Reloading 357 sig.

sourdough · August 2nd, 2012, 06:40 AM

I just loaded up some 357 sig with VihtVuori 3N37 powder and nosler 115 hps. I had one misfire due to a bad primer, (found the inside of the primer on the floor after reloading so I knew I had one dumby round somewhere).
When I went to eject the misfire, the bullet pulled out of the case and was jamed in the rifling. Had to go home and get a rod to knock the bullet out. It was jammed in pretty tight.
I loaded them to O.A. length of 1.131 inches. The book says the MIN. length should be no less than 1.201 inches so I was .01 inches above Min..
I have been reloading for over 65 years and I can't remember this ever happening before.
Only two ideas I have come up with is the shape of the bullet or maybe I didn't crimp enough. Any Ideas?

KRWeiss · August 2nd, 2012, 02:40 PM

Your initial quess, bullet contour, is probably a good quess, but a bad crimp (common on 357 Sig handloads) could easily allow the OAL to change.

sourdough · August 3rd, 2012, 02:27 PM

i made another observation. I think I will not use 3N37 powder in the m&p compact since it gave me ring of fire in front of the muzzle about 6" in diameter. I think I will be better off with #2 powder. Although the flame out the muzzle would probably give anyone pause that might be threatening!

I will try some 115gr Laser-cast bullets also.

vmainaz · August 11th, 2012, 09:14 AM

I’ve Been loading .357 Sig with 12.2 grains of Accurate No 9 and 124 grain flat point plated Berry (or similar) bullet for a few years with great success. I've shoot several thounsand rounnds through my Glock 31 and Glock 32. Two keys make this work. The shape of the flat point provides an adequate area for the brass to hold on to. Another key is initial die and crimp setup. To test round to ensure case is holding bullet, press the round face down on a block of wood. If you have a good fit it will not collapse. If you have a bad fit it will collapse. The Accurate no 9 is also helpful because of its bulk it almost fills the case making it that much harder for the bullet to collapse into the case. Sorry, but the Acurate no 9 is a bit blasty and will throw a fire ball. This is a great link for anyone new to 357 Sig reloading HandGunInfo.com: 357SIG: 357 Sig Safety & Reloading FAQ

August 2nd, 2012, 06:40 AM	#1
sourdough Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 8	Reloading 357 sig. I just loaded up some 357 sig with VihtVuori 3N37 powder and nosler 115 hps. I had one misfire due to a bad primer, (found the inside of the primer on the floor after reloading so I knew I had one dumby round somewhere). When I went to eject the misfire, the bullet pulled out of the case and was jamed in the rifling. Had to go home and get a rod to knock the bullet out. It was jammed in pretty tight. I loaded them to O.A. length of 1.131 inches. The book says the MIN. length should be no less than 1.201 inches so I was .01 inches above Min.. I have been reloading for over 65 years and I can't remember this ever happening before. Only two ideas I have come up with is the shape of the bullet or maybe I didn't crimp enough. Any Ideas?

August 11th, 2012, 09:14 AM	#4
vmainaz Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	I’ve Been loading .357 Sig with 12.2 grains of Accurate No 9 and 124 grain flat point plated Berry (or similar) bullet for a few years with great success. I've shoot several thounsand rounnds through my Glock 31 and Glock 32. Two keys make this work. The shape of the flat point provides an adequate area for the brass to hold on to. Another key is initial die and crimp setup. To test round to ensure case is holding bullet, press the round face down on a block of wood. If you have a good fit it will not collapse. If you have a bad fit it will collapse. The Accurate no 9 is also helpful because of its bulk it almost fills the case making it that much harder for the bullet to collapse into the case. Sorry, but the Acurate no 9 is a bit blasty and will throw a fire ball. This is a great link for anyone new to 357 Sig reloading HandGunInfo.com: 357SIG: 357 Sig Safety & Reloading FAQ Last edited by vmainaz; August 11th, 2012 at 09:18 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pistol reloading vs. Rifle Reloading	frantic29	MP Reloading	8	August 4th, 2012 06:38 PM
Ban On Reloading	irishluck73	MP Reloading	1	April 23rd, 2009 07:20 AM
Reloading for a M&P 9C	Troy123	MP Reloading	4	March 10th, 2009 11:45 AM
Reloading for M&P9c	ksig1869	MP Reloading	7	February 17th, 2009 06:54 AM
Reloading	mad212	MP Ammunition	1	April 12th, 2006 04:03 PM

Reloading 357 sig.

357 sig laser-cast bullets

357 sig reload accurate vs power pistol

357 sig reloading forums

best powder for 357 sig

best powders for 357 sig

best reloading powder for 357 sug

how tight should i crimp 357 sig

reloading 357 sig with power pistol

reloading357sig

sig mp

smith and wesson 357 reloader

what powder to reload 357 sig

August 2nd, 2012, 02:40 PM	#2
KRWeiss Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northwest Posts: 6,480	Your initial quess, bullet contour, is probably a good quess, but a bad crimp (common on 357 Sig handloads) could easily allow the OAL to change.

August 3rd, 2012, 02:27 PM	#3
sourdough Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 8	i made another observation. I think I will not use 3N37 powder in the m&p compact since it gave me ring of fire in front of the muzzle about 6" in diameter. I think I will be better off with #2 powder. Although the flame out the muzzle would probably give anyone pause that might be threatening! I will try some 115gr Laser-cast bullets also.