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September 14, 2010
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Gents, I've gone through all of my reloading manuals and am just not finding the information I need. Nor have I found it on the web, so I'm asking here! 
Bascially, I want to use a 148gr jacketed wadcutter shown here:
http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14487-c13-g8-b0-p0-.38_Cal_148gr_HBWC.aspx
With HERCO. Berry's says you need a minimum 800fps load with this round. None of my reloading manuals give loads for .357mag w/Herco. They all gives loads for .38spcl and .45. Some give loads for .40sw and 9mm, others not. But I figure if it's good enough for .45acp and .38, it should work with .357.
I want to use Herco because I 14lbs of it, and none of any other pistol powder: I currently use it for .40, 9mm, and .45acp.
Cany anyone point me in a direction?
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Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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Max 38 loads in the 357 case will work fine--I'll check some of my reload data when I get home for you.
SHOOT
September 14, 2010
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January 24, 2009
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None of my manuals talk about Herco either, unless it's known nowdays as "H. Universal"…there's some info on that power's loads in my books. I don't have info on 148gr Berry's bullets, but do have some for 158gr… "H Universal" is 6.5 to 7.3gr's for a 158gr bullet.
If it's determined to not be the same as "H Universal", you'll need to contact them (or their website) & ask them what ther recommended loads should be.
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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H Universal is NOT Herco 
.... Going to go down and check the loadbooks now...more to follow.
SHOOT
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Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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ok, quick synopsis of some loads you can develop from– using Herco
Lyman 150 gr / 6.2gr @ 972 fps ————-7.8 gr @ 1225 fps
Sierra 158 JSP 7.8gr @ 1050 fps—————9.5 @ 1150 fps
speer 158 SP 8.3 gr @ 1068 fps ——————-8.8 gr @ 1170 fps
Personally I would run the Lyman load at 7.8 gr. the Lyman bullet is 2 gr heavier and a cast bullet.
According to the berry data, you should be running mid load for comparable jacketed bullet–since there is none, you can go low end on the 158's, which will still put you in the 7.8-8.3 range.
Only you will know if you like the load or not. I'd try it at 7.8 first. if it feels good an no signs of pressure, bump it up to 8 gr and see how it groups.
*** as always, use at your own risk — SHOOT is responsible for nothing that happens from load recommendations***
(I wouldn't give out data I didn't believe in)
***edit -- I've shot a lot of plated bullets over the years and mine never perform well when I try to drive them fast. I treat them as cast lead and they work fine. Not sure why Berry's is stating the 800 fps min, unless they are worried about sticking them in the bore.
SHOOT
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Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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jgourlay said:
I want to use Herco because I 14lbs of it, and none of any other pistol powder: I currently use it for .40, 9mm, and .45acp.
Cany anyone point me in a direction?
14 pounds? Maybe a forum member close by you can swap some powder with.
SHOOT
December 28, 2010
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Sometimes the data published by Alliant leaves me scratching my head. IMO 1500 fps is really pushing the limits of plated boolits, but they have the load listed for a cast boolit & Herco powder.
I've tried a few different powders & always seem to come back to Bullseye for target loads & 2400 for the full house Big Dogs.
September 14, 2010
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November 28, 2010
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I have been shooting 2.8 to 2.9g of Bullseye over a 148g LHBWC from Hornady.
This is a excellent target round and from rest the groups are sub 1" for 5 shots in a 6" barrel with my 15-2.
I suspect that the plated wadcutter would do the same but of course they are not hollow based so they may not obturate or expand and grip the lands and grooves as well.
The above load can be use in 38 Special or 357 magnum. When i load the cylinder with cartridges, I close the cylinder and then gently tap the revolver to insure the powder falls back to the primer. Old Bullseye technique.
With such a small load, you must be very carefull so as not to double charge your case as you will not know it in a progressive. So when jams occur, be very observant and do not double charge a case.
I have never used Herco so I cannot be of help with that powder. However I do feel you want to be sub 1100 fps to avoid the plating from tearing off.
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