Loading .357 mag and .40 s&w

[heretohunt]

I am not new to reloading for rifles but I’m going to try for a couple of pistols. I will be loading for .357 mag and .40 s&w. I’ve managed to acquire 2000 small rifle magnum primers. I’m sure I will find brass and bullets. Can anyone recommend a powder that is somewhat available and good for both cartridges?

[1886]

I used Alliant Hercules 2400 and Imr 4227 in a 357 mag. Never loaded a 40 so don’t know about it.

[Ackleyman]

Some may have used SRP for pistols and had no problem........??

SPP and SRP don’t really appear different dimensionally, or even regarding the amount of priming compound inside. However, SRPs are generally made of a thicker material than SPPs. This is a good argument for not working up loads with SRPs. If you were gauging the efficacy of your load by primer deformation, using a cup with thicker or harder brass may send your loads past safe levels.

[Dick284]

Not knowing which bullet weights, jacketed or cast, or plated bullets, it’s kind of hard to help out.

You can do all the research on your own by going here:
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

[tranq78]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Not knowing which bullet weights, jacketed or cast, or plated bullets, it’s kind of hard to help out.

You can do all the research on your own by going here:
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

Bullet type will be useful info. But Vihtavuori 3N37 will be excellent for your needs. It burns clean so there is little fouling of the barrel or receiver. It's actually in good supply right now at Prophet River.

Reloading data here: https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/

Winchester 231 will also work, depending on type/weight of projectile. It is dirtier though. Seems to be out of stock in the few places I looked.

I would go with VV 3N37.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Ackleyman

Some may have used SRP for pistols and had no problem........??

SPP and SRP don’t really appear different dimensionally, or even regarding the amount of priming compound inside. However, SRPs are generally made of a thicker material than SPPs. This is a good argument for not working up loads with SRPs. If you were gauging the efficacy of your load by primer deformation, using a cup with thicker or harder brass may send your loads past safe levels.

I agree. I would work up the load with pistol primers, even if you can only find 100, then switch to SRP if the SPP are hard to come by. For the 357 I always liked Lil'Gun because I had lots around to load the 22H, 17HH and 221 FB. Never loaded for a 40.

[fordtruckin]

Power pistol for the 40 short n wimpy.

[heretohunt]

I guess I probably should’ve included that I was thinking around 125 gn for the 357 and probably 180s for the 40. I’ve searched the hodgdon website but looking for something that people have had good luck with and is available. I was thinking CFE pistol or h110.
That Vihtavuori 3N37 sounds good. Am I going to pay a fortune in shipping from them?

[tranq78]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I guess I probably should’ve included that I was thinking around 125 gn for the 357 and probably 180s for the 40. I’ve searched the hodgdon website but looking for something that people have had good luck with and is available. I was thinking CFE pistol or h110.

That Vihtavuori 3N37 sounds good. Am I going to pay a fortune in shipping from them?

I've had Prophet River ship to Edmonton before for 3N37. Did it 2 or 3 times. Can't remember what I paid but it was quite reasonable, so I'd do it again.

Powder shortages everywhere right now, if you find it then buy it and pay shipping.

I've loaded 38/357 125gr with 3N37. Worked great.



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[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I guess I probably should’ve included that I was thinking around 125 gn for the 357 and probably 180s for the 40. I’ve searched the hodgdon website but looking for something that people have had good luck with and is available. I was thinking CFE pistol or h110.
That Vihtavuori 3N37 sounds good. Am I going to pay a fortune in shipping from them?

I've had really good results with H110 in my .41 magnum (21.9 gr that is Max load) and in .357 as well. No info for the .40 though. I expect it would be a clean spicy load though.