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1/27/2011 8:46:09 AM EDT
Im just starting to get into reloading and im looking for suggestions on a good powder for 357mag/38 special. ?
1/27/2011 8:50:43 AM EDT
[#1]
I was looking at getting back into .357, and 2400 seemed to be the most flexible powder for .357 Mag.

I use W231/HP-38 for .38 spl.  I've actually used it for 357 too, but it's not the right powder for the job.... talk about a hell of a fireball flash.
1/27/2011 9:29:22 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Im just starting to get into reloading and im looking for suggestions on a good powder for 357mag/38 special. ?


    Full power .357 Mag , I am currently using AA # 9 .  For .38 special , I would use bulleseye or Unique .  But I do not load to .38 Special velocities .

    These are really two breeds of cat , even though they are related .  And call for different powders .

God bless
Wyr
1/27/2011 10:36:01 AM EDT
[#3]
While not optimal for velocities, you could use unique for both.  

I load about 4 grains of UNQ in a .38 case and 6.5 grains in a .357 case.    Both loads using 158gr SWC bullets.

1/27/2011 2:09:09 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Im just starting to get into reloading and im looking for suggestions on a good powder for 357mag/38 special. ?


What kind of loads?

Target?
Full power?
Jacketed bullets? Cast?

The reloading manuals have all of those covered.
Lots of online data also.

Look up in Links.
1/27/2011 5:15:39 PM EDT
[#5]
Other than the bullets they use, these two rounds are entirely different animals when it comes to reloading.

.38 Special thrives on small charges of fast burning powders, especially with light weight jacketed bullets or lead bullets. I use WW-231, Bullseye, TightGroup and I have used Unique. Unique is dirty.

.357 will work with medium powders if you are using light bullets. I have very good results with 8.8 grains of Power Pistol under a Speer 135 grain Gold Dot. Maximum power loads usually involve H110, WW-296 or 2400.

Reference several reloading manuals before making a decision.
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