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.357 lead reload recommendations

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BookemDano

Operator
It's been about 40 years since I was actively reloading & i find myself almost out of 158 grain lead semi-wadcutters.
6 grains of Unique seems to be highly rated for moderate loads but it appears to be unobtainable locally.
Any recommendations for alternatives would be appreciated.
 
BookemDano said:
It's been about 40 years since I was actively reloading & i find myself almost out of 158 grain lead semi-wadcutters.
6 grains of Unique seems to be highly rated for moderate loads but it appears to be unobtainable locally.
Any recommendations for alternatives would be appreciated.
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BE-86 is apparently getting some rave reviews as a Unique replacement. I plan on trying some as my Unique powder runs out.

I’ve shot HS6, 231 and AA#2 and #5 in my 357s.

You don’t mention barrel length - but I do think #5 is a little dirty for me and my shorter barrel length 357s. YMMV
 
Many years ago when I shot a lot of competition with the .357mag, (1980's-1990's) and Unique ran short, our favorite alternative go-to was W231. Today I load so few .357mag's I typically use whatever I've got on hand that works reasonably well. I'm sure there are other, maybe better choices today that others might be aware of.
 
Anchorite said:
BE-86 is apparently getting some rave reviews as a Unique replacement. I plan on trying some as my Unique powder runs out.

I’ve shot HS6, 231 and AA#2 and #5 in my 357s.

You don’t mention barrel length - but I do think #5 is a little dirty for me and my shorter barrel length 357s. YMMV
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Are you able to reliably source BE-86 currently? Or do you already have a stockpile laid in? I am seeing SOME Alliant powders listed online for sale, but I am not tracking too closely, so I don't have a clue as to how reliable Alliant has been lately at keeping the pipleline flowing.
 
BookemDano said:
Ruger Blackhawk - 6.5"

Found BE-86 at local Sportsman's Warehouse for ~$65.00
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Awesome that you found some of the BE-86. That Blackhawk with the 6 1/2" barrel ought to feel really sweet when you trigger off rounds through it. It's heavy enough to soak up recoil, and the ol' "plow handle" single action grip also helps out with recoil management. Enjoy!

As far as using BE-86: If you decide to make that your "official powder of choice," you'd better lay in a stockpile while it IS available and be certain to keep it continually cool and dry. Take it from me, it feels HORRIBLE to pull out canisters of powder that are a decade or so old and have all sorts of misgivings about their condition...

I wish you the best of good fortune and great enjoyment as you get back into reloading!
 
RedGoat said:
Are you able to reliably source BE-86 currently? Or do you already have a stockpile laid in? I am seeing SOME Alliant powders listed online for sale, but I am not tracking too closely, so I don't have a clue as to how reliable Alliant has been lately at keeping the pipleline flowing.
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Unfortunately not yet. I’m hitting each gun show and keeping tabs on my local Bass Pro shop to get my hands on some.

I’m still judiciously using my existing stockpile that includes Unique.

In my area there are just not any good sources for components. I’m afraid I’ll have to resort to online eventually.
 
Vihtavuori N110 is all I use for 357mag. It has a lot broader load range than H110 and isn't as volatile at lower loads. 14.3gr is a good mid range load. I recently loaded 500 for my dad at that load. Very clean burning even at lower loads.
 
@BookemDano - - Why not check your load manuals and maybe Hodgdon's reload data website to get a list of powders that are potentially usable for the loads you want to create? Then take that list with you as you hit the local stores in your search. Options are a Good Thing. And... don't forget the primers! It's quite a bit better now, but it hasn't been very long since primers were more difficult to source reliably than powder, and certain brands / types of primers are still a bit difficult to find "on demand."
 
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