IMR Trail Boss & 357 Maximum

[7-30 Waters]

For those who shoot the 357 Maximum, has anyone developed any loads using IMR Trail Boss?  The bullets I will be shooting from my 12" 357 Maximum are as follows: 

Lee Custom 180 grain  LFN w/GC
RCBS 205 grain  LFN w/GC
LBT 220 grain LFN w/GC

All bullets are cast from wheel weights, lubed and sized to .358 and water cooled to hardness of 22.

I have already e-mailed Hodgdon Powder Company and hope for a reply.  Hodgdon has data for about every pistol except the 357 Maximum and 445 Super Mag.

Thanks,

7-30 Waters

[skarke]

No, but there seems to be a pretty big resurgence in this older cartridge.  I'll keep checking back, because the 357 max might make a good short barrel contender cartridge that I am looking for for whitetail from a tree at short range.  Thoughts?

[Lloyd Smale]

Had a buddy that shot a super 14 in 357 max and killed a pile of deer with it. It was years ago and i dont remember his loads but he was using a 180 hard cast swc and they were right up there in energy (for what thats worth) with a 3030 carbine. Shot that gun years ago and it was a tack driver to boot.

[7-30 Waters]

sharke: 

This will be the first year I have totally committed to hunting deer with a handgun.  My gun has a long throat but really likes Hornady 180 XTP's and cast lead bullets that are designed for rifles.  I haven't tried any lighter weight bullets.  As for velocity and accuracy, the gun will run the XTP's at 1800 fps with a max charge of Win 296.  I have found the 357 Maximum shoots better when the bullets are crimped.  Better burn with long powder column.

From those who do have experience with the 357 Max as a tree stand gun.  Thunder of the gods is the best way I can describe it.  It will do anything a 44 mag can do.  Can't think of any other handgun cartridge I would have in the tree with the acception of a 10" 357 Herrett.  Always wanted one of those to.

7-30 Waters

[skarke]

"Thunder of the gods" is a great description!!!