357 Maximum load ????

[pricecw]

OK all, I know there are quite a few of these around.  I have just rechambered, and starting to look at the loads (just got my brass).

Anyway, I have seen alot with the AA1680, but can't find any of that around right now (or I would be trying it).  I do have a bunch of H110 that I really like in my 44's.

What I am hoping to find is some guidance in loads using a hard cast (laser-cast) 158gr SWC, and I did pick up a box of the Hornaday FTX 200gr 358's.


Anyway, H110 loads would be ideal, but any other powders you guys like would be appreciated also.  I have searched through a number of places, and have some ideas, but none of them load the lead SWC to faster velocities, and Hornaday hasn't done a lot with the FTX in the maximum.

Thanks,
--Carl

[Jimbo47]

I found a load for mine using IMR4227 using 18.2 grains under a 180 grain Hornady XTP bullet.

Just got back from shooting it today, and hadn't shot it since last December when I shot a mature doe at 125 yards knocking here to the ground on the spot with a shot at the base of the neck with a  clean pass through.

Like I said I shot her today and she still wants to shoot one ragged hole at 100 yards, but I'd only let her do 1" but she tried.

[bajabill]

I found a few references to 21gr of H110 with 180s.  I only get about 1950 fps.  Then I found in the Lyman book  22gr of H110 and 180 gr bullets.  I worked up to that and am happy with about 2050 fps now.  It also said 21gr for 200 gr bullets.  My gun is very accurate with the Hornady 180gr XTP, they are still reasonably priced too.  I just shot my last one so I need to restock.  These are some of the few choices I use that are still less than $20 for 100.


For what it was worth, I wanted this bullet to just about equal the 30-30 170 ME from the few 20 barrels I clocked.  I recall roughly 2100 fps from the carbine style rifles my friends have.  I also used RE7 and those velocities were much lower (1850)

[Badnews Bob]

Mine shoots best with 180gr slug and IMR4227 but AA1680 works very well also, Those two seem to be the go to powder for the max. I get 2000fps out of mine with a 180 LBT style hardcast it will push them faster byt thats plenty for a lead bullet. I rarelly load jacketed bullets in my max anymore.

[pricecw]

Thanks, I do need to get some 180gr hard cast lead, the 180's seem to be the bullet to shoot in this rifle.  Cabela's here doesn't carry them from lasercast, need to look at Sportsman's Warehouse, or order them.

I remembered I have the RCBS load software, so I need to fire up that computer and look through that source, it's supposed to have the Lyman data incorporated, so hopefully it has a little more for the 158gr SWC.

I want to get these bbls out and shot, I am thinking of chopping one to 16.5", and leaving the other one alone.

--Carl

[pricecw]

I found a couple of loads for the 158gr SWC and H110 in the RCBS software, from the RCBS load book on there.  Anyway, going to try them out and see how they perform.

Thanks guys,
--Carl