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Author Topic: .357 Max loads  (Read 894 times)

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Offline Goatwhiskers

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.357 Max loads
« on: October 28, 2010, 04:11:12 AM »
Glad to see we're back on line.  Been sitting around the shop thinking (potentially a bad thing) and came up with a question in theory.  Putting together a .357Max that will have a 24" one in 16" barrel and was thinking about my limited loading info is pistol loads with powders from the "pistol" or faster end of the burning spectrum.  I do show a couple loads of RL7 and A1680, but would it be practical to go slightly slower, say just for example Ball C-2?  Might be wrong, but seems as though a slightly slower powder would work better in the longer barrel.  Of course, too slow means powder blown out the end.  Anybody tried something along this line?  Goatwhiskers
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2010, 05:20:06 AM »
Seems that most folks really pushing the limit with the 357 Max are using AA1680.  And a lot of them have put their barrels on SB-2 frames for the higher pressure.   I am pretty sure I have seen compressed loads listed for AA1680 so not sure the case capacity of the 357 Max is sufficient for the slower powders.

Good luck with your Maxi project. 


BB
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Offline petemi

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2010, 05:55:57 AM »
No Goat I haven't tried it.  I loaded 50 with 24.0 gr. H110 and Hornady 158 gr. JHPs.  They should be running over  2 grand of of a 16.5 inch barrel.  I haven't chronyed them yet, but they shoot very well.  To go along with Tom (BB), all my centerfire rifles, including the Max are on SB2 frames.....better safe than sorry.

Pete
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2010, 05:34:41 PM »
26-28 grains of AA1680 works really, really well in both of my Maxis. One's an Encore and the other is a Handi on a S2 frame. At 28gr, it's definitely compressed and could be with 26gr also. SOME people have had GOOD results with other powders, but MANY people have had GREAT results using AA1680. ;)

It's pretty hard to beat that Hornady 180gr SS-PB too. ;)

Thanks, Dinny
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Offline rockrat

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2010, 05:49:45 PM »
I am using WC680 and it works best with bullets over 220gr.  Otherwise, I use ww-680 for my jacketed loads using the Rem 180gr JHP.  My rifle likes the RCBS 35-200 bullet over 2400 powder.  I also have a Mountain mould 235gr and an Old West 265gr cast, that the gun really likes.   2400 up to 200gr and the 680 for weights over that.
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2010, 06:01:07 PM »
Quote from: rockrat on October 28, 2010, 05:49:45 PM
I am using WC680 and it works best with bullets over 220gr.  Otherwise, I use ww-680 for my jacketed loads using the Rem 180gr JHP.  My rifle likes the RCBS 35-200 bullet over 2400 powder.  I also have a Mountain mould 235gr and an Old West 265gr cast, that the gun really likes.   2400 up to 200gr and the 680 for weights over that.

Are you using bullets intended for the 35 Whelen or another similar 35cal? Reading it more closely, I guess those heavy bullets are cast and operating velocities aren't as crucial, no expansion.

Thanks, Dinny
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2010, 08:32:49 AM »
Quote from: Dinny on October 28, 2010, 05:34:41 PM
26-28 grains of AA1680 works really, really well in both of my Maxis. One's an Encore and the other is a Handi on a S2 frame. At 28gr, it's definitely compressed and could be with 26gr also. SOME people have had GOOD results with other powders, but MANY people have had GREAT results using AA1680. ;)

It's pretty hard to beat that Hornady 180gr SS-PB too. ;)

Thanks, Dinny

That's a fact Dinny!!! I've been shooting 1680 and a SSP for better then ten years now!!! TOP performer!!

As for RL7 it's good too but it's so bulky you cannot get enough in the case to attain velocities worthwhile.

CW
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Offline dave29

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2010, 10:24:28 AM »
Dinny,

What primers are you using? I am using that same load with CCI 450's, but I am not against trying something else.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2010, 02:52:51 PM »
Quote from: dave29 on October 29, 2010, 10:24:28 AM
Dinny,

What primers are you using? I am using that same load with CCI 450's, but I am not against trying something else.

I like Remington small rifle match as a first choice. But I've shot my share of 450's too

CW
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2010, 05:39:25 PM »
Quote from: dave29 on October 29, 2010, 10:24:28 AM
Dinny,

What primers are you using? I am using that same load with CCI 450's, but I am not against trying something else.

I am using the CCI 400s.

Thanks, Dinny
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Offline original

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2010, 11:01:20 AM »
i think i may have posted something without looking at this one more closely.   what are some good factory bullets people have been using and is there a certain weight the handi seems to like?  thanks again. 
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #11 on: October 31, 2010, 05:37:14 AM »
Hornady 180 grn SSPs and hp/xtps seem to work in most 357 maxis.
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RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

Why be difficult, when with a little extra effort you can be impossible?

Wife's Handis;  300 BLKOUT

MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 Max loads
« Reply #12 on: October 31, 2010, 11:59:59 AM »
Quote from: original on October 30, 2010, 11:01:20 AM
i think i may have posted something without looking at this one more closely.   what are some good factory bullets people have been using and is there a certain weight the handi seems to like?  thanks again. 

Reed's Ammunition is very good ammo and that's the closest you're gonna get to factory ammo. Try his 170gr Speer load, I have heard great reviews.

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

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