2feathers

I have a .357mag revolver. I want to reload .38spc. bullets for practice.I have 110gr. and 125gr. bullets available and I am using Bullseye and SR-7625 powders.
I would appreciate knowing if I can exceed normal .38spc. max loads since I am using a .357 revolver.
Does anyone have any safe loads to suggest?

thndrchiken

You should be able to go to +p pressures in 38 special brass, but that isn't recommended. If this is just for practice I'd say stay at 38 special levels and load your defensive loads to +p pressures. Keep in mind to be mindful of signs of pressure.

RLoving1

The Seirra book will be a great help and look on ammoman.com,it will show caliber specific loads and have ideas for you! You can order caliber specific reloading manuals from Midway that will go by bullet brand breakdowns and loads.

spaniel

My understanding is that 38sp brass is the weak link. Even in a 357 you can't over-pressure 38 brass or you'll have problems.

bigcountry

I think this is true of some older brass out there. Like the 30-30. To be on the safe side, I would either shoot +P brass or stick with 38special.

Its kinda the reason I usually stick with starline brass. Thier 38specials are made for +P.

Pawildman

...............I guess I don't understand why you would want to load up the 38 Spl. to near .357 performance. Milder 38 loads would be what I would want for practice, and then confirming with the .357......

bigcountry

More I reload the more I agree with this.

I was loading 8.6gr of HS-6 and 230gr Hornady for my 45ACP. I mean this is max-max load. One day I had bulging case (glock unsupported barrel). And I asked myself, why? I mean I am practicing. So I have dropped down to 8gr of HS-6. Still shoots well (790fps), have a bit of piece of mind.

harter66

P+ loads in plain 38 brass should pose no real issues. I would expect that the cases will last only 3 or 4 loads before they split out. I've had no issues with P+ loads in my Ruger security six except the short case life. I mostly shoot standard loads in P+ cases these days and I don't recall the last split case I had. Aren't you seeing like 1100 fps with the 110 gr bullets at top 38 levels ?

2feathers

Thanks. I learned a lot from you all. I will stick with .38 loads for practice. no sense in going through brass any faster than I have to.

kelbro

I just load 38spl level loads in 357 brass. Best of both worlds and easy cylinder cleanup.