I'm currently preparing a heavy .357 load, and was wondering if anyone could provide any information on the relationship between bullet crimp and pressure levels, especially in this cartridge. I'm using Federal magnum primers, Vihtavuori N150, and 125gr. JHP's. I suppose that this is one of those variables whose depths the average reloader can't plumb, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. (I searched the archives, and no one seemed to address the issue there real specifically.)

Thank you for your assistance; I appreciate the wealth of experience represented here.

Deutschlander, before you load a single round, verify your data. Your powder choice(N150) is a moderately slow rifle powder, not a pistol powder. I'm assuming you intended to use N350, not 150.

A crimp will do the following:
-grip the bullet securely to prevent movement under the forces of recoil
-delay bullet movement caused by the primer impulse
-improve combustion of powder

A crimp can cause pressure problems if it is incorporated after load development -an afterthought as it were. A crimp should be used in all straight walled pistol cases.

However, the amount of force used while crimping should vary. A light crimp is desirable for a target load using wadcutters, a heavier one for hunting loads with slower burning powders.

packrat

[ 06-23-2003, 03:59: Message edited by: packrat ]

packrat:

OOPS! N110 is my powder.

Thanks for your excellent advice. You summarize things extremely well.

[ 06-21-2003, 23:12: Message edited by: Deutschlander ]

N110 is my favorite 357 Mag and 44 Mag Powder when talking hot loads w/ heavy bullets. Also gives the best results with cast bullets,at least in my revolvers.No leading. In fact the hottest ones are cast these days. 158 grain for 357 mag and 255 grain for 44 mag.

Velocity,consistency and accuracy are all there,I tend to overload a bit with a good crimp,the powder is compressed and I use standard primers, not magnum.

Just because I have thousands of them. If I want cowboy loads (wife likes them)I use a faster powder.

Hope it goes good,build it up carefully. I bet your cases will eventually end up quite full.

EDIT: Almost got out of topic: I use a relatively heavy crimp for everything. It won�t harm light loads either.

[ 07-07-2003, 06:16: Message edited by: Petander ]

Thanks, Petander. My loads probably aren't quite as heavy as yours, due to the magnum primers I'm using(Sierra Bullet Company, which did the testing for my load data, used them; also advised me to use them when I called them).

I really like the powder. In addition to the items you mentioned, it's also a very clean burner. If only Vihtavuori sent more of the stuff over here! I called the stores within an hour and a half's drive, and nobody had it. I ended up calling the importer and complaining about the lack of supply, so they sent me 24lb. direct -and paid the shipping charge.