I am interested in 357 magnum reload recommendations for hunting, target shooting, and self defense. I'm using a Colt Python-6".

Thanks

I like herco with my cast bullets. Jacketed bullet H110 or 2400 works well. I have use herco with Jacketed also doesn't give as high as vel. but is cheap to shoot. For self defense agaist two legged varmits a good 125 gr hollow pt is tops. For 4 legged ones go with a 140 or heavier bullet

For My 4-inch 686:

For .357 I load 8.8 - 9.3grs of Blue Dot. High speed is 1100fps using a Oregon trail 180gr cast flat nose. Load came from the Sillouette Section of the Oregon Trail Loading manual.

For .38 Special if you are so inclined, I use 6.0grs of Alliant Power Pistol under a 140gr Oregon Trail cast Bullet. Speed is 960fps
Made this load up because Power pistol is somewhere in the middle between W231 and Blue dot. Neither W231 or BlueDot were effective in .38 Special. This load is very accurate in my pistol, might work in yours also
For self-defense I am currently using Remington .357 Magnum 125gr Golden Sabres.
ZM

[This message has been edited by Zeke (edited 12-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Zeke (edited 12-27-2001).]

I don't consider the 357 magnum enough gun to hunt with so I don't have any load for that but for target practice try 3.5 grains of 231 under a 148 HBWC and for self defense use either 140 grain HP under 17 grains of H110. or a 158 grain HP under 15 grains of H110.

PaulS

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stay safe and live long!

17gr of 2400,125gr Hornady XTP, 1700fps out of my S&W Model 19 and my Ruger Security Six with excellent accuracy but this is a pretty hot load and I don't shoot it much and only have it available as a self-defense load or as a back-up when hunting.

The 357mag is a great round hunting and varminting. I have used the following loads in several S&W's and TC's.

I have used mostly W296 for mag loads and W231 for target loads. I like the 158's & 180's for general duty & big game, 125's for defense and the Sierra 110JHC for varmint hunting! I have specific load data. If you are interested, send me an e-mail.

mike

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NRA Life Member

United States of America, Love it or LEAVE IT!

IDPA load: .357 case, Federal small pistol primer (regular or magnum, no measurable change), 4.3 grains Red Dot, 158gr LRN. 890 f.p.s. (138,000 "power factor"). The round nose guides the bullet into the cylinder for easy reloads, and Red Dot (note the small charge) is cheap.

Bowling pins or self defense: 158 grain hollowpoint or soft point factory ammo. 125 grain factory ammo in a pinch.

I don't hunt with handguns, just long guns.