accurate 357 MAG loads

[minnesota]

I was wondering if any of you could help me out in finding some accurate 357 mag loads.
I have not yet loaded for this cartridge except plinking rounds and would like some hunting round info.

 

[fdshuster]

14.0 grains of 2400 powder, 158 Hornady XTP #35750, Winchester primers, roll crimp. Chronograph's at 1610 fps out of my 20" Marlin 1894. My standard load for pistol cartridge silhouette competition, knocks down the ram at 100 meters all the time, and with a 6x scope, fired off a sand bag rest will hold 2 1/2" 5 shot groups at 100 meters. Maximum listed powder charge is 14.9 grains.

 

[357Mag]

Minnie-

Howdy !

By all means, DO try 14.5gr WW296 Small Pistol MAGNUM primers, any Lyman
lead SWC of 158 -172gr; and a healthy crimp.

In 35yr+ of loading for .357Mag, I have not found a load which can beat it on combined accuracy, power, & control. ( H110 is re-canistered WW296 ).

#2 is : 8gr IMR4756, st

 

[357Mag]

Minnie -

Oops !!!!

The second .357Mag load is : 8gr IMR 4756, standard SP primer, and lead SWC of
158-172gr.

Both loads work good in 4", 5"; and 6" barrels.
The 4756 load is a bit sooty, the 296 load rather clean.

Best of luck in your endeavors !

Regards,
357Mag

 

[jonbearman]

Gotta love 296 which has been my go to powder for 25 years with the .357 magnum.

 

[stgw77]

For target shooting I use 357 MAG case with 148 grs HBWC. Use .38 Special WC load data + 10% more powder, that is a good place to start. I use SP Magnum primer for more uniform ignition and velocities (lot of free space in case if using Bullseye, HP38 = W231, Vithavouri N320). If you have chrono, adjust your loads to get 690 FPS (Federal factory WC load) - 770 FPS (it depends what your gun likes).
Remington HBWC is awesome, but messy bullet.
Do not load HBWC harder, or blown bullet can stuck in barrel. DEWC or BBWC can be pushed harder.
Hope this helps.