Author Topic: Reed's .357 Max loads (Read 659 times)

darat100 · « **on:** June 02, 2006, 05:46:37 AM »

Anyone have any experience with the .357 Max loads from Reeds? I just bought a max and trying to determine if it is worth it for me to get started loading or buy from them. I don't load now, and the only other rifle I have that would make sense to load is a .243. I don't know that it would ever be financially worth it for me to load. I shoot a lot, but not a ton. If I could find some good loads for the .357 Max, I don't think I would ever really think much about it.

Thoughts?

JPH45 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2006, 12:13:59 PM »

I think you'll find that most Maximum shooters are reloading them. If you shop smart, you can start loading for that Max for about $100. About 200-250 rounds later the equipment will have paid for itself. Go to www.midwayusa.com

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

www.grafs.com

www.wideners.com

All you need is the small Lee "C" press a set of dies, (38 Special/357 Magnum will work fine) the Lee Scale, a set of Lee powder dippers, Data from www.accuratepowders.com or www.hodgdon.com a box of 100 primers and a pound of powder (those are better bought locally if possible) and a box of bullets, you'll be ready to go. Feel free to call if you want, will be glad to help out.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2006, 01:21:56 PM »

One more thing you will need is some way to install the primers if you go with the Lee c style press . You will have to buy the Ram prime or better yet the auto prime .

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1149549201.4624=/html/catalog/primtool.html

The Lee Challenger kit will get you just about every thing you will need except dies and a scale for about $ 50.00

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1149549201.4624=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html

Some people do not like Lee , i have used their products for over 25 years with no problems at all .

darat100 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2006, 04:04:19 PM »

thanks guys

I had no idea I could get started that quickly.

I may have to give it a try.

Is the max a good load for a beginner?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2006, 04:08:19 PM »

I have a used older lyman .357 die set that I'll sell ya for the cost of shipping if you want it. I was told before I bought it that it will work for the max, but I never used it.

Tim

cattleskinner · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2006, 04:21:36 PM »

I have an extra ram prime if you want it...let me know.

~~~Amos

cwlongshot · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:02:46 AM »

I have been reloading for some time an the 357 Max is one of my favorites.
As for as powders, any of the faster magnum pistol powders will work for this caliber. My favorite is AA1680.

If hunting with this caliber, be aware most bullets are designed for lower or higher velocities as this is not a popular claiber. IMHO anything below 180 is too small for even white tails at higher velocities attainable in a 357max rifle. I shot a number of game with Hornadys SSP180. The last few deer I shot with it the bullets did not exit. They litterally exploded inside. I got both animals, but with much lost meat.
I switched to the Speer 180FP. I worked up to the same load and got about the same accuracy. I have shot one deer with that bullet. Simular placemant and thru and thru penetration and good expantion.

Good luck,
CW

darat100 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:38:12 AM »

Quick and Skinner, you guys are tremendous. Sent both of you PMs.

Thanks a ton.

BUT now you have gone and done. Gotten me into loading now. NOW the wife is gonna have my hide!!!!!!!!!!!

I am only doing it to save money in the long run right? Yeah, thats what we tell her!!!!!!!!!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2006, 05:50:59 AM »

Josh, it won't save you any money, but you can shoot a lot more for what you spend.....er....invest!!! :wink:

CW, nice to see ya back in action!!

Tim

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:58:13 AM »

I like the 180gr flat point cast bullets like are sold by "Cast Performance". They work well on deer. I'm getting 18-1900fps with my 1680 loads.

Ian