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Looking for a recommended recipe for 357 Magnum using a 158 grain plated semi wad cutter and either unique or win 231 powders? i am using cci magnum small pistol primers.

i also need the oal as well.
Thanks\
Ray

I would be supper careful about accepting internet advice re reloading. Dealers of powder usually have free reloading books. It only takes one jokester to blow up your gun.

I understand about the powder websites and accepting advice over the internet but i am having trouble determining bullet types. i mean on some 158 grain bullets the top end load is higher than the starting load of another and some manufacturers recommend lead recipe even though the bullet is plated (rainer) . I am just confused and thought that some one with more advice could guide me. i have the hornady and lyman reloading manuals but not thier bullets(brand). i also know that for uniuqe(allaint) they also have a good website but not the particular projectile i am using. I usually can find the bullet weight but just average the starting load for the particular type of bullet i am reloading then adjust but this time their is a lot of variance. Thanks Again
Ray

Alliant says maximum Unique is 7.7 grains with a 158 gr Gold Dot and 6 grains max with a LSWCHP. Min OAL 1.575

Hogdon, owner of Winchester powder now. says:

158 GR. CAST LSWC Winchester 231 .358" 1.610" 3.4 796 12,600 CUP 5.0 1109 23,900 CUP
158 GR. HDY XTP Winchester 231 .357" 1.580" 6.2 1108 33,700 CUP 6.9 1220 40,000 CUP

Never exceed the Maximum loads published.

Alliant's data page- - - http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hodgdon's data page - - - http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

edit: With the plated bullets you need to keep velocities below 1200 fps and usually lead bullet data is what you should use. A plated bullet is softer than a jacketed bullet since the use of lead data. Do Not crimp lead bullets with a heavy roll crimp like you would use with a regular jacketed bullet. You could have the plating come off the back of the bullet and block the barrel.

Be safe!

edit: In my opinion, Unique is the better of the two powders you are condidering for this load.