general purpose revolver work

finally had the ability to get hollow base wadcutter for my 357. good choice. the most fun ive had in a while.

discovered some odd things. very odd with the same load data.

I used magnum cases first, same bulls eye load, and the recoil was minimal to non existent, not actually noticed. accuracy was so so..

went to 38 special cases, bullet face seated a business card thickness past the case mouth, and actually had recoil. More recoil then standard 38 +p self defense ammunition does. and honestly felt like 158 grain sjhp 357 loads from PPU do in my gun.

reverse loaded HBWC with same powder charge shot BETTER, POI centered around POA. at 8 yards.
Same thing with red dot powder, but these shot slighter tighter. both had bullet seated 1/8" past case mouth.

red dot seated flush with case mouth, shot best of all. regular loads shot at 20 yards for target honesty.


im always hearing that target wadcutter loads are mild and smooth, although the data used USED to be listed for 357 magnum HBWC by the bullet maker/powder maker, the last decade has had them re labeled as 38 special +p load data for the bullet.

I found a load for my 686 S&W that was very accurate. Solid base wadcutter sized to .355. In a USGI .38spl brass case with 2.2 grs. Bullseye and a tight crimp. It would go into a quarter at 25 yards shooting double action. Back then I could see the target. I could see the holes the bullets made. Now? I have to guess where the target is. See holes? How can I if I can't even see the target. It really sucks getting old. :confused:

My favorite revolver is a four screw S&W K-38 with the 8 3/8 inch barrel converted to single action with custom grips. Also have cast 38 WC lead bullets but the most accurate is the hollow base & hollow point made from lead wire. I have used Unique only because I have alot of the powder and use it in other handguns (but have used Bullseye too)Attachment 110681

It has been quite some time that I want to try to load my .357 with wadcutters.
I just have to go and buy the boolits...
Recipes are easy to find, even with the powders I use.
It is just the changing of all the adjustments on my dies that holds me back...

I've done lots with 38 Spl/.357 also, here's my clutch of wheelies, now gone because of my arthritis. I have one model 18 left that had a Mod 17 barrel screwed on that I can shoot without it hurting...

I have my dies set up for 38 special wadcutters now. they actually crimp and seat at the same time now, cant manage with swc for some reason. and readjusting for 357 to do some wadcutters or swc just doesn't seem appealing