Information on loading the 357 mag.

[live to shoot]

My Grandpa sent me a S&W 357 last week :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: since he doesn't shoot much anymore he knew I would put it to good use :wink: The only handgun I have ever loaded for is a 9mm. Is there anything I need to know about the 357 ? What powders work best ? from what I have figured, a pound of powder will load around 500 shells, so I would hate to buy a poor performance powder. Also I will use this pistol to shoot jackrabbits, rattle snakes and the occasional sick calf that is about to die. I would like to shoot a bullet that performs like a ballistic tip. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JD338]

Congratulations on your 357 Mag. Powder choice will depend on what bullet weight you select. For the 125 gr bullets, 2400 and H110 would be good. For the 158 gr bullets, try H110 W296, or 2400. For the 180 gr weights, H110 or W296.
H110 may be a good starting point.

JD338

 

[live to shoot]

Thanks JD, I plan on shooting the lighter bullets in hopes of extending my shooting range on bunnies. Any thoughts on bullets that will expand quickly on impact ?

 

[Blammer]

pretty much anything in the 125 gr HP configuration will expand well...

 

[JD338]

Try the 125 gr JHP with H110. SHould get you there.

JD338