Author Topic: 357 max (Read 440 times)

reelhook · « **on:** December 09, 2005, 04:55:01 AM »

anybody loading or shooting this round?

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2005, 07:36:38 AM »

I had one and loaded for one up until a few months ago....sold it to a fellow forum member. Mine was a carbine length Contender that shot AA1680, 200 gr. RN Sierra bullets all ahead of a BR-4 primer extremely well. Max loads would get me 1900-1950 fps. I really liked the barrel but I was limited with uses here in CO.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2005, 09:30:27 AM »

Batch of us are shooting rechambered Handis. 180 grains seems to be the best bullet weight, and powders between H-110 and H-322 work well. I'm shooting cheap as dirt WC 820 which is a hair faster than H-110 and getting sub-inch 50 yard groups from cast 180 gr GC bullets at about 2000 fps. Jacketed bullets seem to give about 100 fps less with equal charges.

PaulS · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2005, 07:48:31 PM »

I have been loading for the maximum for more than a few years now.
I like the accuracy and performance of the Speer 180 grain FN with H110. The bullets are seated to the cannelure which makes them over the maximum overall length but I get an honest 1850 fps at the muzzle (measured on a chronograph). Speer #12 and 13 manuals list the load.

hellacatcher · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2005, 02:14:29 AM »

Dropped three deer with mine this year----using 180gr JHP remingtons---26gr AA1680 Win primer -- lite crimp all hit the ground with out taking a step. The group I got at 100yrds was less than a 1 1/8 in.

Steve P · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2005, 06:54:00 PM »

I shoot it in Contender, Dan Wesson, and Ruger (no you can't have it and yes, the strap cutting was BS)

Steve

Gary in NH · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2005, 12:22:43 AM »

Yep, shoot it in an Encore, both as a rifle and pistol. I have found it to be the most accurate/reliable/enjoyable rifle I own. I use either the Hornady 180gr or the Speer 180gr with W296 and Winchester primers.

Reed1911 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2005, 02:08:37 AM »

Shooting and loading for it here (personal as well as commercial loadings).
It has provided me with a lot of enjoyment over the years, pretty mild recoil combined with the ability to handle very heavy for caliber bullets make it a versital cartridge.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2005, 03:25:23 AM »

Skb, different conditions, different needs. The .357 Max in a carbine is about perfect for eastern brush hunters. A hundred yards is a long shot for us. Where the carbines really shine are as starter guns. Taught my son the basics shooting .38 Specials in a rechambered H&R and moved him up as he grew.