Moderate 357 plinking load

Evil Dog · August 25, 2007, 05:05 PM

Just picked up a 6" S&W 686 and am looking for a moderate 357 plinking load.... don't need full throttle. Will be using the Lyman #358311 160gr RN bullet cast from straight wheelweight. Powders I currently have on hand are Red Dot, Green Dot, W-231 and Unique. Primers are Winchester Small Pistol Magnum but might change to Federal just so I can tell the difference between Mag and Std primers... the Winchester are brass color and the Federal are nickel color. Cases are brass (no nickel) and of assorted headstamps. Would prefer to stay within the components I already have on hand. Suggestions? Thanks.

joneb · August 25, 2007, 05:25 PM

I've used Bullseye, Unique and IMR Trail Boss with 158gr lead all with small standard pistol primers. I have not tried Red or Green Dot, but my experience with W-231 for .357 mag. w/lead bullets was not as favorable as the 1st three I mentioned.

WESHOOT2 · August 26, 2007, 07:28 AM

4.8--6.0g W231

5.0--6.5g Unique

Also test varied crimp.

Tadpole Starr · August 26, 2007, 08:47 AM

I am using Unique with the 110 and 125 grain bullet. and H110 with the 158 and 180 grain bullets. My 2 3/4 inch barrel is a problem with the heavier bullets and flash. The 125 grain is sure fun to plink with though

I am experiencing a problem with some of the "once fired" shells though. The nickle plated have small splits and rounded ends. It appears that they get work hardened with even one firing. The brass from the same source is not a problem.

enjoy, and thanks jibjab for helping me get started a couple of months ago.

crowbeaner · August 26, 2007, 05:28 PM

A pound of Unique is all you need. WW bullets will be just fine. Follow the loading manual for charge weights and be sure to trim all your cases to the same length to get a uniform crimp. Enjoy. CB.

jhansman · August 26, 2007, 08:38 PM

My current favorite load for my Ruger GP100 is 5 gr. of Titegroup under a 158 gr. SWC bullet. Titegroup is an excellent handgun powder. Not high velocity or meant for full house loads (W296 for that), but for general plinking, you can't beat it.

Mtn Hawk · August 27, 2007, 04:58 PM

I'm also looking for a powder on the fast end of the burn rate chart for my 6" GP100 .357 (using 158 gr. jacketed bullets) but am having a difficult time finding one that is fairly clean-burning. I've heard pros and cons about the "cleaner burning" Unique but haven't tried it yet.

Does anyone use a powder in this range that doesn't burn dirty?

Thanks!

**Unclenick** · August 27, 2007, 05:17 PM

IMR Trail Boss is far cleaner than either Bullseye or Unique, which are nearly 100 years old. Of those two old timers, Unique requires more pressure to avoid leaving unburned flakes behind, so it is not as suitable for the lightest of loads. Both include a lot of graphite. Hodgdon Clays (just Clays, not International Clays or Universal Clays) is very fast and does quite well for plinking loads. Economical, too, as it doesn't take a lot. Vihtavuori N310 is another. It is a super-short stick powder that is also very fast and clean. Faster, I believe, than anything except Norma R1.

Scorch · August 27, 2007, 05:20 PM

I have loaded 6.0 gr of Unique under a 158 gr LSWC for years. Accurate, reliable, easy extraction. Not too dirty, but not as clean as 231.

crowbeaner · August 27, 2007, 09:24 PM

Try some IMR SR 4756. It's about the same burn rate as Unique but much cleaner burning. With the OLD data I used to shoot 9.3 gr. over a 150 plainbase (1976). Start around 7.5 and work up to appease the timid. CB.

amamnn · August 27, 2007, 09:40 PM

Any of the faster powders will give you less perceived recoil. I have used Unique in both its incarnations, and these days it is definitely cleaner. I think Alliant probably changed the formulation when it aquired the name. I don't care for the way any of the Alliant flake powders meter in my equipment, so I have changed over to w231. All pwders burn differently under different pressures. What might burn clean for me in my load might burn dirtier for the next guy. As an unresearched rule of thumb I figure that all other factors being equal, lighter load = less powder = less pressure = more carbon.

joneb · August 27, 2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

I don't care for the way any of the Alliant flake powders meter in my equipment.

I have the same problem, with Bullseye being the exception. I have had excellent results with AA# 5 and 7 for mild to medium magnum loads for .357 mag. for these WSP works well.

Mtn Hawk · August 29, 2007, 11:36 PM

Thanks much to all who responded to my question about a clean-burning medium-velocity .357 powder. I wrote these down and will try them. I load on the fast side of medium so hopefully this will also help keep the gun reasonably clean.

WESHOOT2 · August 30, 2007, 08:31 PM

I have found that Hodgdon's Universal Clays (also referred to as "Universal") to be the correct choice in 357, 41 and 44 Magnum, and 45 Colt.
I have tested it with lead, plated, and jacketed bullets of varying type.

It allows considerable shooting before cleanliness becomes a function issue.

Alliant Power Pistol is also superbly clean, but not as compatible with 'mild' loads.

I have data.

teesh · September 3, 2007, 03:38 PM

Weshoot2,

Would you be willing to share any of your data? If so, it would be appreciated.

straight-shooter · September 3, 2007, 03:49 PM

Just for plinking with my 686 6" I just shoot 38's. 158gr LRN cast with 4.8gr of Unique & standard primer. Plenty accurate and fun!

For the 357 Loads - 158gr SJHP with 13.5gr of Alliant 2400 & standard primer.

Mtn Hawk · September 3, 2007, 06:45 PM

WESHOOT2--

According to the Hodgdon data I have, Universal is too slow for the velocity I'm looking for with 158 gr. jacketed bullets. I like to shoot reduced loads between 1200-1300 fps. Even though this is still pretty fast for a .357, it's less recoil and stress on the revolver than my max. loads, which are about 200 fps more. Plus, I save money by using a faster powder. Target shooting and plinking with loads that aren't too far down from max. helps me to stay in practice for when I shoot the heavy stuff.

Thanks for the info about Power Pistol! That looks like it would fill the bill: clean burning, good velocity, and less than half the powder charge of my max. loads.

For some reason the Winchester data I have does not show starting loads for 231. I know there are warnings not to reduce listed charges of 296, but according to your post (#3) the same restriction does not apply to 231?

Thanks!

straight-shooter · September 3, 2007, 07:41 PM

The Winchester data I have here on W231 shows that 6.9gr of W231 will produce a velocity of 1,260 fps using a 158gr JHP and 6.7gr gives a velocity of 1,275 fps using lead.

earshot · September 3, 2007, 10:51 PM

try 5.2 grs of 700x with 158 gr lswc. works good in my 357s

August 25, 2007, 05:05 PM	#1
Evil Dog Member Join Date: April 30, 2007 Location: So Cal Desert Posts: 88	Moderate 357 plinking load Just picked up a 6" S&W 686 and am looking for a moderate 357 plinking load.... don't need full throttle. Will be using the Lyman #358311 160gr RN bullet cast from straight wheelweight. Powders I currently have on hand are Red Dot, Green Dot, W-231 and Unique. Primers are Winchester Small Pistol Magnum but might change to Federal just so I can tell the difference between Mag and Std primers... the Winchester are brass color and the Federal are nickel color. Cases are brass (no nickel) and of assorted headstamps. Would prefer to stay within the components I already have on hand. Suggestions? Thanks. __________________ Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting that vote. - Benjamin Franklin (1759)

August 26, 2007, 08:47 AM	#4
Tadpole Starr Member Join Date: February 28, 2007 Posts: 52	Light comfortable loads I am using Unique with the 110 and 125 grain bullet. and H110 with the 158 and 180 grain bullets. My 2 3/4 inch barrel is a problem with the heavier bullets and flash. The 125 grain is sure fun to plink with though I am experiencing a problem with some of the "once fired" shells though. The nickle plated have small splits and rounded ends. It appears that they get work hardened with even one firing. The brass from the same source is not a problem. enjoy, and thanks jibjab for helping me get started a couple of months ago.

August 27, 2007, 05:17 PM	#8
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	IMR Trail Boss is far cleaner than either Bullseye or Unique, which are nearly 100 years old. Of those two old timers, Unique requires more pressure to avoid leaving unburned flakes behind, so it is not as suitable for the lightest of loads. Both include a lot of graphite. Hodgdon Clays (just Clays, not International Clays or Universal Clays) is very fast and does quite well for plinking loads. Economical, too, as it doesn't take a lot. Vihtavuori N310 is another. It is a super-short stick powder that is also very fast and clean. Faster, I believe, than anything except Norma R1. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 27, 2007, 05:20 PM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I have loaded 6.0 gr of Unique under a 158 gr LSWC for years. Accurate, reliable, easy extraction. Not too dirty, but not as clean as 231. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 27, 2007, 09:40 PM	#11
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	Any of the faster powders will give you less perceived recoil. I have used Unique in both its incarnations, and these days it is definitely cleaner. I think Alliant probably changed the formulation when it aquired the name. I don't care for the way any of the Alliant flake powders meter in my equipment, so I have changed over to w231. All pwders burn differently under different pressures. What might burn clean for me in my load might burn dirtier for the next guy. As an unresearched rule of thumb I figure that all other factors being equal, lighter load = less powder = less pressure = more carbon. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

August 25, 2007, 05:25 PM	#2
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I've used Bullseye, Unique and IMR Trail Boss with 158gr lead all with small standard pistol primers. I have not tried Red or Green Dot, but my experience with W-231 for .357 mag. w/lead bullets was not as favorable as the 1st three I mentioned.

August 26, 2007, 07:28 AM	#3
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	4.8--6.0g W231 5.0--6.5g Unique Also test varied crimp. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

August 26, 2007, 05:28 PM	#5
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	A pound of Unique is all you need. WW bullets will be just fine. Follow the loading manual for charge weights and be sure to trim all your cases to the same length to get a uniform crimp. Enjoy. CB.

August 26, 2007, 08:38 PM	#6
jhansman Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 680	My current favorite load for my Ruger GP100 is 5 gr. of Titegroup under a 158 gr. SWC bullet. Titegroup is an excellent handgun powder. Not high velocity or meant for full house loads (W296 for that), but for general plinking, you can't beat it.

August 27, 2007, 04:58 PM	#7
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	I'm also looking for a powder on the fast end of the burn rate chart for my 6" GP100 .357 (using 158 gr. jacketed bullets) but am having a difficult time finding one that is fairly clean-burning. I've heard pros and cons about the "cleaner burning" Unique but haven't tried it yet. Does anyone use a powder in this range that doesn't burn dirty? Thanks!

August 27, 2007, 09:24 PM	#10
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Try some IMR SR 4756. It's about the same burn rate as Unique but much cleaner burning. With the OLD data I used to shoot 9.3 gr. over a 150 plainbase (1976). Start around 7.5 and work up to appease the timid. CB.

August 29, 2007, 11:36 PM	#13
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	Thanks much to all who responded to my question about a clean-burning medium-velocity .357 powder. I wrote these down and will try them. I load on the fast side of medium so hopefully this will also help keep the gun reasonably clean.

August 30, 2007, 08:31 PM	#14
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	tested I have found that Hodgdon's Universal Clays (also referred to as "Universal") to be the correct choice in 357, 41 and 44 Magnum, and 45 Colt. I have tested it with lead, plated, and jacketed bullets of varying type. It allows considerable shooting before cleanliness becomes a function issue. Alliant Power Pistol is also superbly clean, but not as compatible with 'mild' loads. I have data. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 3, 2007, 03:38 PM	#15
teesh Member Join Date: June 21, 2007 Posts: 22	Weshoot2, Would you be willing to share any of your data? If so, it would be appreciated.

September 3, 2007, 03:49 PM	#16
straight-shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: North Central Indiana Posts: 436	Just for plinking with my 686 6" I just shoot 38's. 158gr LRN cast with 4.8gr of Unique & standard primer. Plenty accurate and fun! For the 357 Loads - 158gr SJHP with 13.5gr of Alliant 2400 & standard primer.

September 3, 2007, 06:45 PM	#17
Mtn Hawk Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Posts: 82	WESHOOT2-- According to the Hodgdon data I have, Universal is too slow for the velocity I'm looking for with 158 gr. jacketed bullets. I like to shoot reduced loads between 1200-1300 fps. Even though this is still pretty fast for a .357, it's less recoil and stress on the revolver than my max. loads, which are about 200 fps more. Plus, I save money by using a faster powder. Target shooting and plinking with loads that aren't too far down from max. helps me to stay in practice for when I shoot the heavy stuff. Thanks for the info about Power Pistol! That looks like it would fill the bill: clean burning, good velocity, and less than half the powder charge of my max. loads. For some reason the Winchester data I have does not show starting loads for 231. I know there are warnings not to reduce listed charges of 296, but according to your post (#3) the same restriction does not apply to 231? Thanks!

September 3, 2007, 07:41 PM	#18
straight-shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: North Central Indiana Posts: 436	The Winchester data I have here on W231 shows that 6.9gr of W231 will produce a velocity of 1,260 fps using a 158gr JHP and 6.7gr gives a velocity of 1,275 fps using lead.

September 3, 2007, 10:51 PM	#19
earshot Member Join Date: June 8, 2007 Location: s.e. mi. Posts: 66	try 5.2 grs of 700x with 158 gr lswc. works good in my 357s

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