.357 Maximum Handloads

[steve@357maximum.com]

Hello fellow Hoosiers,

I posted a comment on the NEF rifle list and Dinny told me not to forget you guys and gave me the link to this list.  My name is Steve Cutter and I am the owner of 357 Maximum.com.  I'm sure I have corresponded with some of you through my site guest book or email.  I know there is a lack of data out there for .357 Maximum handloaders.  Many of us, myself included are assembling hand loads for deer hunting that have no ballistic lab data to verify the pressure.  I just want to make you aware that I am planning on having laboratory load testing performed on a several hunting loads in mid-Sept.  The testing will be limited to AA1680 powder, but I will include the Hornady 180 gr. SSP, Hornady 180 gr. XTP and Hornady 200 gr. FTX.  I will include different bullet seating depths on the SSP's to show how pressure relates to cartridge O.A.L. and the charge loads will range from 28.0 - 30.0 grains, which is above the current listed Accurate Arms manual.

I do not own stock in Accurate Powder or Hornady bullets, these have just worked real well for me.  The XTP's will be new for me, but through my website contacts, I realize there are a lot of people shooting this bullet so I am making sure to include it in my testing.  If all goes as plan, I should have the data on my website around the first of October.

I wish you all the best of luck in the 2010 deer hunting season,

Steve

[dave29]

Thanks for stopping by Steve, can't wait to see some more  of your posts. 

[Dinny]

Steve,
  Thanks for sharing this info with us. Before the month's end, I will have two Maxis myself, an Encore with a MGM barrel and a H&R Handi custom throated specifically for the 180gr SSP bullet. So your load data couldn't be coming at a better time. Being I'm the moderator here, please let me know if there is anything I can help you with. 


Thanks, Dinny

[Lon371]

 Steve

  Welcome to the site and forum. Been to yours several times. I have you bookmarked and shortcutted. Also have your site emailed to myself I have a bad memory. Thank you for stopping by.

 I have the Contender 14" bull in a factory .357 Max, and also one of the H&R conversions. Looking forward to your reports.

Lonny

[steve@357maximum.com]

Thank you guys for the warm welcome.  I look forward to exchanging information with everyone on the list.  I'm also looking forward to the 2010 hunting season.  I know this hot weather won't last forever.
Best Regards,
Steve

[wolfe28]

Hey there;

I know that you didn't have much luck with Lil-Gun in the Max, but have you tried a fast rifle powder, like IMR-4198?  I just got my 357 Max barrel yesterday (21", mild taper, for a TC Contender), and figured a fast rifle powder might be something that has been tried.

Thanks,
D

[steve@357maximum.com]

The slowest burning powder I tried in the .357 Maximum, was Alliant RE7.  I just could not get enough powder in the case to match the velocity of the slightly faster powders.  However, it did shoot accurately.  As you know, IMR 4198's is a bit slower than RE7.  Although, Lil Gun did not perform the best for me, I believe it may work well in other guns. For me, AA 1680 just works.  If you did have good luck with IMR4198, I would be interested in your results.   
Good Shooting,
Steve

[steve@357maximum.com]

I just wanted to let .357 Max shooters know that I received my pressure test results from recent testing and the data is now posted on my website, http://357maximum.com/accurate-powder-pressure-data/.  These loads all use A1680 powder and list safe charges that are above currently published Accurate Powder manuals.  Steve

[mrcoolid]

Steve

Thank you for the testing data. It is pretty interesting stuff.

Mike