loading 357 mag

blades1 · July 7, 2013, 08:10 PM

what would be the best load for a 150 gr lrn bullet using Ramshot True Blue

Misssissippi Dave · July 7, 2013, 08:50 PM

Have you weighed these bullets? Often you will find lead bullets may not always have the same weight they are said to have. You might be able to use the load data for a slightly heavier bullet. Heavier bullets normally use less powder than a lighter bullet does. This assumes they are the same type and shape. Heavier bullets tend to seat deeper in the case with the same OAL and pressure increases. It also takes a little more energy to move a heavier object. Heavier bullets often have a longer bearing surface and this too adds resistance in the barrel.

Since heavier bullets normally use less powder you are probably safer using that data if it isn't a great amount less in weight. You are only going to about 5% lighter with that bullet. Using a lighter bullet's data will probably get you into trouble sooner than not. Using data for a different bullet is not plug and play. Trying to guess as to the average powder difference between a lighter bullet and a heavier one to guess about the one you have is a bit of a gamble too. This is one time you are going to have to go slow to work up a load since I have not seen data for that bullet.

57K · July 7, 2013, 09:57 PM

Go to www.ramshot.com M. Dave is right, you can use the data for a 158 gr. cast lead bullet with no problems using True Blue which will work excellently for this application, BTW. You do NOT want to use lighter bullet data. The Start Charge for a cast lead 158 will be vigorous enough to use for the cast lead 150. You might want to consider getting a Lyman load manual as well which tends to be the best source for cast lead bullet load data.

Just so you'll know, the cast lead 158 will be designated (L) for lead, LC is for the Laser-Cast brand and the bullet they used was a SWC.

ozo · July 10, 2013, 03:10 PM

Handgun or rifle ?

AlaskaMike · July 10, 2013, 03:41 PM

I think the first question is, what are you wanting to do?

The best plinking load using that bullet probably won't be the best hunting load with that bullet.

July 7, 2013, 08:10 PM	#1
blades1 Junior Member Join Date: July 7, 2013 Posts: 1	loading 357 mag what would be the best load for a 150 gr lrn bullet using Ramshot True Blue

July 7, 2013, 09:57 PM	#3
57K Junior member Join Date: March 2, 2013 Location: Heart of Texas Posts: 788	Go to www.ramshot.com M. Dave is right, you can use the data for a 158 gr. cast lead bullet with no problems using True Blue which will work excellently for this application, BTW. You do NOT want to use lighter bullet data. The Start Charge for a cast lead 158 will be vigorous enough to use for the cast lead 150. You might want to consider getting a Lyman load manual as well which tends to be the best source for cast lead bullet load data. Just so you'll know, the cast lead 158 will be designated (L) for lead, LC is for the Laser-Cast brand and the bullet they used was a SWC. Last edited by 57K; July 7, 2013 at 10:30 PM.

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July 7, 2013, 08:50 PM	#2
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	Have you weighed these bullets? Often you will find lead bullets may not always have the same weight they are said to have. You might be able to use the load data for a slightly heavier bullet. Heavier bullets normally use less powder than a lighter bullet does. This assumes they are the same type and shape. Heavier bullets tend to seat deeper in the case with the same OAL and pressure increases. It also takes a little more energy to move a heavier object. Heavier bullets often have a longer bearing surface and this too adds resistance in the barrel. Since heavier bullets normally use less powder you are probably safer using that data if it isn't a great amount less in weight. You are only going to about 5% lighter with that bullet. Using a lighter bullet's data will probably get you into trouble sooner than not. Using data for a different bullet is not plug and play. Trying to guess as to the average powder difference between a lighter bullet and a heavier one to guess about the one you have is a bit of a gamble too. This is one time you are going to have to go slow to work up a load since I have not seen data for that bullet.

July 10, 2013, 03:10 PM	#4
ozo Member Join Date: July 9, 2013 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 48	Handgun or rifle ?

July 10, 2013, 03:41 PM	#5
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 941	I think the first question is, what are you wanting to do? The best plinking load using that bullet probably won't be the best hunting load with that bullet.