Not really an issue untill you start playing with maximums but still...

So you've deviated enough from the book that you "don't know what to expect."

Lots of forgiveness shooting .38 level loads in a .357 but still...

When you start rolling full house Big Dogs you're going to have to work a bit harder on the details.

[kielbasavw]

I loaded all the bullets in 38 brass. 4.0gr of bullseye, fairly accurate bit holy crap is it smokey, felt like I was in a western. And after shooting 100rds, gun is black.

I have a few left over, including the 357 brass ones I made, and 38 test loads.... left those on the reloading bench! Oops

[hambam105]

Huummm....experimenting with a fast pistol powder in a magnum case....reference material is limited to the internet....100 rounds fired and the operator reports, "gun is black''.

I will look for a printed reloading book that covers .357 Remington Magnum loadings that includes Bullseye powder for you. But no promises. What happened with the advice a few posts ago?

[JagerDog]

I loaded all the bullets in 38 brass. 4.0gr of bullseye, fairly accurate bit holy crap is it smokey, felt like I was in a western. And after shooting 100rds, gun is black.

I have a few left over, including the 357 brass ones I made, and 38 test loads.... left those on the reloading bench! Oops

Smoke is more likely the lube than anything else.

[hambam105]

Lube is part of the smoke reporting.

Using Bullseye, I've reloaded just a few cast 35 caliber bullets that were sized but with zero lube for a smoke test. One result; plenty of smoke.

[kielbasavw]

Ham.. I have 3 books I reference from. 2 list bullseye for both 38 and 357 for the 158gr.

I read many online reports, and saying 158gr (my bullets are actually 164gr) 4.0 was a good load for 38 (including the 90year old mans reports that i bought all my reloading gear from). Which is what I ended up loading the majority of my rounds. I forgot to bring the step loads, but brought 100 38 loads that were the medium range in my books, to take the ol lady out shooting for her birthday (i tested first of course).

Gun was very very dirty all on the outside of cylinder and barrel when we finished.


Also what advice are you refering to?

[kielbasavw]

Some shooting eye candy for you fellas. We also brought the hk usp 45, and Beretta 418 .25

[Fishslayer]

Ham.. I have 3 books I reference from. 2 list bullseye for both 38 and 357 for the 158gr.

I read many online reports, and saying 158gr (my bullets are actually 164gr) 4.0 was a good load for 38 (including the 90year old mans reports that i bought all my reloading gear from).

4gr of BE or Green Dot is my go to load for 158gr LSWC in a .357 case. IIRC it's a +P load in .38 cases. Could be wrong though.

Smoke is more likely the lube than anything else.

This. While BE is known for being dirty most powders are smokey until they get to a certain pressure level

Some shooting eye candy for you fellas. We also brought the hk usp 45, and Beretta 418 .25

Attsa niiiiice!

[hambam105]

Sounds like incomplete combustion to me.

What happened to the postings that said this loading should be okay?

[Fishslayer]

Sounds like incomplete combustion to me.

What happened to the postings that said this loading should be okay?

Mine's still there.

My biggest concern was the seating depth. Case volume/pressure usually isn't linear. With a big case & light load there shouldn't be a problem but with a heavy bullet seated all the way to the shoulder...

I woulda probably been in the head for the first few rounds...

[wtkaiser]

Fishslayer, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You make more sense than any other 4 guys. Right up until that last quotation. I guess we're all entitiled to one mistake...

[Fishslayer]

Fishslayer, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You make more sense than any other 4 guys. Right up until that last quotation. I guess we're all entitiled to one mistake...

What? My sig line? Hey. When redcliff speaks, I listen.

[hambam105]

Thank You, wtkaiser.

.xxx

[hambam105]

Thank You, wtkaise.

Well, speaking for myself, if it only takes the combined intelligence levels of 3 other Posters and I to match the reloading prowess of just one poster by the name of, Fishslayer, then I suppose I'll just have to take that as a compliment.