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K-Texas wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 2:49 pm Convenience will likely be a factor and you may need to get what's available. Try several and then try True Blue when you run across some. Hopefully you have a chronograph, and one that will give you values for standard deviation.

I don't have a chronograph...yet. It's on the list and it's one of the reasons why I'm not looking to push the envelope on anything. That and I don't want to blow up my Pinned and Recessed S&Ws!

True Blue looks compelling. But small pistol magnum primers being unobtanium right now, I might have to put it on the back burner.

Your BE 86 recommendation looks good. Alliant has data for 9mm in 125 gr LRN which is a bullet I was looking at trying from Brazos Bullet Company. And it just so happens that the 357 data calls for Federal 100 primers, which Midway has in stock along with BE 86.

K-Texas wrote: ↑Wed Jun 17, 2020 3:50 pm The best powder for the job depends on barrel length and the type of load you're after.

Right now, I'm looking to load target loads for paper and steel at <25 yards. I'll be shooting these through a 6" Model 27 and a 4" Model 28. I'm sure I'll be expanding my .357 collection in the future but for now those are it.

I am looking at mid level to hot velocities as I like the thump that .357 offers over something sedate like 9mm or the push of .45 ACP. I enjoy recoil.

I'm sure I'll also load up some lighter .357 loads as well for when I want easy wheel gun plinking. I figure HP-38 would work for that.

I've received several recommendations to look at CFE Pistol here and elsewhere. I might have to give that a serious look and I think Academy around here usually carries it too.

All of the advice is very much appreciated folks, thank you.

mr surveyor wrote: ↑Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:42 am I don't understand the concern over using standard small pistol primers with A-2400 in the .357 mag (or the .44 mag).

It's all in the books.

All of the reference material I have looked at says to use magnum primers for .357 magnum loads. It does not differentiate by powder. I am not experienced enough to deviate from proscribed loads which is why I'm asking.

My understanding was that 2400 needed magnum primers, having researched more I see in Alliant's data that is not the case.

Appreciate the suggestions folks. I didn't associate CFE Pistol with .357 Magnum but that's an interesting option.

Malawler wrote: ↑Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:12 pm If you're after magnum loads, I have used Blue Dot with standard primers with no problems.

That is good to know, thank you.

I know H110/W296 and 2400 are powders of choice for full house loads but small pistol magnum primers seem to be very hard to come by right now.

I have HP-38 right now and it seems there are some low-mid range .357 loads I can do up with regular small pistol primers. I can also do .38 Special of course but figure might as well do .357 and avoid the carbon rings in the chambers.

HS-6 looks interesting but again, the magnum primer issue.

What else do you like? I wouldn't mind finding something that works well for 9mm or .45 ACP as well.

Looks like from my research that Power Pistol, Unique and True Blue might all fit the bill for those.