24" bbl 357max range report

[Neutron]

Well I tried out the 357 max carbine with 24" barrel and some Lil Gun powder with 180gr XTPs.  Seated bullets a little long to the first cannalure, got a little over 2100fps still under the max in Hornady 5th manual and saw no sign of excess pressure.  Could maybe push it to 2200fps if I wanted to.  Heck if I use the Dan Wesson revolver data I could go a couple of more grains and maybe push it even faster but I don't see a real need to.  Is 2100fps way too fast for that bullet or will it hang together in a critter?  I did finally find some of the 180gr 35 cal speer fp bullets so I know I can work up a top end load for them later.  Just debating on whether to keep the XTPs down around 1800 to 1900 fps in case I use them for hunting hogs or something before I get the other loads worked up.   Thanks
Neutron

[Dragon31]

Neutron:

Nice report.  As to your question about the 180 gr Hornady SSP holding up at carbine velocities. I don't know, here's why.  This year my buck came at 30 ft, both of us were on the ground.  Looking at me the bullet entered the bucks left front shoulder breaking the joint and angled into the lung just under the back bone and disintergrated.  The velocity at 30 ft had to be close to 1800 ft per second when it hit the heavy bone and it did not hold togather.  In the past I have put the same bullet through at least 8 other deer at ranges from 30 yards to 170 yards The bullet almost always exited the animal in straight lung shots and in a high looking down on the back shot it has always went straight through.  I think the Max is a heck of a round and use it more than any of the other barrels that I own and I'm still looking for a good buy on a carbine barrel.

[Daveinthebush]

I got on a list at the NEF Forum site.  One guy bought the reamer and for $10 he is renting it out to those interested.  The reamer comes with oil, instructions and everything that you need.  It takes about 10 minutes to had ream a NEF barrel from .357 Mag. to .357 Max.  I am waiting right now for it to arrive in Valdez as I have an NEF and a Contender to do.

Easy way to get the Max.!

[Neutron]

The info on the SSP is interesting.  I got the frame and barrel from Ed of Ed's contenders, you might check and see what he can get you one for.  Mine is a TC custom shop barrel and it has a long throat.  I can't say anything about accuracy yet, need to play with it some more.

[unspellable]

Neutron,

Is your TC barrel chambered for 357 Maximum or 357 Super Mag?  I shoot the 357 Super Mag.  Nominal case length for the Max is 1.605", for the Super Mag 1.610", not much difference.  I buy Winchester Max brass and find it actually measures 1.610".  The main difference in the two cartridges is that the OAL of the Super Mag is longer allowing the bullet to be seated farther out.  A nominal OAL Super Mag will not chamber in a Ruger 357 Max revolver.  In a single shot the difference would appear as a longer throat.
 
Yes, I know the Dan Wesson is marked 357 Max, but it has always actually been chambered for the Super Mag.  Who knows why it's marked 357 Max?

<<<
The info on the SSP is interesting. I got the frame and barrel from Ed of Ed's contenders, you might check and see what he can get you one for. Mine is a TC custom shop barrel and it has a long throat. I can't say anything about accuracy yet, need to play with it some more.Neutron, >>>

[Neutron]

Its in 357 Remington Maximum, but the throat is long.

[bull]

If your having trouble with bullets staying together why not try a good hard cast lead bullet? Maybe even with gas checks.  I found some nice ones at   bonusbullets.com   180 grain gas checked. I use their 44 gas checked bullets in my blackhawk and contender, as well as my rifle.

[bull]

Ooops!! I goofed. The gas checked 180gr.  .357 bullets were at

rockislandballistics.com

Sorry for the goof.