180 or 158 gr for the 357 max

[irold]

Ok , all you 357 Max shooters :   I've been trying to work up a load for the Max. I'm shooting a 10" Contender ,  so far it shoots pretty well with both 158 and 180 gr Horn XTP's.  Seems like every manual I pick up has different advice for bullets.  One says :  the 158 gr shouldn't be used on deer sized game....its blows apart, or damages the bullet base due to the high pressure.  I'm wondering if I'm pushing the 180 fast enough for expansion on deer    Also, keep in mind I attempt to keep my inventory at a minimum, hence 158 XTP could be used in my 357 mag....the 180 would be exclusive to the Max.   Same goes for powder, I use a lot 296. I'd prefer to stay with that powder in the Max.   I don't have a chorograph, so according to the books I pushing the 180 XTP around 1650 to 1700 FPS. My Contender seems to like the 158 XTP,  It shoots tighter groups.  I'm not looking for specific loads, more what bullet weights are you guys using for deer sized game.  I already found out I cant zero and use both loads with out adjusting the scope elevation....huge difference in elevation, even at 50 yds.  So I'll pick one based on your input .....Thanks Mike

[Lone Star]

The 158s will kill deer okay - but the 180s are a better all-around choice.  The heavier bullets give deeper penetration on angling shots and will expand just fine at your velocity.  Hornady recommends muzzle velocities between 650-2200 fps for this bullet.  H110/W296 is a fine powder to use with either bullet.  Most guys I knew who used the Maxi on game used 180-grain bullets.  The Hornady 180SSP was very popular and for longer ranges is probably a better choice than the XTP bullet.

.

[irold]

Lone Star, Good deal , I appreciate you response.  You gave some Horn. recommended velocities for the 180 gr XTP, Where do you find that sort of data ??  I've looked on their web, I've got their new manual, can't find it there either ??  The SSP verses the XTP,  I assume SSP is Single Shot Pistol ??  Good info, Guess I'll try out the 180's this season.  The 180's give me 1 to 1.5 grps at 50 yards, then open up to 3-4 at 100........may be me also...I'm using a 2X Leo.  At 100 yds sometimes I have a little trouble with the eyes........even with the scope, things aren't as sharp as they once were !  The 158 XTP have been clover leafing at 50......haven't tried them at 100...Both shoot well for hunting !  Thanks again  Mike 

[blhof]

I have both a Dan Wesson and a TC 14" in 357Max.  I'vebeen using cast 180 and 200 flat points in both with kills out to 70 yds with the DW and 180 yds with the contender.  The cast bullets in both cases did complete pass throughs from broadside shots with ample exit holes.  Neither deer moved very far from impact.  I prefer 4227 as i had scored a great deal on 8 lbs a few years ago and just ran out.  I've used to load 357 mags with the heavier bullets.

[Grumulkin]

I shoot 158 grainers in my 357 Herrett.  The velocity is just a little above what you would get with a 357 Maximum.  Hornady XTPs were good enough to take a Black Wildebeest so they should work fine on deer as well.  Expansion was great and there was no jacket/core separation.

[irold]

Again, thanks for the info.  As you stated, Grum.. I thought the 158 XTP would do fine also....believe it was the Sierra manual, said about not recommending the 158 gr for the Max....the lightest weight for them was the 170 I believe.  Wonder if the old "wet phonebook" test would give me an idea of how the bullet is performing ?  I'd kinda like to use the 158 over the 180...as stated before, keeps my inventory to a minimum.  If they work well in your Herret, I'd think they'd work in the max...as you said ,  your a few hundred f.p.s. faster...at least.    Thanks again  Mike

[Blammer]

I'd go with the 180.

I shoot 180's out of my 360 Dan Wesson, with good speed and accuracy.

If you meet bone, the 180's will penetrate farther.

[Catfish]

I have killed 4 deer in the last 3 years with a .357 max. and 158 gn. XTP Hornadys. All were  lung shots and all destroyed the the bullets, I mean total separation. If you put the 158`s through the side they do alot of damage inside, but the would not have near the penetration for a shot from the rear. The 170 gn. Sierra`s are just as bad as the 158 XTP`s. If your not going to be able to pick your shots and want something other than a side shot go to a FN bullet. I`ve been considering that so I can take so of those longer shots and those not straight through the side.

[sawfish]

The Max originally made its hunting reputation with 158 gr R-P JHP bullets, which to my knowledge was the only factory loading available in JHP.  However, these were NOT the same 158 gr R-P JHP bullets which are currently so readily available in bulk.  Remington designed a special 158 gr JHP for the Max that was much tougher than the soft 158 grainers made today, and had a more streamlined profile. 

I bought my last .357 Max 158 grainers from Midway a few years back.  So far as I know, those bullets were dropped from the Remington component line some years ago, and the remaining supply has long been exhausted.  You might find some at a garage sale, gun show, or a gun shop that is going out of business.  [An all too frequent occurrence these days.]  Compared to the standard 158 gr, the Max bullet had a  more rounded nose.     

[dstegjas]

Irold,
I have been trying to make the same decision you are for a while now. I finally decided on the Remington 180gr. SJHP. I looked at all the different 170 and 180 grain bullets out there. Both in hollow point and soft point. The Remington 180 gr. SJHP seemed to have everything going for it. The lead hollow point is not jacketed for faster expansion and a good base for good penetration. I will be pushing it out of a 15" Contender @ approx. 1800 fps. I will find out this year how it works for me. I will be using it during deer season. I put a picture of it below. It came from the Remington website along with the description.


Remington - 180 grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP)

Remington description - Features a unique scalloped jacket design engineered to combine optimum expansion with controlled penetration for maximum energy transfer.