S&W 686 P......need recommendations for .357 Magnum Powder for reloading

[turbodave231]

I've been stockpiling .357 Mag brass for over a year now. I have two S&W .38's ( model 15 and 642) and just bought a .357 S&W 686 P with a 4" barrel. Its time to start loading rounds to go out and test the new gun.

I've been loading my .45ACP and .38 rounds with Bullseye. I know I need a slower burning powder for the .357 mag. I'll be loading using Tula magnum primers and 158g Berry's plated RN bullets.

What are you guys (who are handloading) using?

 

[charlief1]

What weight slug Dave? I've got the loadbook for just about any load you could want for a 357. I use 3031 in mine since it's a rifle.

 

[turbodave231]

Charlie,

158 grain

Dave

 

[~JM~]

I believe that 2400 is a classic 357 powder.

I've used 231 & American Clays for reduced power loads running in the 1000 fps range. They both burn real clean.

~JM~

 

[charlief1]

My loads out of a 16" rifle barrel are hitting around 1600 fps and they're hot. How fast are you wanting them Dave?

 

[~JM~]

Next time you need to buy more bullets take a look at a Keith style profile. I usually buy Laser-Cast & have had good luck with no leading issues.
http://laser-cast.com/LoadManual.html

Here is a good site to check out. http://www.handloads.com/ Always double/triple check any loads against as many printed sources that you can.

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=158&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/taffin.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=158&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

~JM~

 

[dynoman]

With magnum primers you'll want to use a slower powder like 2400 or H110. Three things, #1 Do NOT use charges less than minimum or you can get high pressure due to the charge igniting all at once instead of burning properly. #2 You are going to have quite a BARK with a 4" barrel & a large charge of 2400 or H110. #3 Hang on. On a side note , 125gr 357 loads have the highest % (+95%) one shot stops , and you can use bullseye with the lighter bullet. Go to loadbooks USA and get the manual for the 357 , it has loads from all of the major bullet & powder makers in one small manual and is under $10. I have one for every caliber I reload for. Sam