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Beginner reloading question

bsally
I am gonna start with some .357. When looking at all the loads, how specific are the bullets used in them. In other words, if they use a 125g "a" bullet, is it ok to start at the starting load with a different 125 grain bullet. Have a box of 125g. plated flat points and some Alliant Unique powder. There is no crimping grove on these bullets. Berry's I think. Help please[:p] Thanks in advance.

SALLY
Committee member-Ducks Unlimited
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • RCrosby
    Sally,
    Almost without exception you can substitute bullets of similar construction (i.e. jacketed or pure lead) with no problem. Actually with starting loads I can't think of any situation where you couldn't; certainly be o.k. with the .357. With some rifle bullets, at maximum pressures, bullet type can be critical; specifically with solid brass bullets like the "X" style, although even these are now made with relief grooves so this shouldn't be a problem even there.
    Again, with starting loads, .357 Mag., I'd say you're fine. I have many reloading books and a fair amount of experience with the .357 so if you have other questions feel free to email me or post another notice like this one. It seems there are a LOT of very knowledgable , very helpful folks out there!
    Rob

    Rob
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Plated bullet data is a lot closer to lead data than to jacketed data. If you have data for a 125gr lead bullet, that start with that for your Berry's. As far as the groove goes, the Berry's are soft enough that the crimp die will make it's own groove.

    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • bsally
    Is the crimp necessary. Why/why not. Obviously these are just plinking loads.

    SALLY
    Committee member-Ducks Unlimited
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  • perry shooter
    Hello as far as crimp goes it serves two purposes It increases bullet pull This is the amount of presure it takes to start the bullet down the barrel an increase will help to assure the powder gets a good start burning. The second reason is in a revolver with recoil the bullet in the cartridges not in front of the fireing pin will try to "WALK" forward as each shot is fired with a full cyl after a few shoots this might result in a bullet coming so far forward that it sticks out the front of CYL. this would keep the CYL from turning. a good set of dies will size the case down small enough that only a slight crimp is needed .I like a taper crimp because a ROLL crimp needs to have all cases the exact same lenght.In an auto type pistol crimp keeps the bullet from setting back into the case when it hits the feed ramp which can cause high pressures and could become an overload.quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"
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