For the experienced reloaders.?

Question

I am looking to start loading a 357 Herrett, and would like to know what dies I will need to make the brass, please include details on the process of forming.

Also Ive heard you can use 30-30 brass or 375 winchester, Ive heard that the 375 brass loads to higher pressures, is this true, what is the velocity gained?

And last, if you have first hand experience with this cartridge, what are your likes and dislikes.

Answer 1

The 357 Herrett is a Wildcat Cartridge and was designed by Steve Herrett for big game hunting in the late 70s.

The Handloader’s manual of Cartridge Conversions (Third Edition)
Clearly states, The 357 Herrett is formed from 30-30 ONLY.

Note every thing between the * is from Speer Reloading Manual Number 10
************
The case is formed from the standard 30-30 case and only new unfires cases should be used for the 357 Herrett.
No special form die is needed for the 357 Herrett, just the size die will do the job.
But a tapered expander available from RCBS makes it much easier to open up the 30 caliber neck to the 357 Herrett.
Case forming is critical and they must be closely matched to the weapons chamber.
While the case is rimmed, head spacing MUST be on the case shoulder.
If the case is head spaced off the rim , accuracy is poor and case life is short.
Trim length to 1.765 inches, Some cases may require neck reaming.
************

Note unlike the 30 Herrett that requires special form dies to make the case.
The 357 Herrett needs only the standard sizing die.
Essentially your taking a 30 caliber case and opening it up to 357 and then trimming just over ¼ inch (.275) of length.
This process is done with the normal seizer die only, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes quite easy.

This Wildcat was used effectively for big game up to and including Elk and preformed well.
You may have to order the dies if you do not already own a set, for I find no listing in the normal dies offered by any of the reloading tool manufactures.
That is not saying they do not exist, just are not listed, I’m sure they are still available.
I would recommend Natchez Shooting Supplies for the best prices and service.

I have used both 30 and 357 Herrett and they are outstanding wildcats for deer and even varmint hunting, I found nothing to dislike about either wildcat.
The 357 Herrett is by far the better of the two.
That my experience and opinion.
Hope this was of some help.

D58

http://www.natchezss.com/

Hunting and Reloading for more years then I wish to count, and still going.

Answer 2

Jon, the .30-30 brass and the .357 Herrett brass are identical in base dimensions: .506 at the rim and .422 at the base so yes, .30-30 brass can be shortened and used to make .357 Herrett cases. The .375 Winchester is slightly slimmer at the base, .420 although the rim is an identical .506.

This is about all I can share with you, as I have no experience with the .357 Herrett. I've heard it was used in the Thompson Contender Centerife and fired a 158 to 200 grain bullet. Buffalo Arms Co. on-line (357 Herrett 180 Grn. HP Loaded Ammunition) lists loaded ammunition in .357 Herrett.

Good luck.

H

Answer 3

I worked with a .30 Herrett in a T-C Contender/2X Leupold combo back in the '70's. I picked it up on a deal, mainly because it was touted to have twice the muzzle energy of a .44 Rem. Magnum, which was my carry piece at the time(M-29 6+1/2 blue)
I never used it for hunting, which I guess was its' original purpose. It was something of a disappointment to me, as it was no great shakes as a target pistol, and I soon traded it off for a 5-screw M-29 to a brother who wanted to try it on the local white-tails. As far as I know, he never got one. (It did do a HELLUVA number on a stray pitt-bull mutt that had been harassing his neighborhood, though, a one-shot, instant kill at over 30 yards!)
All my tools I acquired from RCBS, including the case-forming dies. At the time, RCBS offered the same for the .357 Herrett, as well. My .30 Herrett brass were shaped from .30-30 brass, then fire-formed in the weapon itself.
I would guess your best source for all your tools and components would be MidwayUSA. I've dealt with them almost exclusively for all my reloading needs for the past 15-odd years with a .000 malfunction factor.

Answer 4

I'll follow suit with D-58, usually all that is needed is a sizing die for brass. I'm using .223 brass to make the 7mmTCU. The little .223 has to open wide to accept the 7mm bullet. But it isn't a big deal. A little case lube or oil just saves on applying more pressure to the brass, and it will stretch more than you'd think. My own rule of thumb to custom cartridges is to move up the scale(pricewise) and find a manufacturer that makes that exact set of dies. For instance, I use Redding dies for that 7mm because they do make the 7mmTCU as a set. I recently bought a 9mm set for pistol that is labeled 3-die carb(carbide)TC set 9mmLuger/9X21/9X23. This is a full custom RCBS die set. Originally, the phrase would be"check with your die-maker".

Answer 5

357 Herrett