Henry Rifle Forums

Hello all I just got a BB 357 and have not got out to shoot it until today. The first shot was high and to the left but the rest was right on. I am not to good with iron sights so the fact that I did that good means something. I know this was at only 25 yards but only took 4 rounds with me. I am reloading so I just wanted to see how it was going. I had two that was a little black on the top I don't know it it was to low of a load or what. I am shooting 4.7gr. of Unique with MB 158gr SWC.

Looks pretty good to me! Sometimes, one is not like the others. Maybe, cold barrel? I notice something similar with one of my rifles. As far as iron sights, practice, practice, practice. Some of us have moved to a peep type sight. In any case, happy shooting!

Congrats and enjoy the Big Boy 357 Mag. This Missouri bullets are some of my favorites and I can burn them up in a hurry. Load'em up and have fun.

Paul

Headhog do you use just the leaded ones or the coated ones??

The load you are shooting is a .38 special load, which is fine to shoot in your rifle. If you are using magnum brass, that might account for some carbon residue. I use that load for handgun .38 special loads and the brass does get black. The bullets you are using have an 18 BHN hardness, which is probably too hard for that load. If using .357 magnum brass, you might try 7.5 grains of Unique with that bullet.
Looks like your iron sights are very much in the ball park.

you are most certainly on your way .... make it a point to enjoy the process ... looking forward to your continuing reports

Looks good, I like the 180 gr Pugnose coated bullets myself.
I still have some 158 gr lubed bullets, but I don't quite remember where they came from.
But heck I've had 'em like for ever.

RP

Also 5.6 gr. of Power Pistol will run those 158 gr. 38 Specials really well. Those Pugs are something else with good punch and nice accuracy!

The 4.7gr was 357 Right with small pistol primers now that is all I got
I would love to shoot better stuff but just can't find any. Well I think I will just stop shoot then.

I do not reload, yet. But, not shooting does not seem to be an option. Even in this over priced environment, there is still ammo to be had, at not too crazy of a price. May have to drive a few miles and look in places not previously considered. But, seek and ye will find.

Galen wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:05 pm

The 4.7gr was 357 Right with small pistol primers now that is all I got
I would love to shoot better stuff but just can't find any. Well I think I will just stop shoot then.

If you still have more to load 6.0 gr. of Unique with a cast 158 gr. bullet is a mid range .357 Mag load according to Load Data from Reloader Magazine.

I have looked on line and all around me and can't find anything, if some one knows of some please let me know.

We assume you are talking about you cant find anymore powder to load anymore and you are out?

I cannot comment on components for handloads. I am referring to a finished product. As far as online, I have not found much in the way of not too crazy of prices. I have been able to drive within a 120 miles area and find .38/.357 rounds for around $1 per round. Not too great of a price, similar to what I was paying for 30-30. So, I count it as not being too bad. Mind you, I did not make a special trip for ammo. I just happen to check as I was driving to take care of something else.

Things seen to work out that way. I stopped at a gun shop on the way back from the airport, checking for ammo, which I did find. And, another customer told me about a shop about 2 miles away. The shop did have ammo, at a price more then I was willing to pay. But, it had a shotgun, at a price that I was willing to pay. So, it was not a blank trip. I found ammo for my .357s and a shotgun, at prices that I was willing to pay.

For me, I just check every opportunity that I can. And, things just seem to work out. That is why I made the comment of just keep looking. It may take awhile. But, it will work out, in the end.

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:33 am

We assume you are talking about you cant find anymore powder to load anymore and you are out?

I have the powder and the only bullets I have are the leaded ones the brass I only have about 75. So the brass and better bullets are what I need . I have looked at all the stores in 100 miles and no one has any. I have check MB and all the other places on and no luck.

I still think I would load what you have and pump the load up to 6 grains of Unique. I think you will see better results.

Galen wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:39 pm

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:33 am

We assume you are talking about you cant find anymore powder to load anymore and you are out?

I have the powder and the only bullets I have are the leaded ones the brass I only have about 75. So the brass and better bullets are what I need . I have looked at all the stores in 100 miles and no one has any. I have check MB and all the other places on and no luck.

Who is the maker of those bullets? If they are 15 and higher hardness you shouldn't have leading issues as long as the lube is good.

fortyshooter wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 7:22 pm

Galen wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:39 pm

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:33 am

We assume you are talking about you cant find anymore powder to load anymore and you are out?

I have the powder and the only bullets I have are the leaded ones the brass I only have about 75. So the brass and better bullets are what I need . I have looked at all the stores in 100 miles and no one has any. I have check MB and all the other places on and no luck.

Who is the maker of those bullets? If they are 15 and higher hardness you shouldn't have leading issues as long as the lube is good.

Missour Bullet co. they are 18 hard. They have the blue ring around them 1/2 way down.

I understand what you are talking about. I live in a rural area and there is no .357 ammunition or reloading components anywhere around here. One shop got a shipment of Winchester white box .38 specials in but were priced at $70 per box. NO THANKS!

You also mentioned the black at the top in your original post. Thats common occurrence using Unique especially in 45 Colt