No1Mk3 wrote:G'day JJD,
To answer your specific questions, yes you can use lead data, but why?, coated bullets from Black Widow or HRBC can be safely shot at jacketed velocities, no problem at all. The data is safe usable Minimum to safe usable Maximum and experienced reloaders may move outside listed data sometimes but we KNOW what we are doing so I would strongly suggest at your stage to stick to published limits. As you have stated your purpose clearly I would suggest that you load 1 scoop plus a visual 1/2 scoop to get around 14g of 2205 which will "plink" perfectly for you, at your stated purpose you do not need to be as accurate as a comp shooter and you are well within published limits, or get a set of Lee dippers (15 in the kit), currently $27 from Western Firearms in NSW, who are great to deal with mail order, or as SCJ429 said a cheap set of electronic scales off ebay. I used the 1 + a 1/2 method to load 308 for hunting foe several years when I was young never an issue and lots of deer. Yell out if you need anything else, happy to help (I am in the west) Cheers
Noisydad wrote:Why not cast your own bullets? You can try a wide range of bullet designs and have the satisfaction of making your own.
boingk wrote:Hi mate, if you're still after a load for the 357 I have the same rifle and have found both 5gn Trailboss and 15gn 2205 to be good plinkers. I like the copper-coated Berry's projectiles in 125gn flat-point but have also had good success using the Black Widow coated projectiles. Both are cost efficient and accurate.
For loading on the cheap a set of Lee dippers with powder chart can be had for $30 off ebay. See here for the link.
If you want to go full steam-punk apocalypse on your reloading dipper you can make yourself one by filling the bottom of a spent case with some epoxy or wood glue and letting it set, then making a handle by twisting wire (like a big paperclip) around the case and fixing in place with a drop solder, epoxy or even superglue. The charge volume is reduced by putting more epoxy in the bottom of the case.
If you're looking at getting into loading long term then I'd highly recommend a kit like the Lee Classic Cast Turret Kit. Punch 'Lee 90304' into ebay and it'll pop up. For about $500 its everything you need including scales, auto-drum powder dispenser and basic case tools.
JJD wrote:
Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely be looking into getting some trailboss next. I did end up getting some cheap scales and working up my own loads and found that a heaped scoop in my 7cc dipper delivering 9.6-10 grains has been a good plinking round for me. I went with 158 grain HRBC hardcast projectiles and am also interested in trying some Berrys Jacketed projectiles soon.
Its been a lot of work with the Lee classic handloader but I’ve got to say I’m having a f***ing blast with it and shooting them just as fast as I can make them. The Marlin really puts a smile on my face