.357 mid-range with HP38

[Rex]

Has anyone loaded the 358429 in a .357 Mag case with HP38? IT'S not the powder I want to use but it is the powder I am able to buy in our area. Normally I like 7 grains Unique but these aren't normal times.
Rex

 

[Jeff H]

Yes, just follow the book loads and you'll probably find that you like it as much as Unique for this application.

I use it for 148 gr. WCs and 158 gr. RFNs/SWCs. I like it for 750 fps to 1kfps. You can get more out of it, but it seems to be sort of a sweet spot.

I've also experimented with HP38/W231 in a lot of other cast handgun and rifle loads where I would normally use Unique and it has not once disappointed me. In the 222R, it actually gave me better accuracy with 50 and 55 gr. cast than my go-to "squirrel-load." at least in my current 222. I originally bought it for the 45 ACP, but started experimenting with it after I dropped that cartridge from my lineup. Also great in the 44 Special.

 

[Rex]

Thanks Jeff.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

HP-38 [AKA WW-231] is a very useful powder. You'll have no problems working up a mid-range load with that powder and 170 grain bullet in a 357 mag casing.

HP-38 is not quite as fast as Bullseye but it's getting close in terms of burn rate. It meters well, and it is a handy pistol powder to have available.
In addition to use in 38/357 loads, it works very well in 45 ACP.

HP-38 is not a good choice for full house magnum loads, the burn rate is too fast. But for mid-range loads you'll have no problems.

 

[bruce381]

I use a 4 grains with a 160 bullet, is a nice load do not know speed but is NOT a thumper

 

[bruce381]

Im sorry check that I use 4.0 I use 5.0 in 44 mag and 41 mag.

 

[fiver]

4grs here too but with a 125/158. [pop!... ding]

i'm positive it'll go higher [bulls-eye does] like 6grs or so ? with a 158 without actually going and looking.

 

[Wiresguy]

3.7 gr of W231 in .357 case under Accurate 36-170N gave 724 fps from the 4.25" barrel of my FA97. Easy shooting and accurate.

 

[Rex]

I've put 6 grains in a 357 case under a 150 grain 358477 bullet. When the wind lets up I'll give these a try and let you know how they do.

 

[Thumbcocker]

Shot a lot of 358495's over 4.9 grains in magnum brass. Good accuracy and a good field load.

 

[Rex]

Just shot the 6 grain load. Primers were very rounded on the edge and cases fell out of the wheel. This load is below an older Winchester loading guide I have. I'll blame the wind and cold for shot placement. (have to blame something)
Next I'll load a half grain less with Mr. Keith's 173 grain bullet .The Creeker likes this load. BUT Lynn is a lot better shot than I am.

 

[fiver]

Lynn is a lot better revolver shot than most of us... LOL