Help, new to reloading

kagi · July 7, 2009, 07:45 AM

Any advice on a starting load for the 357 Mag Sierra 140 gr JHC using Bullseye. Firing from a 6" Colt Python.

Sport45 · July 7, 2009, 08:26 AM

Welcome to the forum!

I don't use Bullseye myself, but I'm thinking it may be too fast for a 140gr jacketed bullet in the .357mag.

Do you have a slower powder to use? Something between HP-38 and H-110 maybe?

DaveTrig · July 7, 2009, 08:41 AM

Lyman manual says Start 5.7gr, max 8.0gr, COL 1.590".

Slamfire · July 7, 2009, 08:44 AM

I looked at Handloads.com and did not find any Bullseye data with a 140 grain bullet.

So, I would recommend looking at the 158 grain data. A starting load, or even a max load with a 158 should not cause problems with a 140 grain bullet.

I use Bullseye in the 38 Special and it provides excellent accuracy. It is a great target and mid velocity powder. Posted loads with the 158 show people are pushing their 158's around 1000 fps. That will probably be close to a maximum velocity for Bullseye.

In testing Bullseye in the 38 Special, I saw that a little additional Bullseye will really increase velocity. This tells me that you want to stay away from maximum loads with this powder as little variations in things could really make pressures spike.

I have used 2400 for decades in the 357, and that powder gives excellent accuracy at very decent velocities from 125 grain bullets to 158 grain. I have not shot any heavier bullets in the 357.

kagi · July 7, 2009, 09:28 AM

Thanks guys, I really aprciate the info.

July 7, 2009, 07:45 AM	#1
kagi Junior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: san diego Posts: 2	Help, new to reloading Any advice on a starting load for the 357 Mag Sierra 140 gr JHC using Bullseye. Firing from a 6" Colt Python.

July 7, 2009, 08:26 AM	#2
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	Welcome to the forum! I don't use Bullseye myself, but I'm thinking it may be too fast for a 140gr jacketed bullet in the .357mag. Do you have a slower powder to use? Something between HP-38 and H-110 maybe? __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

July 7, 2009, 08:41 AM	#3
DaveTrig Member Join Date: May 11, 2009 Location: Putnam County, NY Posts: 96	Lyman manual says Start 5.7gr, max 8.0gr, COL 1.590".

July 7, 2009, 08:44 AM	#4
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I looked at Handloads.com and did not find any Bullseye data with a 140 grain bullet. So, I would recommend looking at the 158 grain data. A starting load, or even a max load with a 158 should not cause problems with a 140 grain bullet. I use Bullseye in the 38 Special and it provides excellent accuracy. It is a great target and mid velocity powder. Posted loads with the 158 show people are pushing their 158's around 1000 fps. That will probably be close to a maximum velocity for Bullseye. In testing Bullseye in the 38 Special, I saw that a little additional Bullseye will really increase velocity. This tells me that you want to stay away from maximum loads with this powder as little variations in things could really make pressures spike. I have used 2400 for decades in the 357, and that powder gives excellent accuracy at very decent velocities from 125 grain bullets to 158 grain. I have not shot any heavier bullets in the 357.

July 7, 2009, 09:28 AM	#5
kagi Junior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: san diego Posts: 2	Thanks guys, I really aprciate the info.