Author Topic: Best .357 Max hunting load.  (Read 1787 times)

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Offline rockbilly

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Best .357 Max hunting load.
« on: October 04, 2009, 04:22:50 AM »
What is your most effective deer load for the .357 Max?

Offline kynardsj

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2009, 04:28:48 AM »
180 grain Hornady XTP over a load of 4227, H110 or Lil Gun will do the job on any whitetail you might run across within 200 yards or so according to how your rifle is sighted in.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.

Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2009, 07:05:03 AM »
I use 180 grain hardcast WFN GC over IMR4227.
Badnews Bob
AE-2 USN retired

Offline sixshot

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2009, 03:04:52 PM »
  I use a good dose of 2400 with a 205 gr LBT out of my Ruger 10 1/2" Maxie, shot 1 buck with it. Complete pass through at 108 yds, buck took 3-4 steps backwards & down.



Dick

Offline snowbelt45

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2009, 02:46:10 AM »
I agree with kynardsj, the Hornady 180 XTP is the way to go.  Have taken several deer out to 170 yards out of a MGM 14" contender setup and they performed flawlessly.  I used to load with 4227, but recently have switched to Lil' Gun, and have been pleased with the results.  Good luck and good hunting!
Steve B.

Offline burntmuch

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #5 on: October 07, 2009, 04:51:35 AM »
snowbelt. How much lil gun are you useing. Ive been using reloader 7, but been thinking about trying some lil gun?
I dont care what gun Im using as long as Im hunting

Offline kynardsj

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2009, 11:02:08 AM »
Go to the Hodgdon website and they will show you the loads for the Max with their powders including Lil Gun.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.

Offline Anduril

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2009, 11:33:44 AM »
Anyone load the Hornady 180 grain Spire Point Single Shot Pistol bullet?
My Contender shoots them pretty straight and they look kind of cool in a Max case.
..

Offline mechanic

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2009, 11:36:31 AM »
Anyone load the Hornady 180 grain Spire Point Single Shot Pistol bullet?
My Contender shoots them pretty straight and they look kind of cool in a Max case.
..


I got a bunch of these left over from my Dad's contender days.  357 Herrett I think.  Been looking for a source for more.  I haven't shot a deer with them yet, but you are correct, they sure look mean loaded!
Molon Labe, (King Leonidas of the Spartan Army)

Offline Anduril

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #9 on: October 08, 2009, 04:07:04 AM »
mechanic,
Hornady still makes the 180 gr SSP, it's listed as part number 3505 under rifle bullets.
I just bought a box yesterday at Sportsmans Warehouse.

Offline mechanic

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Re: Best .357 Max hunting load.
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2009, 11:08:54 AM »
mechanic,
Hornady still makes the 180 gr SSP, it's listed as part number 3505 under rifle bullets.
I just bought a box yesterday at Sportsmans Warehouse.

Thanks......!
Molon Labe, (King Leonidas of the Spartan Army)