357mag/Unique..how much?

remie · May 21, 2007, 09:26 PM

I am about to load 357mag for target shooting with my new Ruger Blackhawk 257/9mm. I am using 158g SWC. Hornady writes lead bullets makes good target rounds. Velocities should not exceed 1100fps, as undesirable leading of the barrel can occur..Unique provided the best performance with lead bullets... I am using 5g of Unique for a starting load..is this a good choice? Thanks.

Randy_che · May 21, 2007, 09:40 PM

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...15&bulletid=28

According to Alliant's website, that is well below the max charge for 357 and above the listed max for 38 special. That load should be safe. These listed loads seem light compared with several of my manuals. Check with as many current reputable sources of reloading information as you can and make an educated decision.

T. O'Heir · May 22, 2007, 01:02 AM

148 grain wad cutters with 2.5 to 2.8 grains of Bullseye loaded in your .357 cases shoot extremely well. It's been the standard .38 Special target load for eons.
4.0 to 8.0 of Unique for a 158 SWC with a gas check is the load given for .357 is my Lyman manual.
3.5 to 5.4 of Unique for .38 velocities.
If you don't have a manual now, you need one. The Lyman book gives more loads with more powders and bullets than a bullet or powder maker's manual. Not that their manuals are bad. The Lyman is just more versatile.

remie · May 22, 2007, 06:23 PM

Thank you both for your imput

sterno · May 22, 2007, 06:48 PM

I use 5 grains of unique behind a 158 LRN. Pretty accurate out to 100 yards.

gandog56 · May 22, 2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

If you don't have a manual now, you need one. The Lyman book gives more loads with more powders and bullets than a bullet or powder maker's manual. Not that their manuals are bad. The Lyman is just more versatile.

Lee number two reloading manual is pretty good too, since it is not bullet or powder specific. Also has some good general reloading info in it.

May 21, 2007, 09:26 PM	#1
remie Junior Member Join Date: April 5, 2007 Posts: 12	357mag/Unique..how much? I am about to load 357mag for target shooting with my new Ruger Blackhawk 257/9mm. I am using 158g SWC. Hornady writes lead bullets makes good target rounds. Velocities should not exceed 1100fps, as undesirable leading of the barrel can occur..Unique provided the best performance with lead bullets... I am using 5g of Unique for a starting load..is this a good choice? Thanks.

May 22, 2007, 06:23 PM	#4
remie Junior Member Join Date: April 5, 2007 Posts: 12	thanks Thank you both for your imput

May 22, 2007, 06:48 PM	#5
sterno Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 362	I use 5 grains of unique behind a 158 LRN. Pretty accurate out to 100 yards. __________________ .38, .39; whatever it took. Sterno's Myspace - Grayskull Myspace

May 21, 2007, 09:40 PM	#2
Randy_che Member Join Date: July 28, 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 57	http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...15&bulletid=28 According to Alliant's website, that is well below the max charge for 357 and above the listed max for 38 special. That load should be safe. These listed loads seem light compared with several of my manuals. Check with as many current reputable sources of reloading information as you can and make an educated decision.

May 22, 2007, 01:02 AM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	148 grain wad cutters with 2.5 to 2.8 grains of Bullseye loaded in your .357 cases shoot extremely well. It's been the standard .38 Special target load for eons. 4.0 to 8.0 of Unique for a 158 SWC with a gas check is the load given for .357 is my Lyman manual. 3.5 to 5.4 of Unique for .38 velocities. If you don't have a manual now, you need one. The Lyman book gives more loads with more powders and bullets than a bullet or powder maker's manual. Not that their manuals are bad. The Lyman is just more versatile.