Hi All...OK..here's my problem...S&W Model 27..the so-called "short cylinder" revolver...MAX loaded round length is 1.625" for my M27...My Lyman 358439 Keith Bullet HOLLOW POINT casts at 155 grains from my mold...measures .390" from crimp groove to meplat...357 max case length is 1.290"...giving an overall length of 1.680"...TOOO long for the S&W M 27....OK..can I trim 357 cases to 1.235" giving me an overall loaded length of 1.625"...
Am I on safe ground doing this..??? How much should a MAX load of 15.5grains of H-110 be reduced to compensate for the shorter length of the trimmed 357 case,,???
What say ye learned gentlemen..???
Thanks...
pete

Elmer Keith had the best idea for the short cylinder guns. Use .38spl brass. I do this myself. I use 11.5grs 2400 with the solid version of your bullet. This load could be increased. Elmer shot 13.5grs but remember, Alliant 2400 burns a little hotter than the old Hercules did. Try it.

I wouldn't take the chance of using .38 Spl brass especially if you are like me and have both a 357 & 38. too easy to get em mixed up.

You are only looking at trimming off about .055". I'd start off with about 12.5 Gr of H-110 and slowly work my way up.

I forgot to mention that I have that mould in the solid point (358429). It fits in my GP 100.

Two answers - Seat the bullet and crimp it over the FRONT of the shoulder rather than the actual crimp groove or buy another mould more suited to the Model 27!

Is this an old pre-Bangor Punta Model 27 aka "357 Magnum" with the recessed cylinder or a modern one?

FWIW here are some of my "recipes" from the time when we in England were allowed such terrible things as handguns:

LYMAN MOULD 173 GRAIN KEITH TYPE BULLET - 38 SPECIAL CASE - 13.1 GRAINS HERCULES 2400: "Chronographed through 5" barrel "S" Frame 357 Magnum s/n S123918 in December 1984. Velocity of 1050fps. Very accurate, no pressure problems"

LYMAN MOULD 173 GRAIN KEITH TYPE BULLET - 38 SPECIAL CASE - 13.2 GRAINS HERCULES 2400: "Again no pressure problems at all. Using Remington primers, W.W. brass cases and bullets sized .357". Also works fine with Remington 158 grain SWC-HP lead bullet"

These loads seemingly safe in MY revolver may not be in yours and are given for comparison purposes only not as recommendations!

In answer to your question, yes, you can trim the .357 cases so the bullet will fit. There is no reason on earth to risk shooting a 357 pressure load with 38 special cases. Just trim the magnum cases, mark them with a Sharpie or similar on the case head to keep them separate, do the standard load workup for the shortened case, and let the good times roll!

I have done this for 170grLSWC in my M27. I shortened the case enough to crimp in the crimp groove & worked the load up. I use only nickle cases for this & brass for everything else.

From the Lyman #47, 357 Magnum: "In order to maintain a maximum overall cartridge lengh of 1.590", it is sometimes necessary to crimp cast bullets on the forward edge of the first driving band."

The other methods are just as good. Keep an eye on pressure with any method that reduces the volume.