Load question and some miscellaneous

[Flyboy*61]

Hello, everybody!
I was a member back in the dim past, but got short circuited somewhere in the electronic desert. I recently got back. I've been a shooter for more than 60 years, and reloading for near a half century.
Right now, I'm looking for a reasonably mild load for my 357 revolver. My go-to and IPSC load for years has been 5.5 gr. Uniqe, standard primer, 357 brass, 150-158 gr cast SWC. Chronoed 860 fps. 4" barrel.
Now that Unique has disappeared, I have a small supply of Unique, with AA #5, HP-38, and BE-86 to fill the gap. I'd like a load that doesn't display much drama, and I'm thinking to increase my Unique load to maybe 5.8 gr. for a do-all round, somewhere close to 900 fps. I understand BE-86 is a grain-to grain partner for Unique, so I figure 5.7-5.8 gr. may be the place to go, but there is precious little data available for BE-86. Maybe it is the red-headed stepchild?
ANYWAY, if anyone has reliable 357 loads in the velocity range of ~900 fps, using standard components with the powders I have on hand, and would care to share, I will be grateful.
Thanks for letting me run on.

 

[contender]

Welcome back.

I too use Unique,, and shooting USPSA,, it's my normal powder. I know it's no help to say that I have a good supply of it here. But I can say that I've kept an eye out in several places for it,, and just about a month ago,, found a 1 lb unopened can for $40. I got it & let a buddy get it from me.
A short look in one of my older manuals on my desk,, (w/o going into my other bookshelf,) I did find a load using the following;
.357 magnum
WW WSPM primers
Hornady 158 grn lead bullets
Frontier cases
Powder; AA No 5; starting load of 5.5 grns for 700 fps up to 7.3 grns for 950 fps. your request for 900 fps shows 7.0 grns.

I'll see if I can find any other data later using HP38 or BE-86.

 

[bergmen]

I have been experimenting with reduced .357 loads as well. I only shoot 125 grain Semi-jackets hollow points or flat nose plated, no lead.

I use W231 (pretty much the same as HP38). 7.0 grains is a mild, accurate load, 8.0 grains a little warmer but still below published starting loads.

Dan

 

[Mobuck]

I agree, AA#5 would be a good place to start. One pound will go a long way.

 

[DerekR]

What's going on with Unique? I have half a 8 lb jug left, but I use it in every handgun round I load for.

 

[Paul B]

"I'll see if I can find any other data later using HP38 or BE-86."

HP38 and W231 are just different lots of the same powder.
Paul B.

 

[BrassMagnet]

Welcome back.

I too use Unique,, and shooting USPSA,, it's my normal powder. I know it's no help to say that I have a good supply of it here. But I can say that I've kept an eye out in several places for it,, and just about a month ago,, found a 1 lb unopened can for $40. I got it & let a buddy get it from me.
A short look in one of my older manuals on my desk,, (w/o going into my other bookshelf,) I did find a load using the following;
.357 magnum
WW WSPM primers
Hornady 158 grn lead bullets
Frontier cases
Powder; AA No 5; starting load of 5.5 grns for 700 fps up to 7.3 grns for 950 fps. your request for 900 fps shows 7.0 grns.

I'll see if I can find any other data later using HP38 or BE-86.

HP-38 is also called W-231.