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July 10, 2012
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Hello guys,
Looking to get into reloading for the first time for my Dan Wesson. I already know how to, just haven't actually done it.
I know all about choosing the right bullet weight for the twist and all, so that is why I am posting this.
I have a Palmer Mass made 715, 3" long FIXED barrel in 357 Magnum.
What my question is, is what twist rate does this have and what weight bullets would match it? I also need to know, if possible, the diameter I would need for the bullets. Is this info availible or would I have to slug the barrel and find out that way?
Thanks so much!
EDIT: Reloads will be lighter loads, in the 700 FPS range, and was going to use medium weight (140 to 150 grain) jacketed rounds, semi-wad-cutters or possible round-nose bullets.
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I believe the twist rate was 1:18.75", but my memory may be failing a bit. I find that .358" 125 gr and 158 gr. bullets from many manufacturers work well. If you want to get into bullseye shooting you may want to slug the barrel and pin guage each cylinder, then start casting and sizing your own bullets.
But for starters- a Speer 158 gr bullet will work just fine and not cost an arm and a leg.
Oh- I don't think I've said "Welcome" to DWF!
Best Regards, Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
July 10, 2012
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Thanks for the reply and thanks for the welcome!
I am not looking to do any serious competition or target shooting, just trying to lessen the cost to shoot, and down-load some rounds for some nice plinking fun. 
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
January 11, 2012
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Welcome to the forum. Great place for all things Dan Wesson.
I have had excellent results with 158gr SWC and 125gr round flats sized to .358-.359 out of my model 15. I haven't slugged my barrel yet, but based on the results I have gotten already I suspect it to measure .357-.3575. I recently picked up a mold to cast the Lee 158gr RF as a hunting bullet, but have not had a chance to shoot any yet. I have heard a lot of guys swear by them as being the cat's meow in .357 brass. For plinking, I shoot mainly .38specials at around 800 fps. They make nice pleasant loads and are very accurate.
It has been almost 20 years since I have fired a jacketed round through my .357mag. I have found no advantage to shooting jacketed bullets through handguns until you get into the Supermags or Casulls and are shooting top end loads. Up to about 1500 fps, a cast bullet will do anything a jacketed one will do, and do it much cheaper. Below 1200fps, a cast hollow point will actually expand much better than a jhp will unless you are using too hard of an alloy.
July 10, 2012
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Thanks so much for your insight stick_man. That is exactly what I was looking for.
As for cast vs jacketed, I was going to go jacketed as they are easier to deal with. I don't cast my own, and I just figured jacketed would be easier. I was also under the impression that cast bullets had to be sized, and one more step to do, but I see you can buy them pre-sized. Might look into loading cast bullets.
I was able to shoot some 130 grain, flat-nose FMJ rounds out of my DW on Friday, loaded to 800 fps (Winchester White Box factory ammo). Those loads were very pleasant and very fun to shoot. I would like to replicate roughly that amount of power load.
And Only Time Will Tell The Ending When The Ink Runs Dry...
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I picked up some Berry's 125 gr HP plated .357's at Cabela's the other day $29 for 250. You can't load a plated bullet to full magnum velocity, but they can be loaded just like lead, and they won't lead up the barrel. Pretty good price, and Cabela's is here in CT.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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January 24, 2009
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+1 for Berry's. I have reloaded my 357's with Berry's almost exclusively for over a year now & really like them. One of these days I might get into casting, but until then, I'm happy with Berry's plated bullets.
I bought mine from THESE GUYS. They also have a nice cast bullet selection, if that's the way you prefer.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I have Graf's bookmarked in my favorites. The catalog has been coming to the house for a year or so (my son shipped some stuff here when he was home on leave), and I read through it constantly.
Fortunately, Cabela's carries both Berry's and Rainier in stock, and a pretty good selection. No shipping charges, and no hazmat fee for powder either
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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