Major 357 158 gr lead loads

[dogdoc1]

Anybody got any major 357 lead swc loads. I want to shoot my 357s in some small matches for the heck of it and need some loads that will be just over major.

[8ring]

Here is what works for me in my GP-100 6" barrel:

1. 158 gr. Laser Cast Round nose flat point, Winchester cases, Winchester small pistol magmum primers:

5.7 gr. Hodgdon Universal, 1.560" OAL

High: 1089 fps

Low: 1061 fps

Average: 1076 fps = 168.39 power factor

Second String same load:

High: 1098 fps

Low: 1035 fps

Average: 1081 fps = 169.2 power factor

OR

158 gr. Laser Cast RN Flat Point, 1.555" OAL

5.4 gr. Titegroup

High: 1141 fps

Low: 1108 fps

Av. 1122 fps

175.93 power factor.

Knocks down poppers without hesitation. However, Titegroup is a faster powder than Universal and gives a sharper recoil.

OR

158 gr. Rainer Copper Jacketed Flat Point

5.9 gr. Titegroup, 1.590" OAL

High: 1094 fps

Low: 1072 fps

Av: 1081 fps

170 Power Factor.

A clean load if your revo likes copper plated bullets. Also seemed a little sofer than the Titegroup lead load described above.

158 gr. Laser Cast RNFP

6.5 gr. VithaVouri N340, 1.555" OAL

High 1153 fps

Low 1117 fps

Av: 1142 fps

Power factor 178

FWIW:

My preferred load now is a 140 gr. lead flat point that has a little less muzzle rise than the 158 gr.

140 Laser Cast or Mid-Kansas flat point.

Winchester or Starline cases, Winchester Small Pistol Magnum Primers

6.2 gr. Hodgdon's Universal, 1.577" OAL

String 1:

High: 1264 fps

Low: 1211 fps

Ave: 1230 fps.

String 2:

High: 1254

Low: 1200

Av: 1220

Use round nose or round nose flat point bullets for faster reloads than with semi wadcutters. I'm glad to see someone besides me is using a .357.

Good luck and stay safe.

Chris

[Harmon]

8ring has just hooked you up with some good loads. try em and see what you and your gun likes best

[mullet]

14.5 gn H4227 with a 158 gn roundnose works well with a .38 +P case, will probably make major in a .357 but may need an extra grain.

[Yardbird]

Mullet!! WTF!! 14.5 gr h4227 with a 158 gr bullet is a 357 Mag starting load and you're telling him to use a 38 case!! The power factor on that load is 222 in a 357 case. Are you trying to kill someone?? Or just injure someone?

The max for the components you gave is 11.0 gr!