Which primers for 357 max?

[tcoggins]

Gents - I am starting to gather components to reload 357 max, and have found conflicting info regarding the primers to use.  One manual states small pistol, and another states small rifle and small rifle magnum.


Not sure which powder and bullet I will be using, but most likely 158 or 180 grain bullets, with h4227 or aa1680 powder.  Any idea which primer would be best?


Thanks.


Tim

[YRUpunting?]

I use small rifle primers in mine.  I'm not hung up on brand, I buy what the local guy has cheapest.  The advantage of AA1680 is the low pressure in the Maxi, a lot lower pressure compared to other powders.  Hopefully the lower pressure will lead to longer case life.  If you are planning to hunt deer sized game (CXP2) stay away from the 158 gr bullets, they act like varmint bullets at Maxi speeds.  180 or 200 grain bullets seem to be the best.  The link below has the 180's about as inexpensive as you will find them.  They work well for me.  Other people have had good results with the 180 or 200 gr xtp's.  I've not tried them yet.  With the 180 SSP seat it way out with a OAL of 2.35".  That's the OAL given by Accurate.


http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=002853505B100

[cwlongshot]

I have been using Remmington SR Match primers because I got a deal on allot of them! But CCI SR and SRM are also good choices. 

As for bullets I agree steer clear of the 158 HP's for deer hunting. If you must have a LWT try the XTP FP FROM HORNADY. another I like is the Speer 170 GD bullet. The. The 180 XTP and my favorite the 180 SSP HORNADY.
For powders I use AA1680 the most but H110 and 4227 are also good choices. Let your gun deside!

Good luck,
CW

[nova71]

I would go with the rifle primer, the first batch I loaded for my 357Max I used pistol primers and it punches holes in the primer, wasn't a hot load so shouldn't have done it, I think pistol primers are too thin.

[45-70.gov]

my first batch was pistol primers...got 30 done...then decided to research it....[don't say it]


some  loads  were rifle  others were pistol  according to load data



quite a few  of mine  blew holes in the primers


the rest are  now  small  RIFLE

[tcoggins]

Thanks for the info, guys.  I will try to find small rifle primers.  I doubt I will deer hunt with this, mostly will be plinking.


Thanks.


Tim

[Doublebass73]

I use CCI small rifle benchrest since that is what my local store had. My rifle likes the 180 SSP over Lil'Gun and the 158 XTP/FP over a starting load of IMR-4227.