Hello,
I have some 125gr Sierra SportsMaster Jacketed SoftPoints which I'd like to try for .357 mag using Accurate#5 powder. The Lee Manual has nothing for jacketed 125gr with acc#5 in .357, and the loads I've found online never seem to be way too different for a starting charge.
Anyone here have an Accurate Manual or a favorite start/max load for this criteria?
Thanks, Happy Father's Day!

quote:

the loads I've found online never seem to be way too different for a starting charge.

Sorry - I meant to say the loads I've found online seem to be way too different for a starting charge. Too much discrepancy.
Thanks.

This data for accurate powder comes via the CD version of Accurate Arms Powder Manual included in Lee Shooter.

AA#5

125 HornadyXTP--10.4@1521fps--start
^^^^^^^^^^--11.5@1728fps--max
8" test barrel

The Hornady is probably close enough to the Sierra to begin testing.

.357 Mag Load Data

Same data as 1funzr posted above but they use a 6" barreled test platform instead of the 8".

Starting 10.4gr. - 1369fps
Max 11.5gr. - 1555fps

AA-5 From 10.0 grains to 12.0 grains
CCI-550 Primer

Thanks everyone. Those were the numbers I had found too, which I why I wasn't sure what Accurate had to say. I also found this at http://www.reloadammo.com/357loads.htm

10.1 gr (says use 10% less to start) = 9.1 gr

Since I've only reloaded about 50rds so far, I was suprised that "starting" charges could be anywhere from 9.1gr to 10.4gr.

Newbie question: when you come up with a range of numbers like that, is it best to split the difference? Perhaps Steve's 10.0gr is best then since it falls right in the middle?

Steve's 10.0 gr. would be a very safe starting load. I don't think you would want to go much lower than that.

Steve's info is always good.... but work up in small increments to that 12.0 gr. maximum he recommended. That is a Very Maximum load!

Remember, you don't need to push a .357 Mag. to get awesome performance. A 125gr. pill at 1,300 fps is quite impressive!

I have never used #5 for this caliber and actually never thought of it. I am going to give it a shot (pun intended) I have an excellent load for this same bullet with 17.5 gr of 4227. Flame thrower, but out of a 6" 686, the accuracy is unbelievable!