Author Topic: W296 for the 357 max (Read 686 times)

vick · « **on:** May 27, 2004, 10:43:51 PM »

I finally got some brass in, and I'm raring to go. I had to order so AA1680, as no one around here had any. So, instead of twiddling my thumbs and going nuts, I foumd a load using W296. Has anyone tried this powder for the max? I've loaded up a few testers from 19.0grns to 20.5grns with the 180grn XTP. I'll let yall know how it works out. I don't have a chrono so I'll only be testing for accuracy.
Also, does anyone have a good practice load with 158grn swc's? I got I boatload that were given to me, and I don't want to burn up all my XTP's playing :grin:

Once I get this figured out, my next adventure is a 38 special load with 130grn fmj's for plinking/small game.

mag41vance · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2004, 12:30:59 AM »

So far w296 is my favorite powder for the max using jacketed bullets.
H-4227 seems better for cast.

Those cast loads you might try 12.5 gr of H-4227.
.38 spcl 148 gr hbwc over 2.8 gr bullseye. (Very accurate)
Small pistol primers work fine on the .38's but the max needs small rifle primers.

Good luck,
vance

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2004, 07:33:59 AM »

Have any of you tried 200 or heavier bullets in these 357 barrels? Was wondering if they stabilize them.

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2004, 08:14:09 AM »

I've used several 200 grain bullets and have had no trouble stabilizing them, but I was driving them with the 357 Max case, not the magnum. I would be pretty sure that even at magnum velocities, the 200's will stabilize. You will probably have to find data for the Contender to find any using bullets this heavy.

vick · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2004, 08:17:19 AM »

Wel I gave it a try. I wasn't overly excited about the groups, but I didn't have any signs of excess pressure. This was a concern to me, because I had read that W296 is tempermental. All the primers still had nice round edges and I didn't notice anything funny at the case mouths. Groups ran as follows at 50 yards:
19.0 2"

19.5 2.25" w/flyer

20.0 1.75"

20.5 2.125" I changed my rest in the middle of this load. After that three rounds went into 1.5"

These aren't very scientific. I was resting on the hood of my truck w/a duffle bag as a rest, and I used a ruler to measure the groups not a caliper. However, I did get a good idea of the load. I'm going to wait until the AA1680 comes in to really wring this one out. I'm sure with a proper rest these groups would have been better, but as is I wouldn't be scared to take a shot at a deer out to 100 yards, given good circumstances. At the worst, I've found a good practice powder as I had two pounds of this given to me. One thing I did notice is that the POI dropped about 3" once I hit the 20.0 and 20.5 loads.

Handi,
I found this around. I haven't tried it and can't state how it shoots, if it's safe, or whether or not it's worth a dern. OK disclaimer over. there seemed to be some fairly high opinions of the load where I found it. Might give it a try.

25 gr. Rel 7 and 200 gr. Hornady RN for sub MOA

handirifle · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2004, 08:42:03 AM »

Thanks
I don't have the barrel yet, but if one comes available I'll snatch it up. I want to convert it to either 35 Rem or 356 Win (preferred), that was why I was asking for the 200gr reports.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2004, 04:48:08 PM »

Handi,

I have shot all the way from 125 gr to 250 gr in my .357. I normally shoot .360 DW's, but try .38 Special and .357 at times. I posted some groups with 250 gr cast gas checks from Beartooth today at this location
http://forums.handloads.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1061&PN=1&get=last#23934
There are also some .360 DW groups using 180 gr XTP/HP.

I shot some 158 gr LSWC home cast boolits a few days ago and got 1.62" groups at 50 yards. 4.0 gr Green Dot with CCI 500 in .38 Special brass. I killed a spray can 3 times at 100 yards and scared it real bad on the fourth shot with that load.