.357 Magnum
Firearms: S&W Model 686 Plus Deluxe (and S&W Model 66, S&W M&P 360, Ruger SP101)
I am carrying factory loads in my M&P 360 and my SP101. I am mainly interested in target loads for my 686 Plus Deluxe.
| Cowboy/Plinking (158 gr, BHN 12) | ||||||||||
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This is a wonderful low-cost, low-recoil target and plinking load for my Smith & Wesson 686 Deluxe, but I could theoretically use it in my other .357 Magnum guns. I want to pick a powder that gives me a low charge weight.
The Missouri Bullet Company "Cowboy #11" bullet (#358158CB) is a 158 gr. round nose bullet. It has a Brinell hardness of 12, and according to MBC's formula, the optimum pressure for this hardness to produce the least amount of leading is 15,357.6 CUP. With Titegroup, that works out to a charge of 4.1 grains for a predicted velocity of 972 fps. |
| SWC Target (158 gr, BHN 18) | ||||||||||
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This is a low-cost, medium-recoil target load for my Smith & Wesson 686 Deluxe, but I could theoretically use it in my other .357 Magnum guns. I will be looking for an accurate load, so I will try different powders. Titegroup gives a low charge weight, making it an inexpensive powder.
The Missouri Bullet Company ".357 Action!-Grooveless" bullet (#HT-358158MGL) is a 158 gr. semi-wadcutter bullet using their Hi-Tek coating and no lubrication groove. It has a Brinell hardness of 18, and according to MBC's formula, the optimum pressure for this hardness to produce the least amount of leading is 23,036.4 CUP. With Titegroup, that works out to a charge of 4.8 grains for a predicted velocity of 1081 fps. Mo. Bullet Co. ".357 Action!-Grooveless": I have loaded up a bunch of this bullet over 4.8 gr. of Titegroup. It hasn't been particularly accurate in either my 686 or my 66. It is also hella smokey, and I'm not sure if that's the powder or the Hi-Tek coating. I should try some other powders. |