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

turbodave231

turbodave231

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May 24, 2001
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?
 
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.
 
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~
 
My loads out of a 16" rifle barrel are hitting around 1600 fps and they're hot. How fast are you wanting them Dave?
 
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~
 
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
 
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