New 357 Max handloads

[mike@nds]

So I took the plunge and reamed my .357 to Maximum this summer. I had taken my first deer with it (8 pointer) as a regular .357 mag, but I wanted to be able to shoot 180gr XTP's faster.

Being really busy, I didn't have any time to develope any loads until recently.

So today I shot some with 4227 and H110, both loaded at 18grs (around 1500 fps in a 14" Contender according to the Hornady manual).

The 4227 shot around 2" at 50 yards, which was OK, but I know the gun groups way better than that. I've shot 1.5" groups at 100 yards with Blaser 158 gr JHP.

So I tried the H110, and WOW, one holer at 50 yards.

This was 3 rounds with factory irons, off the bench. It shot into just over an inch (minus some wind induced flyers) at 100.

This is my favorite still hunting gun.

[Slufoot]

Looks great Mike, I'll be waiting for a deer story!

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

[quickdtoo]

Nice shooting Mike!! 

Tim

[mike@nds]

I really hope I get to share a good story this year (with pics of course) 

Last year I only got to go out on the last weekend of the season and all the deer were hidin'.

[mechanic]

Good group Mike!  Hope the old mossy horns walks out on ya' this year....

[Lon371]

  Wow Hope my Contender .357 max can get close. Nice shooting. I got some 170's and 200's loaded up this weekend, but no time to shoot yet .

 Shooting like that, I would say you should have meat in the freezer.

Lonny

[cwlongshot]

Mike,
 Thats some good shooting. Glad to hear you took the plunge and found a great shooter!!!
 Next time you find it, buy yourself some AA1680 powder. Its the ONLY powder I use for my Maxi. It shoots 180SSP, 170GDSP, 180Speer FP's and Nosler180sill bullets into almost one hole @ 100yards!! Velocities are almost 2200fps from its 22" barrel all with "book" loads!!!!

CW

[Doublebass73]

Nice shooting from a nice rifle!

[Bayou Stalker]

kinda off topic, but do you use .357 mag dies or are there .357 max dies available?  Midway doesn't list them for .357 max.

[mike@nds]

kinda off topic, but do you use .357 mag dies or are there .357 max dies available?  Midway doesn't list them for .357 max.

Get the Lee set for .357 mag, it'll work for the max.

I wanted to use the RCBS dies that were sitting on the shelf for the last 20 years, but the darn things just weren't meant for the Max.

I use the Lee decap/resizer & expander.

And the RCBS for bullet seating/crimping.

Also, I added RCBS lock rings to my Lee's because I hate the rubber "O" ring set up.

[quickdtoo]

Kendall, if you look at the die descriptions, it usually states 357 Max if they'll work, Midway lists the Max dies on their 38 Spcl listing.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/BROWSE/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=1&categoryId=8233&categoryString=9315***731***702***8345***

[Datil]

 I have a set of Lymon Dies 357 Mag I got before any body thought of the Maxie,
 They work just fine. Marv.

[aromakr]

Does anyone know why the RCBS .357 dies will not work? as I  just bought a .357 barrel and was going to go to Maximum and I have RCBS dies.
Bob

[Swampman]

I wonder how fast these loads are going.

[Badnews Bob]

My load of 21gr of IMR4227 under a 180gr LBT style LFNGC chronos at 2000fps and shoot 1.5 or less @100yrds, You can get more tan that out of them but that more than enuff for cast. Its easy to get 2200 or 2400 outta them with jackets.

[quickdtoo]

Does anyone know why the RCBS .357 dies will not work? as I  just bought a .357 barrel and was going to go to Maximum and I have RCBS dies.
Bob

I was hoping CW would chime in on the RCBS dies, but that's what he uses. A quick call or email to RCBS would confirm it, they may have made different die sets that may not work.

1-800-533-5000

rcbs.tech at atk.com

http://www.rcbs.com/questions/ask.aspx

Tim

I only have 357/38 dies, RCBS and lyman. I load mostly 357 and 357 Max in mine.
 I will say NO, only because there is a reason they are labeled 38spl. Why, I can only guess internal dimensions will not allow the 1/10 " longer 357 mag case.
 From a manufacturing stand point, I fail to see the advantage for this. Unless it is only labeled 38Spl and is infact identical to the companys 38/357 dies...Check product numbers...All this is only speculation.
 
 I say try it with a couple pieces. Skip the primer and powder, but put in a bullet or two. Then see if they will chamber. If they chamber, you are good to go. Load 'em up! A chamber gauge is best for this as it is chambered to minimum case specifications. So if it fits in that it is definitely fine.

CW

[BrianB]

Yes, the RCBS .38/.357 dies work. They actually have .357 Maximum printed on the label.  I have used them for several years with no problems and imagine they will outlast me, my son and anyone else down the line.

[mike@nds]

On my RCBS die set there was not enough threads to back 2 of the dies out for the Max. The seater/crimper die worked fine.

I know that sounds goofy, but it worked out that way.

ETA: my set came as a "promo kit" with a Rockchucker press. They do not say anything about the Max on the box. Heck, they didn't even come with a carbide resizing die, I had to go buy one later.

[cwlongshot]

I was hoping CW would chime in on the RCBS dies, but that's what he uses. A quick call or email to RCBS would confirm it, they may have made different die sets that may not work.

1-800-533-5000

rcbs.tech at atk.com

http://www.rcbs.com/questions/ask.aspx

Tim

I only have 357/38 dies, RCBS and lyman. I load mostly 357 and 357 Max in mine.
 I will say NO, only because there is a reason they are labeled 38spl. Why, I can only guess internal dimensions will not allow the 1/10 " longer 357 mag case.
 From a manufacturing stand point, I fail to see the advantage for this. Unless it is only labeled 38Spl and is infact identical to the companys 38/357 dies...Check product numbers...All this is only speculation.
 
 I say try it with a couple pieces. Skip the primer and powder, but put in a bullet or two. Then see if they will chamber. If they chamber, you are good to go. Load 'em up! A chamber gauge is best for this as it is chambered to minimum case specifications. So if it fits in that it is definitely fine.

CW

Since that post (2005) I also have a set of REDDING 357Mag dies, ALL OF THESE WORK JUST FINE FOR THE 357 MAXIMUM.

CW