HEAVY .357 sub sonic load?

[Spokerider]

I'm looking for sub sonic load info.......yep, it's tough to find!......for .357 Rem Max and 240gr boolits.
 
I have a .357 240 gr mold on order from Tom at Accurate Molds, and now I'm researching the appropriate load info. I'm looking for 950 fps or so.
 
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-240B-D.png
 
Been reading about the possibility of SEE, or Secondary Expolsive Effects, when loading for sub sonic loads........SCARY stuff for sure! There ain't much margin for error when loading sub sionic loads.
 
Anybody have any load info to share?
 
I have figured out that 44 Special cases have the same internal case volume as the .357 Rem Max case. I have seen some 240 gr 44 sp loads on the net. Is this a safe starting point?

[spinafish]

If it were my project I would get in touch by phone with one of the tech guys at the powder company of choice and tell them what you have in mind..they will be glad to help and steer you in the right direction

[Spokerider]

Thats a great idea, thanks. I'm goung to keep that in mind  .
 In the mean time, I'd sure like to hear from those that have ex
perince to share regarding .357 max sub sonic loads and related info.

[woods]

     I would try the trail boss powder with a lead bullet that heavy it should drop the velocity down pretty low with no squib effect. 
 
     woods

[trotterlg]

I had one for a 30 carbine, I think it used AA 1680 powder or could be 4227?  Larry

[Nobade]

The load you end up using will vary GREATLY depending on the throating in your barrel and what shape that bullet is. Bore rider? Parallel sided? Nose length? All that is going to radically change what powder and how much you need to do what you want.

And don't worry a bit about SEE in a 357. That's for big rifle cases. Worry more about spikey pressure curves and cases breaking in half.

[murphdog]

Hopefully Dinny will reply to this thread.  He just sent me some 240 grain bore riders as extra "goodies" in a trade .  I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but he has been loading them in max brass with Trailboss powder.  Perhaps you can PM Dinny for more specific load and source information. I've used Trailboss in some other low-velocity loads and really like it.  Its very low density, filling the case nicely, leaving no chance for accidental double charge.  Due to its case-filling, I suspect it minimizes any danger of SEE.  It has proven to be very accurate in the cases where I've used it. 
Duane

[smokehouserex]

 
 
  I may be missing the point here but are you just looking for a sub sonic for noise control or something else, if I'm not getting too personal, if so please disregard my question.
  If SEE is still a concern to you why not use a 357 case for a reduced velocity load?
  HM   

[twoshooter]

I have never used a maxi, but I do use some 3.6 gr of unique in a 38 sp case and 185 gr Lee cast RN, that should be about 750 fps, and it is pretty darned quiet, pretty accurate also, about 1" at 50 yards. A 38 Smith& Wesson with a 158 gr lead and 1.8 gr of Bullseye should be just over 600 fps. I have shot both out of my std 357 mag barrel.

[GH1]

For mild loads you can't beat Trail Boss, and they're formula for figuring charges is simple.
 Lay the case on it's side with a bullet directly underneath it. Make sure the crimp groove is even with the case mouth.
 Mark on the case where the base of the bullet reaches, a Sharpie works well. Fill the case with TB until it reaches this mark and weigh it, this is your max load. For your starting load reduce your max by 30%.
 Trail Boss was designed for exactly the type of thing you're trying to do. It's a very bulky powder that does a great job of filling the case to eliminate position sensativity problems and provide consistant ignition. I've used it in .3 sp, .357 mag, and .45-70 with great results.
GH1  
 
 

[Spokerider]

For mild loads you can't beat Trail Boss, and they're formula for figuring charges is simple.
 Lay the case on it's side with a bullet directly underneath it. Make sure the crimp groove is even with the case mouth.
 Mark on the case where the base of the bullet reaches, a Sharpie works well. Fill the case with TB until it reaches this mark and weigh it, this is your max load. For your starting load reduce your max by 30%.
 Trail Boss was designed for exactly the type of thing you're trying to do. It's a very bulky powder that does a great job of filling the case to eliminate position sensativity problems and provide consistant ignition. I've used it in .3 sp, .357 mag, and .45-70 with great results.
GH1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks for the info. I've read a bit on the 30% rule and trail boss.
 Is this a safe powder /starting load even for heavy bullets? I'll be shooting a 240 gr bullet from the Rem. Max.

[Dinny]

Finally I have found this topic. I load Trail Boss into Maxi brass and shoot the 240gr "Bore-riders" with extreme accuracy at 50yds. By extreme, I mean nearly the same exact hole.   I was so shocked that I loaded 10 more and shot them too - same results! Try somewhere around 4.0 grains.   I believe my velocity was around 700fps though.
 
Thanks, Dinny

[anachronism]

I gotta ask. What would such a load be used for?

[Dinny]

I gotta ask. What would such a load be used for?

The silent dispatch of pesty animals.   


Thanks, Dinny