357 loads for Field Pistol

[lovin AZ]

In a never ending--yet fun--search for a revolver FP gun based on available components I plan to use a 6" 686 with open sights. Does anyone have suggested powder/starting loads? There seems to be many out on the web but few, if any, addressing our need for 100 meter accuracy. I was able to purchase new Starline brass, Fed small pistol match primers and 158gr Hornady XTP bullets. Thanks.

[260 Striker]

I don't shoot the 357 mag much for FP but the loads I found most accurate were more mid-range loads and not the most powerful loads. If you have some load manuals that list that bullet, then select a powder you may already have that is listed in the manual and choose a load that is about in the middle of the range of weight listed for that powder. Your S&W is a fine revolver and usually shoots most loads well. Mid range loads are easier on you and the gun and should prove accurate enough to use for FP. Your question makes me want to break out my Ruger Security 6 and have a go at FP. Good luck finding a good load. That is half the fun of shooting silhouettes. Try some powder you have on hand that is suitable for the 357 before you go out and search for some other powder to try. Even 125 grain bullets will work well in the 357 for FP.

[gunguy]

I use 7.1 grains of titegroup with a 125 hp bullet. Very pleasant to shoot and accurate. I shoot this out of my t/c pistol. Got load from can which said 7.5 grains is max with 125 bullet.

[Chuck40]

I fell onto a great load a long time ago with AA#7 and 158 Hornadys - 10.0 grains of #7, Winchester cases, Winchester mag primers. Shot extremely well in a FA 357 and a 10" TC. It's a little snappy, but nothing like a full power load with WW296 or something.

[35isit]

I use a 148 grain cast wadcutter, 3.2 grains Winchester 231, Winchester magnum small pistol primer in Starline 357 cases. This is a book load. Shoots great in my 10 inch contender.

[260 Striker]

Just saw a 10" TC barrel for sale on our forum. Great price for a used barrel.

[jmoore]

I've had all sorts of failures looking for a good 100 yard cast bullet load in 686 revolvers. Jacketed ammo has worked out much better in testing. But being a glutton for punishment, the cast bullet testing continues. So far the Lyman 358477 150gr over a less than max charge of 2400 seems the most promising. Of course, the 2400 is about gone! Hopefully will be able to give those a try at the local June match.

Stupidly enough, the cheap Magtech 158gr JSP factory load works well.

The best load yet has been with the 180gr Speer TMJ bullet, but am about out of those as well.

[marshall623]

Jmoore My GP100 shoots that Lyman 358477 9.5 gr blue dot or 9.0 gr. of the old win 540 which some of the books say HS 6 & 540 are the same powder but I wouldn't hesitate to try HS 6. Mine does very well with those loads. That bullet with my 10" contender groups more like 000 buck. LOL

[jmoore]

Jmoore My GP100 shoots that Lyman 358477 9.5 gr blue dot or 9.0 gr. of the old win 540 which some of the books say HS 6 & 540 are the same powder but I wouldn't hesitate to try HS 6. Mine does very well with those loads. That bullet with my 10" contender groups more like 000 buck. LOL

Thanks for the insights!

If pistol powders ever become available again, I'll give it a try. Using existing stock for a while now.

Thinking that my bullets are on the soft side. Reclaimed range lead. The Lee harness thing indicates ~11-12 BHN. Haven't given up using what's on hand yet, but getting close to paying for some linotype for alloying purposes. That or going to a larger caliber which runs better at lower pressure. Decided to try cast for supposedly cheaper shooting, but, realistically, it's madness. Just like making things as difficult as possible!

;)

[marshall623]

Jmoore My GP100 shoots that Lyman 358477 9.5 gr blue dot or 9.0 gr. of the old win 540 which some of the books say HS 6 & 540 are the same powder but I wouldn't hesitate to try HS 6. Mine does very well with those loads. That bullet with my 10" contender groups more like 000 buck. LOL

Thanks for the insights!

If pistol powders ever become available again, I'll give it a try. Using existing stock for a while now.

Thinking that my bullets are on the soft side. Reclaimed range lead. The Lee harness thing indicates ~11-12 BHN. Haven't given up using what's on hand yet, but getting close to paying for some linotype for alloying purposes. That or going to a larger caliber which runs better at lower pressure. Decided to try cast for supposedly cheaper shooting, but, realistically, it's madness. Just like making things as difficult as possible!

;)

I run WW's with 2 % tin added which should be around 10-12 BHN . In a wheel gun you could try slugging the cylinder throats and the bore and compare . If the cylinder's are smaller than the bore your either going to have to stick to jacketed or Hone out the cylinder throats. because the cylinders are swaging the bullet down too small for the bore .