.357 Magnum load for Universal Clays

Jim Bronson · September 15, 2022, 03:20 PM

Does anyone have a tried-and-true load for the .357 Magnum using Universal Clays under a 158 gr. JHP? Looking for a mid-range load in particular. Thanks for any help you can give.

Please forgive me. I meant to post this message under Handloads.

rclark · September 15, 2022, 08:36 PM

I'd like to share, but I don't shoot Jacketed bullets in .357... All my tests are with 158gr SWC. Universal worked well there, am sure the reloading manual will have some good starting points for your bullet.

RoyceP · September 16, 2022, 11:46 AM

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

Jim Bronson · September 16, 2022, 11:58 AM

Thanks Royce but that leaves me a bit confused, There's data there for Universal and for clays. I have UNIVERSAL CLAYS. Which data do I use?

FITASC · September 16, 2022, 01:39 PM

You use Universal. originally there was Clays, Universal Clays and International Clays. They dropped the Clays from Universal and International to avoid the confusion you are experiencing

Hodgdon says starting load is 4.o and max is 6.2

ChimpMunk20 · September 16, 2022, 01:50 PM

CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.

I've used a lot of Universal Clays in the .357 since the powder became available. Below are loads that have given excellent accuracy in several handguns.

Sierra 140-grain JHP with 8.0 grains
Remington 158-grain JHP with 7.5 grains
158-grain LSWC with 6.5 grains

All used standard Winchester primers and Federal or Remington nickel plated cases.

Please use extreme caution as these loads are at or near maximum for the propellant/bullet combinations listed. The author assumes no responsibility for damage or injury caused by those who use the information provided above

**Unclenick** · September 16, 2022, 03:16 PM

ChipMunk20,

Please read the sticky post at the top of this forum that all members are required to read before posting load data. In this instance, I have made the required insertion for you, but please take care to include it in the future.

FITASC,

That's lead data you posted. He wants JHP. Hodgdon runs the Hornady 158 grain XTP at between 5.8 and 6.3 grains.

Per the above information, Hodgdon has, indeed, dropped the two-word name for Universal and now just has a small banner underneath the name that says "Clays Technology", meaning it is part of the same family of powders as Clays.

jetinteriorguy · September 17, 2022, 08:47 AM

Heck, I’m still trying to figure out what to do with the two pounds of International Clays I picked up in the confusion.

Jim Bronson · September 18, 2022, 09:34 AM

Thanks for all the help everyone. I have some plated 158 grainers coming from Berry's I'll start with 5.5 grains of Universal Clays and work my way up til I can SAFELY get 1150 to 1200 fps.

mehavey · September 18, 2022, 11:44 AM

Quote:

There's data there for Universal and for clays. I have UNIVERSAL CLAYS. Which data do I use?

You have UNIVERSAL (not Clays)

(see below)

See https://www.thehighroad.org/index.ph.../#post-9594254

**Unclenick** · September 18, 2022, 04:23 PM

No, he has UNIVERSAL. See the previous posts. His container says "Universal Clays". This is how it used to be labeled, so it's an old container. For that matter, International used to be labeled "International Clays", The modern containers are labeled "Universal" or "International" with a banner underneath that says "Clays Technology". This was an intentional name change by Hodgdon done precisely because of the confusion it caused.

mehavey · September 18, 2022, 08:36 PM

Boy.... This is getting worse & worse.
Can the OP post a pic of the Powder container?
(BTW: UN is correct as posted descriptive label. OP Cit post corrected)

FITASC · September 19, 2022, 08:55 PM

I have an 8# jug of Universal I use for 20 gauge, 45, 9mm, and 38. It stopped being called Universal Clays a long time ago

akinswi · September 20, 2022, 11:46 AM

Jet,

works well in 20 gauge

Marco Califo · September 20, 2022, 12:54 PM

Loading high-performance handgun rounds is easier, and safer, using high-performance handgun powders.

jetinteriorguy · September 21, 2022, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akinswi

Jet,

works well in 20 gauge

Unfortunately the only shotgun I own is my old 16ga double barrel which I haven’t shot in probably 30+ years. I keep it mainly for sentimental reasons. It was the first gun I bought with my own money when I was 16 years old. I paid $35.00 for it along with three boxes of shells. Back when I still hunted I shot a ton of partridge, grouse, pheasant, ducks, geese, and jack rabbits with the old beater.

September 15, 2022, 03:20 PM	#1
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	.357 Magnum load for Universal Clays Does anyone have a tried-and-true load for the .357 Magnum using Universal Clays under a 158 gr. JHP? Looking for a mid-range load in particular. Thanks for any help you can give. Please forgive me. I meant to post this message under Handloads. Last edited by Jim Bronson; September 15, 2022 at 03:31 PM.

September 15, 2022, 08:36 PM	#2
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,650	I'd like to share, but I don't shoot Jacketed bullets in .357... All my tests are with 158gr SWC. Universal worked well there, am sure the reloading manual will have some good starting points for your bullet. __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king.

September 16, 2022, 01:39 PM	#5
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,646	You use Universal. originally there was Clays, Universal Clays and International Clays. They dropped the Clays from Universal and International to avoid the confusion you are experiencing Hodgdon says starting load is 4.o and max is 6.2 __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

September 16, 2022, 03:16 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,742	ChipMunk20, Please read the sticky post at the top of this forum that all members are required to read before posting load data. In this instance, I have made the required insertion for you, but please take care to include it in the future. FITASC, That's lead data you posted. He wants JHP. Hodgdon runs the Hornady 158 grain XTP at between 5.8 and 6.3 grains. Per the above information, Hodgdon has, indeed, dropped the two-word name for Universal and now just has a small banner underneath the name that says "Clays Technology", meaning it is part of the same family of powders as Clays. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 18, 2022, 04:23 PM	#11
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,742	No, he has UNIVERSAL. See the previous posts. His container says "Universal Clays". This is how it used to be labeled, so it's an old container. For that matter, International used to be labeled "International Clays", The modern containers are labeled "Universal" or "International" with a banner underneath that says "Clays Technology". This was an intentional name change by Hodgdon done precisely because of the confusion it caused. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 16, 2022, 11:46 AM	#3
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 275	https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

September 16, 2022, 11:58 AM	#4
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	Thanks Royce but that leaves me a bit confused, There's data there for Universal and for clays. I have UNIVERSAL CLAYS. Which data do I use?

September 16, 2022, 01:50 PM	#6
ChimpMunk20 Member Join Date: April 16, 2020 Location: GA Posts: 70	CAUTION: The following post (or a page linked to) includes or discusses loading data not covered by currently published sources of tested data for this cartridge (QuickLOAD or Gordon's Reloading Tool data is not professionally tested). USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assumes any liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. I've used a lot of Universal Clays in the .357 since the powder became available. Below are loads that have given excellent accuracy in several handguns. Sierra 140-grain JHP with 8.0 grains Remington 158-grain JHP with 7.5 grains 158-grain LSWC with 6.5 grains All used standard Winchester primers and Federal or Remington nickel plated cases. Please use extreme caution as these loads are at or near maximum for the propellant/bullet combinations listed. The author assumes no responsibility for damage or injury caused by those who use the information provided above

September 17, 2022, 08:47 AM	#8
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,476	Heck, I’m still trying to figure out what to do with the two pounds of International Clays I picked up in the confusion.

September 18, 2022, 09:34 AM	#9
Jim Bronson Member Join Date: April 11, 2020 Posts: 16	Thanks for all the help everyone. I have some plated 158 grainers coming from Berry's I'll start with 5.5 grains of Universal Clays and work my way up til I can SAFELY get 1150 to 1200 fps.

September 18, 2022, 08:36 PM	#12
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,209	Boy.... This is getting worse & worse. Can the OP post a pic of the Powder container? (BTW: UN is correct as posted descriptive label. OP Cit post corrected)

September 19, 2022, 08:55 PM	#13
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,646	I have an 8# jug of Universal I use for 20 gauge, 45, 9mm, and 38. It stopped being called Universal Clays a long time ago __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

September 20, 2022, 11:46 AM	#14
akinswi Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Location: Bowling Green, Ky Posts: 725	Jet, works well in 20 gauge

September 20, 2022, 12:54 PM	#15
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,722	Loading high-performance handgun rounds is easier, and safer, using high-performance handgun powders. __________________ ............