Loading Semi-Wadcutters

crimsondave · November 2, 2009, 08:43 PM

OK, I got some great advice about loading full wadcutters in .38, so I'm back with ?s about semi-wadcutters.

Anything special when loading these? I have some 158 gr. bullets I want to load for .357 mag, and I have some 200 gr bullets I want to load for .45 ACP. Got any good recipes? I've been using mostly Bullseye powder, but I have a pound of Titegroup I've yet to open. I also have some Herco I've been loading hot 9mm loads with.

Saint Dennis · November 2, 2009, 09:15 PM

W231 works well for target loads in the .357. So Does Trail Boss. W231 Works well in the .45 too. Carefull not to put in two charges. I don't load my wifes .357 hot as she doesn't like it. Porcipines can't tell the difference anyhow.

ligonierbill · November 2, 2009, 09:47 PM

Are these hard cast or swaged (soft lead) bullets? The soft lead will foul your bore if you push them much past 1,000 fps. I am loading Speer swaged SWC HP with 5 grains Power Pistol for 800 fps out of a 4" Model 64 or 5.8 grains for 940 (+P .38 Special load). Speer #14 shows Bullseye loads from 4.3 to 4.8 in .357 Mag.

November 2, 2009, 08:43 PM	#1
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	Loading Semi-Wadcutters OK, I got some great advice about loading full wadcutters in .38, so I'm back with ?s about semi-wadcutters. Anything special when loading these? I have some 158 gr. bullets I want to load for .357 mag, and I have some 200 gr bullets I want to load for .45 ACP. Got any good recipes? I've been using mostly Bullseye powder, but I have a pound of Titegroup I've yet to open. I also have some Herco I've been loading hot 9mm loads with.

November 2, 2009, 09:15 PM	#2
Saint Dennis Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 97	W231 works well for target loads in the .357. So Does Trail Boss. W231 Works well in the .45 too. Carefull not to put in two charges. I don't load my wifes .357 hot as she doesn't like it. Porcipines can't tell the difference anyhow.

November 2, 2009, 09:47 PM	#3
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,466	Are these hard cast or swaged (soft lead) bullets? The soft lead will foul your bore if you push them much past 1,000 fps. I am loading Speer swaged SWC HP with 5 grains Power Pistol for 800 fps out of a 4" Model 64 or 5.8 grains for 940 (+P .38 Special load). Speer #14 shows Bullseye loads from 4.3 to 4.8 in .357 Mag.