New Reloader 357 Magnum Hunting Ammo

[GasGuzzler]

H110 doesn't need magnum primers, they're just recommended. Not much difference at all, if any. I too used RNFP for everything.

[Mad Trapper]

Here is an article by Paco Kelly.

https://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco ... rature.htm

[dpowers92]

Why use RNFP vrs SWC vs WFNGC vs LBT?
I've read all the articles I could find by Paco Kelly.
Can't say I understand it all but it makes for good reading during late night work hours.

[Mad Trapper]

the bullet depends on the firearm, powder, etc.
rnfp bullet type will tend to feed more reliably in a lever rifle.
The lyman 358665 (RNFP) feeds more reliably in a lever rifle while the 358429 (SWC) may give you trouble clearing the mag tube and lining up to enter the chamber.
Lyman makes a 429667 (RNFP) that feeds good through a 44 mag lever rifle while the Keith 429421 (SWC) will not.
The Keith bullet was designed in the late 1920s for a 44 special revolver.
I had to rework the action on my Rossi 92 44 mag so it would take the Keith bullet in a 44 mag case.
If you have a hot load then you may want a bullet with gas check, it keeps the bullet base from deforming so the bullet leaves the barrel more true and prevents leading and can improve accuracy.
Just depends on your firearm, powder choice, velocity you want, barrel length, rifling, etc.

[dpowers92]

Mad Trapper.
Thank you for the explanation.
I have ran a lot of factory WFNGC and RNFP bullets from 170-200 in my rifle with no issues.
What is the best book/source for loading data on cast bullets?
Powder manufacturers seem to have data for jacketed bullets.

Have not fed SWC but will try eventually.

[Mad Trapper]

This lyman manual is good for starters.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/cast-bull ... th-edition

I think midway has it for $24.00/ $25.00
Just check around, may find it cheaper on ebay, but $ 25.00 is around the going price.
Just google (Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook: 4th Edition.)
This manual covers everything about cast bullets, pouring lead, types and recipes for lead/tin mixture, types of molds, etc.
I am still reading and learning from it.
you could download PDF version, but I like a hard copy, I am always going back to the manual and checking myself, folding and marking pages, carry it with you wherever you go, etc.

I just picked up a new ruger/marlin 44 mag yesterday.
right now it is still in the box, have lots to do to it before i shoot it.
Will make up some dummy rounds with new brass and cast bullets of choice, see how they feed.
Then tear it down, look for machine marks,burrs, etc.

[donhuff]

dpowers,

A good load for the Rossi using your 125g round nose lead bullets is 5.3g of HP38 or W231 (same thing)

The accuracy will amaze you really. Even at 100 yards it groups well. I know it's a light load, but I'd rather hit with a light load, than miss with a fast
inaccurate load. Especially when shooting at beer cans and targets.

[cavelamb]

We've been changing the house around some since we got married last year.

The big challenge was the "powder room", which is my loading room, toy shop and tool room.
Ammo is stacked on reinforced book cases in the sewing room.
We are trying to get all my junk into the powder room so she can have the sewing room for her own use.
Other than moving the ammo stock, we are just about done.
Or maybe just getting started - for real?
Who knows?
I am NOT looking forward to moving the ammo stash.
But that's coming up pretty soon.

We have quite a stash of 357 Specials.
Those are basically 38 Special loads in a 357 case.
Some powder coated cast leas, some Berrys, some Xtreme.
They are generally reserved for revolvers, but they make great training and plinking rounds for the rifles.
I keep them under 1250 fps, and they run fine.
No problems.

There are several hundred 180 grain XTP Magnums.
These guys run 1500 fps and are relegated to rifle only.

But I don't have much 158 grain left.

Taking a break from house work for a few days to make some more 158 grain Magnums with Hornady XTP HP bullets and H110 powder.
13.2 grains runs about 1500 FPS.
That should fill the gap between the 357 Specials and the Texas Pig Poppers.
A true Magnum that can also be used in both rifle and wheel guns.

Looking forward to it.
Beats house work!

[LittleBill]

It sounds to me that you need a good reloading manual that you can sit down and read and learn about reloading before asking for load data, for maximum loads, on an internet forum.
Believe me, you will learn more about reloading ammunition by doing that. Of course we will be here to help you with questions but these are dangerous questions your asking for answers to. Mainly because none of have YOUR gun or YOUR chamber.

[GasGuzzler]

One in every crowd.