Loading for 77/357

[bigheaddaddy]

Just ordered a Ruger 77/357 rifle.

I have loaded thousands of .357 rounds for my GP-100 and Bisley .357 Blackhawk. My standard loads are 6.2 gr of Unique under Berry 158 gr plated FN or 14.0 gr of 2400 under 158 gr Speer JHP (4211).

I know Berry says to keep the plated rounds under 1200 fps. Anybody shoot Berry plated bullets out of a rifle? If so, what powder are you using? Given Berry's backlog, I have 500 158 gr Missouri Bullets on order. Anybody have experience shooting cast 158 gr Missouri bullets out of the 77/357? What powders are you using?

All 77/357 load suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I shoot plated bullets out of my rifles 357/44 without any problems but I keep the velocity down below Max a little.

For the hot loads I use slow powders H-110 or accurate #9 and jacketed bullets.

 

[5of7]

Keep in mind that you will gain 300-350 fps in velocity over a 6" revolver with the same loads. 8)

 

[PO2Hammer]

6.2 grains of Unique under a 158 plated bullet is probably only getting you about 875 fps in your revolver. It should only gain about 100-150 fps in the carbine. Shouldn't be a problem in your carbine (congrats on the 77/357).

Max charges of slower powder will gain more in a carbine, but a light charge of Unique won't.

I use Rainier plated 158s and I don't change my recipe for carbines. I'm sure they're well over 1,200 fps in my H&R carbine, but that doesn't seem to bother them. I use HS-6 and magnum primers, but I'm hoping to find some SR-4756 so I can use standard primers.

Unique should be perfect for lead loads in the carbine. A standard revolver load should be fine. I use Universal for lead, but Unique is a proven winner there, so no need to switch.

Speer, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady and others have load data for .357 carbines. The 'one book/one caliber' reloading manual has all that data for a very low price.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/442318/loadbooks-usa-357-magnum-handgun-and-rifle-reloading-manual