Loading 357s

[tubular031]

I have the lee turret press and load 45 and 40. I would like to load 357 now. I have been using titegroup and so far like it. Hogdon has load data for 357 and titegroup. So what else do I need to load 357 other then the dies and the turret disk? Do I need to use magnum primers?

Someday I hope to load 223s also.

Reloading is fun!

[SRVA]

You should be fine loading 357 with Titegroup. The loading manual will tell you whether you need magnum primers or not, but I suspect with the low loading density of Titegroup you will not need them.

[ghostrider]

Generally, magnum primers are only needed for slow burning powders (2400 or H110 in 357), and not for all loads. If magnum primers are needed it should say so in your loading manuals.

[Houston1944]

Titegroup in the 357 will only give you very light loads. Power Pistol is a good choice for 357 without the big punch. I use 15.0 gr 2400 with a 125 gr FMJ bullet for my range load. This load is slightly below the typical factory load, fun to shoot but not too hard on the shooter or the gun. Bump it up to 16.5 or 17.0 and it becomes a true 357 mag.

All of the above are with standard primers.

[HankB]

Dies for .38 Special will load .357 Mag just fine - the manufacturers used to sell separate dies for the two cartridges, but I think they've stopped trying to take advantage of new reloaders and sell dies that are fine for both rounds.

I've had excellent results using SR4756 in .357 - it performs much like Unique, except cleaner. (Don't use Unique data!) No need for magnum primers.

Beware of old manuals and this powder - the Speer #8 in particular had maximum loads listed that IMHO should never have seen the light of day.

[MoJo]

I like using Blue Dot in .357 and 40 S&W and it doesn't require Magnum Primers. 2400 and H110 are good powders too. H110 however, doesn't do well with the Lee auto Disk measure. The powder you use should depend on the weight and style of bullet you want to use and how fast you want it to go.

If you don't have a load Manual you should seriously consider getting one. I like the Lyman Reloading Handbook because it doesn't limit itself to one bullet or powder manufacturer.

Alliant does not recommend using Blue Dot in .357 Mag 125 gr loads and in any .41 Mag loads. Numerous guns have been blown up using Blue Dot in these combinations. I have stopped using Blue Dot altogether. My favorite powder for "almost magnum" .357 loads is Unique. For full house loads I like WW296 or 2400.

K and J frame .357 handguns will not stand up to a regular diet of full power .357 loads so light magnum loadings are recommended. The .357 has excellent accuracy potential but, care working up loads must be taken because of the high pressures involved.