a little reloading help please

Realmswalker · December 31, 2016, 10:18 PM

So I was doing inventory on my reloading stuff and I ran across a box of about 250 of these little guys.

.357 in diameter, 180 grain, jacketed flat point.

I want to load them up to shoot out of my dan wesson 357, but am not having much luck finding mininum and maximum load data, or recommended OAL.

Powders I have to use are Alliant Unique, Red Dot and 2400.

Can anyone help me out here please.

Mike38 · December 31, 2016, 11:37 PM

Hodgdon's web site shows loads for 180 gr bullets in the .357 Mag. For length, I'd put about 80-90% of the crimp groove in the case mouth, then crimp normally. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

Dufus · January 1, 2017, 12:11 AM

The bullets you have are Hornady HAP bullets and are intended for target practicing. They have the same ballistic shape as the XTP.

Start with 12.0 grn 2400 and work up if you desire.

OAL should be a given if seated at the cannelure...no measurement is needed.

jumpingeezer · January 1, 2017, 11:25 AM

My Lyman handbook lists 2400 loads for the 180 grain bullet from 10 to 12.6 grains. My Alliant reloader's guide lists 12.5 grains of 2400 as max.

I did not see a 180 grain bullet listed on Alliant's on line guide.

mkl · January 1, 2017, 12:44 PM

I see you have Unique powder also. If you want a low recoil "plinking" load, 5.0 grains of Unique would work well. I use that in my .38 Special behind a 146 grain bullet. Should be about right behind a 180 grain in a .357 mag.

Nick_C_S · January 1, 2017, 01:17 PM

As Dufus said, it does indeed appear to be a Hornady bullet. I lean toward fast powders as much as any loader I know, but these heavies beg for something slower. You have 2400, and that would be my recommendation for pushing these big boys.

Hornady's 180gn 2400 data starts at 10.3 grains, and peaks out at 12.6.

T. O'Heir · January 1, 2017, 02:45 PM

180 grain jacketed data is all you need. You do not require bullet maker specific data. Alliant's site, of course, only goes to 170 grains, but any manual should have 180 grain data.
Lots of 2400 180 grain data on Handloads.com. One Red Dot load and one Unique load. Reduce by 10% for the start load.
One Unique and one 2400 Load on Reloaders Nest.

December 31, 2016, 10:18 PM	#1
Realmswalker Junior Member Join Date: November 15, 2016 Posts: 1	a little reloading help please So I was doing inventory on my reloading stuff and I ran across a box of about 250 of these little guys. .357 in diameter, 180 grain, jacketed flat point. I want to load them up to shoot out of my dan wesson 357, but am not having much luck finding mininum and maximum load data, or recommended OAL. Powders I have to use are Alliant Unique, Red Dot and 2400. Can anyone help me out here please.

January 1, 2017, 01:17 PM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,524	As Dufus said, it does indeed appear to be a Hornady bullet. I lean toward fast powders as much as any loader I know, but these heavies beg for something slower. You have 2400, and that would be my recommendation for pushing these big boys. Hornady's 180gn 2400 data starts at 10.3 grains, and peaks out at 12.6. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

January 1, 2017, 02:45 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	180 grain jacketed data is all you need. You do not require bullet maker specific data. Alliant's site, of course, only goes to 170 grains, but any manual should have 180 grain data. Lots of 2400 180 grain data on Handloads.com. One Red Dot load and one Unique load. Reduce by 10% for the start load. One Unique and one 2400 Load on Reloaders Nest. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

December 31, 2016, 11:37 PM	#2
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	Hodgdon's web site shows loads for 180 gr bullets in the .357 Mag. For length, I'd put about 80-90% of the crimp groove in the case mouth, then crimp normally. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

January 1, 2017, 12:11 AM	#3
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	The bullets you have are Hornady HAP bullets and are intended for target practicing. They have the same ballistic shape as the XTP. Start with 12.0 grn 2400 and work up if you desire. OAL should be a given if seated at the cannelure...no measurement is needed.

January 1, 2017, 11:25 AM	#4
jumpingeezer Member Join Date: November 19, 2015 Posts: 88	My Lyman handbook lists 2400 loads for the 180 grain bullet from 10 to 12.6 grains. My Alliant reloader's guide lists 12.5 grains of 2400 as max. I did not see a 180 grain bullet listed on Alliant's on line guide.

January 1, 2017, 12:44 PM	#5
mkl Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Location: DFW area, Texas Posts: 494	I see you have Unique powder also. If you want a low recoil "plinking" load, 5.0 grains of Unique would work well. I use that in my .38 Special behind a 146 grain bullet. Should be about right behind a 180 grain in a .357 mag.