Which powder for reloading both the 38 special AND 357 magnum?

Question

With the price of ammo going up, I have to start reloading for my Marlin 1894C. I want to reload 125 grain JHP in the 38 to duplicate +P factory loads and 158 grain JSP in the .357 magnum for full power loads. With the large numbers of powers available, what ONE POWDER would work best for me? Please suggest a best primer for that powder, too. Thanks!

Answer 1

I haven't reloaded for a few years but there used to be a powder called Unique that was a pretty good all around powder.
I enjoyed reloading. It was kinda relaxing in a way.
It's also very important to do it correctly. It can be potentially dangerous if you overcharge a round or forget a step in the reload process. But the new generation of reloading equipment makes it simple with less chance of making an error.

Answer 2

If you are reloading you must have reloading guides. check the data and cross ref that in both calibers. I think AA5 or AA7 would work but youll have to calculate the different powders used in both to find the best economy. however doing things this way you end up with two lack luster loads might as well spend the 20 bucks and buy a pound of powder for each. besides your looking at getting around a 1000 loads for the mag out of a pound of powder and 1200-1300 for the 38. all primers are similiar, Ive used winnchester for the last 17 years with out a problems and have loaded a little more than 100,000 rounds on my dillon 550

Answer 3

There are two powders that will possibly cross over well, Unique(a reloader's powder primarily used in pistols) and the Vitavouri Oy N110 from finland. The N110 powder is used just for jacketed bullets and is imported almost everywhere in the US. Its a very good powder. For the .38- CCI 500 primers, for the .357- CCI 550. Yes, find a manual. The NRA has a good reloading instruction book for $10.

Answer 4

First make sure you get a reloading manual before you start any reloading.

I use Unique made by Alliant Powder Co. with CCI 500 or CCI 550 primers.
This powder is one of the most versatile I have used for Pistol and Shotgun.
A pound equals 7000 grains ( if your +P load was 5 grains which is one load shown in Speer #13 for a 146grs projectile that would equal 1400 loads per pound of powder)

Link attached





http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/unique.htm

D58

Answer 5

powder for reloading 38 special and 357 magnum a 150grain bullet

Answer 6

4227 or Blue Dot or VV N350 would be good compromises, but you'd do better to get a slower powder like H110 for the longer case and Unique for a normal-pressure plinking/practice load for the shorty case. I use CCI primers to keep it simple. For all but the H110, CCI 500's will do nicely, and perhaps for that powder, too, but you may find it better to launch the slow burner with 550's.

Answer 7

I like red dot with standard cci primers.

Answer 8

Uh, gun powder!