I posted this over at the 'Handgun Hunting' forum - thought it might get some response over here too.
I'm looking for load data for .357 Mag. with 170 Grain Speer Gold Dot or Sierra Jacketed Hollow Core. I have the latest Speer manual, but it doesn't have any data for the 170 Grain bullet. Don't know where my Sierra manual is.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
R-WEST

R-West
I hope this may help you. This load is for a heavier cast bullet but the information may give you a starting point.

The data comes from the Oregon Trail manual:

180gr cast FN
8.8 to 9.3grs Blue Dot
Cases: Whatever case is lying around, usually Remington/UMC.
Winchester Standard Pistol Primers.
Medium roll crimp using Lee Factory Crimp Die

The 9.3gr load clocks at 1100fps
The gun is a pre-Clinton 4-inch barrel S&W M686

If you have a chronograph, start light and work up slowly. I assume no responsibility for how this load is used by anyone except myself.

Hope this helps
Later
ZM

[This message has been edited by Zeke (edited 11-04-2001).]

Another approach is to call Speer's technical service number and just ask them for a load recommendation for their particular bullet. If you have a particular application, tell them and maybe they will have a velocity recommendation and a specific load which will yield that velocity. If you have a powder you prefer to use, tell them and narrow things down. ...The bullets cost enough, you ought to harvest the "free" advice.....

Zeke -
Have you used the Blue Dot -.357/180 grain load? Any leading problems? I have a batch of the 180 grain Laser Cast bullets lying around that I haven't tried yet. They're not supposed to lead, according to Oregon Trail's ads.
Thanx,
R-WEST

R-WEST
I've been using Laser-Cast for both .357Mag and .45ACP. Despite their advertising, there is some leading of the bore in .357 Mag. The good news is the leading comes out fairly easily.
I use the Blue Dot load for most of my .357 Mag shooting with excellent results. Blue Dot burns a little faster than W296 or H110 which makes the Blue Dot load slightly more efficient in a 4-inch barrel, muzzle blast is also down a bit.
Later
ZM

Zeke - Thanks for the info. I've got some Blue Dot lying around; I'll give it a try.

Paladin - I e-mailed Speer and got a reply stating that 'we haven't compiled data for this combo yet'. That seems really weird, since you'd think the .357 Mag. would be a natural setup for a .357, 170 grain pistol bullet.
Also, I've used Speer factory loaded 357/170 Gold Dot ammo (which shoots pretty well, by the way). They had to load it with something, you'd think.
Most unusual.

R-WEST