What primers to use for the 357 Max Handi ?

[watkibe]

What is the usual practice with reloading the 357 Maximum ? Pistol or rifle primers ? Standard or magnum primers ?
I was going to do what I do with the 357 mag, small pistol for moderate loads using Unique, and small pistol magnum primers for slow burning powders like H110.
I have noticed that some folks do otherwise. Is there a "current wisdom" on the subject ?
Thanks !

[kingj]

With H-110 I have gotten excellent results small pistol magnums and with R-7 I use small rifle standards with good results.

[Datil]

 I use small rifle total if it is to be in NEF/H&R rifle.
 Even 38 spl and mag brass.
 
 Datil

[geezer56]

About the time the Obamania hit reloading supplies, I stopped by a pawnshop, and Lo and Behold, the guy had 10K Rem. small rifle primers.  Price was $18.95 per K, but he said if I'd take them all, $150 out the door.  Guess what I use in everything requiring a small primer?  No issues so far, just load down about 10% and work up slow.

[yukondog]

sm. rifle primers

[bikerbeans]

I am using Federal Small Pistol Mag Primers with H110 and Hornady 180 & 158 grain HP/XTP.  No FTFs or blown primers.  This barrel is on the factory fit SB1 frame. 

BB

[steve@357maximum.com]

I always use small rifle primers in .357 Maximum, but I do not shoot reduced .38 Special/.357 Mag. level loads in my Max. Rifle.  I think for safety sake, if you exceed .357 Magnum pressures, you should use rifle primers.  I favor CCI 450's when igniting a case full of AA1680.  Steve

[petemi]

Steve, it is good to hear from you.  Thanks for the input.

Pete

[dave29]

CCI 450's here as well.

[cwlongshot]

As some of you know, I love the MAXI!!! 
  I have tried about all available powders in my years with the Maximum. Every gun is different and what works in mine may not in yours. Mine is a factory marked 357 MAXI.
 
 In my gun AA1680 is tops. A number of other powders where close. Like, RL7. It works well with the heavier bullets, but its also pretty bulky and you simply cannot get enough into the case. H110 and its twin W296, AA#9 and Lil gun are good ones to try as well.

As for primers, Remington Small Rifle match is my #1 choice. But I have touched off more than my share of CCI 400s too. Forget about the pistol primers, stick with the Small Rifle primers. I haven't seen the need for the magnum primers.

Bullets are another story. My #1 preference Is Hornady 180 SSP followed by the Hornady 180XTP and 158XTP FP, Speer 170 FPGD and the 180 Speer designed for the 35 Rem.

I have shot Small game and a number of deer with this round thru the years. With 1680 powder, my load and a SSP bullet will be a bit explosive at very close range on large bones. But I have never lost or even had a deer run from a good shot with one. 180 ans 158 FP XTP are also excellent killers. FORGET about any other 158 or lighter for big game. They can be down right explosive on wood chucks!!

CW

[mrcoolid]

watkibe

I am using 19 gr of 2400 and federal 205 primers with 180 wfngc cast performance boolits in my max. It is a little faster burning powder that I have been working up loads with. I have not shot this through my chrony yet. This combo is very accurate at 50 and 100 yds. The 180 cp boolit is a bone breaking 2 holer for deer.

Note: With any load you read on the net or in a manual, start at the min. and work your way up, looking for pressure signs as you go. Think safety first. then have fun...

Mike

[bikerbeans]

CW,

I am glad someone else is out there shooting small game with a 357 Maxi.  Mine is now my go to fox squirrel gun.

BB

[watkibe]

Thanks for the numerous helpful replies !
While I'm waiting for the reamer to arrive (on Monday, yay !), I bought a box of Hornady 140gr FTX and tried a few in 357 magnum cases through my Handi. Results were gratifying. The 200 grain version of the same bullet looks interesting, as do the 180gr SSP, and the 180gr XTP. Actually, my cast 158gr SWCTL bullets performed pretty well also.

[togojeff]

I only use small rifle primers on my 357 mag handi rifle after having this happen to a small
pistol primer.


I have since reamed to 357 maxi and of course only use small rifle for that as well.


http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,190199.msg1098952553.html#msg1098952553

[watkibe]

I found that I have a box of CCI small rifle magnum primers. I have always wondered what their intended use is. Anybody know ?
...they might be good for slow powders in the 357 Maxi Handi?

[Dinny]

I found that I have a box of CCI small rifle magnum primers. I have always wondered what their intended use is. Anybody know ?
...they might be good for slow powders in the 357 Maxi Handi?

I wouldn't use the magnum primers. But then again, I don't use magnum primers for anything at all.

Thanks, Dinny

[cwlongshot]

I found that I have a box of CCI small rifle magnum primers. I have always wondered what their intended use is. Anybody know ?
...they might be good for slow powders in the 357 Maxi Handi?

I wouldn't use the magnum primers. But then again, I don't use magnum primers for anything at all.

Thanks, Dinny

Watkibe,
 Sure you could use them, back off the charge at least 10% and try them. But as Dinny and I mentioned, you really do not need them. If its what you got, by all means use them!! 

 Personally, I use SR magnum primers in my 454 loads.

CW