Advice on loading .38/.357

[RoadE]

I've been reloading 9mm, 40 S&W & .45 ACP for a couple of years now. I just purchased a Ruger GP100 and so now want to start reloading for this gun. I'd like to reload both .38 sp & .357 rounds using the same bullet and powder and would appreciate some advice from someone experienced.

I have generally purchased Berry's Bullets and have used them with success. Looking at their site and my Speers reloading manual I'm thinking about either 125 gr FP or 158 gr FP bullets to use in both calibers. In reviewing powders it looks like Power Pistol and Unique are listed for loads on both rounds. I currently use Bullseye for all my other reloads.

These will be strictly plinking rounds btw.

I don't usually post but I visit this forum quite a bit and have learned a ton!

So what do you all think? Or is their a better combination you might suggest. Thanks.

Eric

[Alpo]

Checking the Alliant powder loading pamphlet

357 with a 158 lead SWC (you use lead data for Berry's bullets) 6.5 of Bullseye will give you 1300 fps, and 6.0 of Unique will also give 1300. Those are max loads.

Looking at the 38 Special, 3.6 of Bullseys for 910, and 4.3 of Unique for 920. Again, max loads.

[woolleyworm]

Unique is a great powder for 38/357 loads. If you're just plinking, get some Unique and work up some loads, you'll like it. A little cleaner than Bullseye and a very versatile powder.

[Oneida Steve]

Unique works well in .357 loads, but for light .38 Special loads I favor the faster-burning Bullseye. Since you're likely to shoot more .38's than .357's, I agree with Alpo that Bullseye is better as a one-and-only powder.

[mikld]

After reloading 9mm, .40, and .45, .38 and .357 should be a piece o' cake. I too would recommend Unique for both, but since you already have Bullseye, use that in the .38. Both cartridges are pretty forgiving as far as powders go. I've no experienc with plated bullets but I've shot a half ton of cast 158 gr. SWCs through my 38s and .357s...

[JLA]

My favorite range loads for my .357 are max .38 spec loads in .357 mag cases. with a 158 gr cast bullet.

[RoadE]

Gentlemen, great advice by all. Unique seems to have a lot of fans, so I'll pick some some up and work up some loads for the .357. Got lots of Bullseye so it sounds like it will be my starting point for the .38.

Like the idea of the max .38 load in the .357 case.

As usual, I've learned a lot and appreciate the help. Gotta tumble some brass, order some bullets and get to work.

Eric

[gun-nut]

I use Unique and a 158 gr. SWC lee cast that i make. I run 4.1 gr. of the Unique and i put them out at 100 yards with no problem. I worked the load for my K 38 S&W 14-3 Masterpice. But i do put a roll crimp on the 38 spl. that seems to let the powder burn better and i found the it puts the FPS at about 950 from the Laymans listing of 791 Fps. I have no exsesive chamber preashure that way. Hope that helps out!

[Orin]

Only thing that bugs me about the Bullseye loads is the huge amount of empty space in the cases... I've had no trubbs but am still a little fearful re the possibilty of poor ignition when the gun is pointed down prior to shooting as is often the case. I'm staying with Unique. Pure theory but such matters if valid.

[JLA]

There isnt that much empty space in a .357 mag case with a 158 grain bullet seated to 1.6" maybe a 1/2" or so column with a .355" ID. Even a mild 5 gr charge of bullseye will fill that column half way at least.

[JLA]

Those problems pose themselves moreso with cartidges like the .45 colt loaded with light bullets (for that caliber) and fast smokeless powders (like bullseye).

[RoadE]

Another question fellas. I just went to Berry's site and they say that their plated bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities. So it sounds like I need a fmj bullet in 158 grns for my .357 loads, correct?

Once again, suggestions/sources?

Eric

[Alpo]

"Magnum velocities" are 14, 15 hundred fps or faster. Are you gonna push 'em that fast? You won't with the powders mentioned.

Why would you want to use a FMJ, anyway? It's a pretty crappy bullet design, that only exists because the Hague required it for military and older autoloaders required it to function. I can't think of any reason at all to use one in a 357 revolver.

If you want to shoot 357s at "magnum velocities", get some JHP or JSP bullets.

[X Ring]

Try these bullets
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/139...d-hollow-point
Or these
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/160...d-hollow-point
They work great in both 38 and 357, and in bulk are not to expensive.
If you want full power 357s you will need a different powder, I recommend 2400. If you want to stick with just one powder Power Pistol is a good choice.

[twobit]

For a plinking round you can load both with trailboss.
Unique is my other choice.

[JLA]

Originally Posted by RoadE

Another question fellas. I just went to Berry's site and they say that their plated bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities. So it sounds like I need a fmj bullet in 158 grns for my .357 loads, correct?

Once again, suggestions/sources?

Eric

Run them 1000 or less.

for full blown .357 mag hunting or SD rounds use Hacketed Hollowpoints like the Hornady XTP or the Remington Goldensabers. Over H110 or Alliant 2400

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/620...int-box-of-100

these are out of stock, but grab em when they are in stock. Make nasty squids in a barrel of water.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/160...d-hollow-point

[the wolf]

I got a ruger gp 100.. what a great handgun!. I have been using Titegroup power for this.. its very nice power.. great for target shooting.. 125 gr to 158 gr horandy xtp .. I use mostly 125 for targets while the 158 for hunting and other heavy hitter use. I shy away from2400 power.. I never did like it. still got two can of it.

[woolleyworm]

Originally Posted by the wolf

I got a ruger gp 100.. what a great handgun!. I have been using Titegroup power for this.. its very nice power.. great for target shooting.. 125 gr to 158 gr horandy xtp .. I use mostly 125 for targets while the 158 for hunting and other heavy hitter use. I shy away from2400 power.. I never did like it. still got two can of it.

Love the GP100's and I've worked up some loads with TG as well; I did some 110gn loads in 38 with TG and they're fantastic. I used the 110gn Sierra Blitz bullets. While not intended for plinking loads; they're very accurate and consistent.

[gdmoody]

I do use the Berry 125 grain HP bullets in my .38 and .357 loads but I have used a several different powders. I have used mostly H110 in the .357 but have used Accurate #7 also. In .38 I have used Accurate #5, Bullseye, and Win 231. Since I don't shoot competition, they have all provided good enough groups for me.

[RoadE]

Ok guys. I picked up 100 Hornady XTP 185 grn bullets and a pound of Unique from my local gun store, (expensive). Will work up a few rounds of each .38 and .357 this weekend. Hopefully I can get to the range early next week and we'll see if I did it right.

Eric

[76Highboy]

I agree with Alpo. My father gave me 5lb's of bullseye. I shoot the heck out of it and the Unique as well. Both are goog, but I do prefer the Unique.

[JLA]

You mean 158s? Hdy offers 158s and 180s in the XTP for the .357 mag..

[BlackEagle]

I shoot .357/.38 gallery rifle (lever action Marlin). For .357 I load 4.2 gr. Hogogen Titegroup behind a 158 grain round nose flat point head. I've used it on targets effectively out to 50 yards; speed is about 1100 fps. I realise that rifles and handguns have different balistics, but this is just a for what it's worth.

[RoadE]

Oops! yes I meant 158's

Good catch