New model blackhawk 357 reload info

[rsking45]

Hi all,
Im looking for some good, light loads for my 6.5in 357mag for target shooting.Im new to reloading for revolvers, I have been reloading .45acp,9mm for years.Iv been doin my homework,reading up on reloading for the 357 and thought id seek some advice from you Ruger experts.
On hand I have some 158gr LFN .357dia, cci 300 primers and winchester 231.im looking for a nice light load that isnt goin to punish the gun or my wrist.
Thanks

 

[eric conrad]

Lots of loads here. www.reloadammo.com
Eric

 

[sourdough44]

I'd be somewhere from 38 spcl +p data to the lowest charge weight for 357 mag. I'd also use 357 cases of course. Win 231 should be fine.

The Hodgdon site should have about all the data you need.

 

[lipofsky]

I use 4.2 grns of unique with a 158 grn lswc in a .38 case for my competition center fire league as well as general target practice on plates. works great out of my 6.5 black hawk

 

[stevemb]

In a .357 mag case, looks like 5grs of ww231 will give you a .38spec level load. Since there are a couple 38's around here, and plenty of brass, I use the 4.2gr of Unique under most bullets, in .38 hulls for my frog smackin' loads. It'd be tough to hurt the NM BH in .357. LOTS of steel in that cylinder ! I've a stainless steel one here. stay safe, stevemb.

 

[rsking45]

Thanks all for you reply. I'm getting low on the231 and I'm out trying to get more powder and surprise I'm having a hard time finding some. Has anyone used Hodgdon clays? I have used this powder in 45acp with good results

 

[45Colt_Man]

Hodgdon's has the info on Clays for LSWC 158 gr.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Dana

 

[Rclark]

My favorite goto load is 5.0g of Red Dot under 158g SWC. Around 1000fps out of 6.5" barrel.

In W231 I liked 6.0g under 158g SWC for 1070fps ... Tested 5.0g to 6.0g

Have a bottle of Clays, but haven't tested it yet in the .357. Have tested Universal Clays though.

 

[Rodfac]

Winchester 231 or HP38 are both good with either jacketed or lead alloy bullets. Loads below 1000 fps or so will minimize leading concerns with the latter. I use both magnum and .38 special brass with good results. With .38 spl. brass, you'll have to scrub out the front of the cylinder to remove carbon, bullet lube and some leading. It's no big chore...I find that soaking both bore and cylinder in Ed's Red or Kroil makes clean up of those deposits a breeze. HTH's Rodfac

 

[rsking45]

Thanks for the info everyone.I do have another question I picked up some speer 148gr lhbsw.With this type the bullet is seated flush with the case mouth ? or can it stick up alittle past the case mouth

 

[Jimbo357mag]

357mag is easy to reload because there are soooooo many loads and sooooo many components.

Don't forget medium burn rate Unique or Universal powders. 4.0gr - 6.0gr with a 158gr bullet will work just great.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Thanks for the info everyone.I do have another question I picked up some speer 148gr lhbsw.With this type the bullet is seated flush with the case mouth ? or can it stick up alittle past the case mouth

That bullet is designed to be seated flush with the case mouth and a crimp just rolled over the end. It is a low pressure bullet and takes up more case volume so don't charge it more than 38special pressure. You could let some of the bullet extend past the case mouth and crimp into the side of the bullet if you want and that is what I would do to make sure the bullet doesn't move in either direction.

 

[dougader]

I always loaded those HBWC's flush with the cas mouth. 3.0 grains of 231 is a real softy with those bullets.

 

[rsking45]

Does anyone lube the casings before sizing?

 

[dougader]

Does anyone lube the casings before sizing?

Not if I have a carbide sizer die. Some people will lube the cases because it makes the work easier. I only lube my 44 Special cases because they are regular steel dies. That's for straight-walled pistol dies.

All my rifle dies get lubed.