REFERENCE REFERENCE

[Kittitas George]

I need a good reference manual for loading 38 and 357 cast lead bullets. I have a new S&W 686-6 on it's way. I also have the latest Lyman manual ordered. Is there a good revolver site on the web? I'm wanting to shoot hard cast Keith type bullets, 155gr. to 170gr., but I'm flexible on that. I've ordered a a few bullet samples to try, and have some 2400 powder. I think the last time I loaded for a revolver was in 2011, so this 83 year old brain needs some refreshing. It's still primer in one end, bullet in the other, powder in the middle. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you, George

 

[Krogen]

It's still primer in one end, bullet in the other, powder in the middle.

Ya... that's it! But put the powder in the middle and then the bullet.

You might have a look here: https://castboolits.gunloads.com/ They're a wealth of knowledge.

 

[RegionRat]

Don't over-think it George!
The thing about 38/357 is it has a looooong history and has been well developed so you can just focus on the trigger and sights without worrying about the ammo.
The folks at CastBoolits will help you in the rare event you get a question.
Have fun and in for the range reports!

 

[K22]

Lyman is a great source for information on loading cast lead bullets. The Speer manual is a very good source for loading swaged lead bullets. The swaged bullets are very accurate but are limited to modest velocities due leading issues.

The Oregon Trail Laser cast bullets are very accurate in my S&W 586 and 686 revolvers if you keep the velocity around 900 - 950 f/s.

I know Keith used 2400 with his hard cast bullets for full power loads but in my experience, powders like Unique and 231 worked best for me with lead bullets. I got my best accuracy with these powders at modest velocities of around 900 f/s and leading was kept to a minimum.

The Speer 148 grain swaged, hollow base wadcutters are the most accurate bullets I ever shot out of a 38/357 revolver. I shot NRA Precision for about 30 years with a S&W Model 14, 38 Special using these bullets behind 231, powder.

 

[Lone Hunter]

There is a S&W pistol forum also..

 

[6.5 forever]

I use HP38 with Bear Creek 158 SWC. Very accurate.