357 magnum 158 gn fmj? - The Firearms Forum

2muchfreetime · 06-09-2012, 03:48 PM

Going to the range to shoot my Smith 686 357 mag tomorrow.A friend gave me a box of 158gn fmj 357 bullets.I cant seem to find a recipe.Does anyone have data on these bullets.I have the following powders.
winchester 231
Accurate 2
Accurate 9
Titegroup

JLA · 06-09-2012, 04:59 PM

Just use data for any 158 gr Jacketed bullet and start at starting charge and work up from there.

Alpo · 06-09-2012, 05:03 PM

I've never heard of a 158 FMJ. Plated, yes, but not FMJ. And they say you're not supposed to use jacketed data for plated bullets, especially with a 357, that can push one in the 1400, 1500 fps range.

BobMcG · 06-09-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

I've never heard of a 158 FMJ.

I was wondering about that too. Speer does have a flat nose 158gr version but that one should stand out. Most of the typical FMJ-RN are 170gr (& up).

2muchfreetime · 06-09-2012, 05:54 PM

The box says
USAC Inc
Tacoma WA
38 caliber.357
158 grain full metal jacketed roundnose bullets
Looking at the box closer I now see that it says;
Used only in USAC plastic cartridge case.
Now I am more confused PLASTIC CASE?

2muchfreetime · 06-09-2012, 06:11 PM

looking into it more I see where the Company went bankrupt.The cases were plastic.LOL. No one is saying that they can be loaded in brass cases.I guess they are junk.

BobMcG · 06-09-2012, 06:23 PM

Still might be able to load them into brass.

I'm guessing the premise was to offer an inexpensive, disposable cartridge case (even cheaper than steel and aluminum). Perhaps after finding that the plastic cases stuck inside of too many chambers, it wasn't such a big hit.

Alpo · 06-09-2012, 06:45 PM

If the bullets are .357 or .358 inches in diameter, it don't matter that they were designed to be loaded in plastic cases. They'll work, loading into brass.

My only worry was you had Ranier or Berry bullets, which LOOK like FMJ, but are actually electroplated. The copper coating is not as thick as a jacket, and you can't push them as fast as you can a jacketed bullet.

But if they are, in fact, full metal jacketed, then yes, load 'em using 357 158 grain JHP or JSP data. You and they will be fine.

06-09-2012, 03:48 PM	#1
2muchfreetime Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	357 magnum 158 gn fmj? Going to the range to shoot my Smith 686 357 mag tomorrow.A friend gave me a box of 158gn fmj 357 bullets.I cant seem to find a recipe.Does anyone have data on these bullets.I have the following powders. winchester 231 Accurate 2 Accurate 9 Titegroup -->

06-09-2012, 04:59 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? Just use data for any 158 gr Jacketed bullet and start at starting charge and work up from there. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-09-2012, 05:03 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,651	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? I've never heard of a 158 FMJ. Plated, yes, but not FMJ. And they say you're not supposed to use jacketed data for plated bullets, especially with a 357, that can push one in the 1400, 1500 fps range. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

06-09-2012, 05:54 PM	#5
2muchfreetime Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? The box says USAC Inc Tacoma WA 38 caliber.357 158 grain full metal jacketed roundnose bullets Looking at the box closer I now see that it says; Used only in USAC plastic cartridge case. Now I am more confused PLASTIC CASE?

06-09-2012, 06:11 PM	#6
2muchfreetime Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? looking into it more I see where the Company went bankrupt.The cases were plastic.LOL. No one is saying that they can be loaded in brass cases.I guess they are junk.

06-09-2012, 06:23 PM	#7
BobMcG Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Somewhere in the Twilight Zone. Contributor Posts: 1,119	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? Still might be able to load them into brass. I'm guessing the premise was to offer an inexpensive, disposable cartridge case (even cheaper than steel and aluminum). Perhaps after finding that the plastic cases stuck inside of too many chambers, it wasn't such a big hit.

06-09-2012, 06:45 PM	#8
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,651	Re: 357 magnum 158 gn fmj? If the bullets are .357 or .358 inches in diameter, it don't matter that they were designed to be loaded in plastic cases. They'll work, loading into brass. My only worry was you had Ranier or Berry bullets, which LOOK like FMJ, but are actually electroplated. The copper coating is not as thick as a jacket, and you can't push them as fast as you can a jacketed bullet. But if they are, in fact, full metal jacketed, then yes, load 'em using 357 158 grain JHP or JSP data. You and they will be fine. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.