Members: Has anyone had any experience using .357" pistol bullets in a .358 Winchester or similar cartridge? Speer lists some loads for a 140 grain pistol bullet in the .358 that I would like to try as a lighter-recoil plinking load. Any opinions on this type of combination?

I've shot quite a few out of my 35 whelen ackley. I found unique works well, 8 gr will provide 800 fps, 12 gr 1200 fps, and 15 gr 1700 fps. This with 158, 180 and 200 gr cast bullets. The 800 fps loads are really fun, no recoil and quieter than a 22 rf, but 38 special power, accuracy is around 1" at 25 yds. The other loads will cluster 5 shots into an inch or better at 50 yds. Accuracy at 100 yds wasn't steller, but they are fine loads.

I found the commercial hard cast bullets to cause alot of leading at the higher speeds, but my cast bullets with gas checks had no leading problems.

Definately try it, as it opens up a whole new world of re-loading. These loads are downright fun. Especially plinking at 100 yds. My shoulder would get a gentle nudge, then after a split second I'd hear the tell tale wack of the flatpoint bullet hitting the cardboard backer on the target

One caution, don't use the really mild loads with jacketed bullets, as they can stick in the barrel, and you don't want that You have to really load light before a soft cast bullet will stick, ie less than a grain of powder. A 22 rf short case makes a good powder scoop for the very light loads with soft cast bullets, and use some dacron or cotton to keep the powder over the primer.

Paul's resultsmduplicate mine in two of my 35cal wild cats .The resent Blue Dot enlightenment pruduced better results. roger