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357 reloading question

uni82
I have a 357 magnum in a Ruger security six (4in). I also have a 358 Winchester and looking at a 35 Whelen. To save money I was thinking about using my 158 gr SW RN lead bullets (I use for the 357 Mag) in all three 35 calibers. Is this possible? Is this also safe? I know I can get a box of 1000 for like 110 bucks of bullet tips and this would save a lot of money instead of buying other rounds for the rifles. Thanks

-JD
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • Riomouse911
    Yeah you can load them, the diameters are about the same (at .358 for lead bullets) but don't run them too fast or you'll be scrubbing lead from rife barrels for days. Check in your favorite load book, I'm sure they'll have some pistol-bullet plinking loads for both the .358 Win and the .35 Whelen. (I use plated 158 gr. .357 SWC bullets in my .35 Remington)
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  • uni82
    I just have to make sure the velocity isn't so fast right? AKA adjust the powder accordingly? Thanks

    -JD
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  • iwannausername
    Yup, but you'll need to watch powder volume in the larger rifle cases - you may need some type of filler material.

    quote:Originally posted by uni82
    I just have to make sure the velocity isn't so fast right? AKA adjust the powder accordingly? Thanks

    -JD
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  • uni82
    What would be an adequate filler?

    -JD
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  • GF132
    There are various fillers available, dacron, corn meal, etc, but if you are using cold swaged (not hard cast) bullets, you will need to stay at or under 1,000 FPS to avoid leading. So if you are shooting all three guns at say 950 FPS you are really just shooting the same load through all three, which raises the question of why bother with the 358 and 35 Whelen. At least from the perspective that you are not utilizing the rifle calibers to anywhere near their potential. Typically what you are trying to achieve is accomplished by using the same jacketed bullet load in a revolver and rifle chambered for the same round, wherein you get the velocity increase with the longer barrel. Like the 44 mag in a revolver and a lever action action rifle. Hard cast bullets you can drive much faster in the rifles, suitable for hunting loads.
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  • bpost
    Realistically, shooting swaged bullets in a rifle bore is ONLY going to leave lead and most likely a LOT of lead in the bore. Hard cast lead bullets are fine but not swaged, they are too soft.

    Have you considered learning how to cast bullets? It is fun and easy to do, plus you save a TON of money on reloading so you can shoot more.
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  • XXCross
    15 grains of SR 4759 will work just fine in everything you've listed.No filler required.
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  • uni82
    I don't cast, but my father does religiously. He sends me bullet tips from time to time. He has a 158 Gr hollow point and he gas checks all of them. Its kind of nice because he has about 1200 lbs of lead, I think I'm just going to reload all three differently. higher grain bullets for the rifles, and the HP 158's for the 357 mag. Thanks for your concerns!

    -JD
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