Looking for a .357 load.

[huntnelk]

I am looking for a starting point for a .357 with 180 grain LSWC bullets that my buddy cast for me.  They are going to be used in a bowling pin shoot, also they I am going to shoot them out of a S&W 686.  Any information would be great. Thanks

[m25operator]

What velocity range are you looking for? What type of powders do you have or want to work with?

[Hazcat]

Most every powder mfg has a load guide on their site.

[m25operator]

Very few go to the 180 in .357 mag, the Hogdon sight does for the 180 Nosler partition, and I personally would use that as a starting point, as typically lead bullets in a given weight offer less resistance than their jacketed cousins, the thing with Heavy bullets, is you can get into trouble with seating depths, depending on the seating groove on the lead bullet versus the cannelure on the jacketed bullet, you get too much bullet in the case and cause over pressure, the Lyman Cast bullet manual is the best but I don't think it has been updated in a while. Both with new powders or bullet designs.

[huntnelk]

I saw the Hogdon site, that was the first place that I looked.  Do you think I should have any concern about lead fouling with using the load for the Nosler?  It show a velocity of 1352 with 13 grains of 296, it just seems a little hot for lead.  I am going to use the 296 and back it off a little, just load a few and see how everything goes after that.  Thanks for the tip on seating depths.

[Sponsor]

[m25operator]

Personally for pins, I would go with the tight group loads or the 700x and go at the lower velocities, 800 fps up or down about 50fps or so, I would not go above 900 personally. 1200 fps with a 180 is going to rock pretty hard, and is not necessary, not to mention backing off powder charges with 296 or h110 can lead to hang fires and flash fires that don't drive the bullet all the way out of the barrel and if your shooting fast, you may not be able to stop and drive a second bullet behind the one in front of it, at least a bulged barrel, if not worse.

[Conagher 45]

I agree with M-25 , 800 to 850 is plenty of FPS to knock out pins with a 180 gr. bullet and Tite Group is a great choice for powder in reduced loads. It is not case sensitive as where it lays in the case to get good ignition. I also use Tite Group for mid-range loads in .44 mag and .45 Colt. 

[tombogan03884]

I know why he is asking here.   
Why spend months on chronographing loads when it is only repeating some one else's work, (other than shooting fun    )

[Timothy]

I shoot pins with my Ruger snubby using 130 gr, .38 spcl.  Long as you hit 'em dead center, they fly pretty good......

Sometimes, I load faster than my opposition and manage to win a few rounds too!

  

[alfsauve]

This is rather simple, but have you checked various web sites that list bowling pin competition results.   In some competitions they will list the gun and loads used.

Also, check on IHMSA and NRA silhouette sites.   I think there are some of those folks who go in for the heaver bullets.