Loading the .357 Magnum

[Drycreek3189]

I have a new to me OM Blackhawk, 6.5” barrel that I will be loading for. What powders do you like for normal weight bullets, like 158 grain cast, and heavier cast like 170 grain Keith bullets ? If I use any jacketed bullets in this gun they will probably be Hornady XTPs. Thanks !

[Txhunter3000]

I use 296.

[Drycreek3189]

I use 296.

Don’t you pretty well have to load that powder to full power ? Just what I’ve heard, I’ve never used it.

[mikebyrge]

Loaded a bunch with 6.3 gr of HP38, Hornady 158gr XTP & Winchester SPM primer. Easy shooting round.

[Draco]

I use H110 for jacketed loads and Blue Dot for cast bullets.

[M16]

For full power loads Win 296 which is the same as H110. For lighter loads Win 231 which is the same as HP38.

[xman59]

blue dot is a great middle ground powder,,, not top velocity or bottom,,, get more rounds per # of powder than 296, 2400, or h110,,, gives better bulk in the case than the real fast powders so double loads are not likely to happen , i have used it for hunting loads in my marlin 44 , also a 10mm pistol it also gets top velocity in the 45acp, and even works well in some 9mm loads,,,

[Texas Grown]

Dang Cuz! There's so many.

[TacticalCowboy]

H110/win296

titegroup for plinking loads in .38

[Drycreek3189]

Dang Cuz! There's so many.

That’s why I’m asking ! I guess I’m really looking for powders that are readily available. My old standbys were Unique and 2400, both are hard to come by and I hate to develop a good load only to run out of that powder. Never thought I’d complain about too many choices !

[Draco]

I wouldn't use the H110 or296 with cast bullets. It seemed I always had a little leading as it melts the base a bit. The Blue Dot is perfect and you can get a load that will shoot the same trajectory as your jacketed bullets do.

[Texas Grown]

Don, Draco's comment got me thinking, are you going to use gas checks on the Keith style pills?

[Drycreek3189]

Don, Draco's comment got me thinking, are you going to use gas checks on the Keith style pills?

Some of them will be, others won’t. All of them will be powder coated though.

[Drycreek3189]

Got a picture of one that I’ll be trying out. It’s not a Keith copy but it’s interesting.

[Texas Grown]

Powder Valley has both H110 and W in 296 in stock. Both those can be run with gas checks. I'd run a pretty firm crimp when seating over W296.