Load data for the 357 max

[mag41vance]

I've been testing loads for the 357 max, and can't seem to get that load that will group under an inch. So far slow cast bullets have been the best.
  Any suggestions?
   vANCe

[Bullseye]

Mine always liked 20gr of IMR 4227, but that was with 180 Gr XTP's.

[MAX HUNTER]

I've always used 20grains of H4227,180 grain XTP,small rifle primers.
Great hunting loads and silhouette round !  :-)

[PaulS]

Here is my favorite load:

Thompson Contender Super 14 357 Maximum

Weapon make   Thompson   
Bore-to-sight height (inches)   1.375
Weapon model   Contender   
Twist rate   1 in 17
Barrel length   14 inch   
Serial number   17xxxx

Case make   Remington
Cartridge head stamp   357 Maximum
Cartridge designation   357 Maximum
Trimmed length (inches)   1.6
Over-all length (inches)   2.24

Bullet make   Speer
Bullet weight (grains)   180
Bullet type                   Flat Nose
Ballistic coefficient   .245
Bullet diameter   .358

Powder make   Hodgdon
Powder type   H110
Powder charge weight (grains)   22.5.0
Wad (make and type)   None
Primer (make and type)   CCI 400

Recorded velocity(at 3 yards)   1845   
Muzzle velocity(FPS)   1854
Standard deviation(FPS)   12   
Extreme spread(FPS)                   41
Sight-in-range(yards)                   102   
Group size(at 25 yards)   .375

The bullet expands well at the velocity out to 125 yards.

PaulS

[haroldclark]

I have an Excel Spreadsheet with all my accuracy testings with the 357 Maximum cartridge in a 14" Contender.  The tests are out to 100 yards.

My favorite and best loads are with the RCBS 200 or Saeco 200 Grain gas checked cast bullets.  I used Wheel Weights with 2% tin added to enhance the mold filling.

17 grains of IMR 4227 or H 4227.

Send me your email address and I will send you a copy of my spreadsheet.  You must have Microsoft Excel to read it though or a reader version of Excel.

Harold Clark
haroldclark@citlink.net