OT - Back to my question (since I'm now wondering), could you load .35 rifle bullets in the 357 Max cases?
Just to clarify,
YES, the use of .358 dia bullets in the 357 maxi is perfectly safe, as long as published data is followed and pressure signs are adhered to. As Stimpy & Yukondog said, they actually work better then most .357 mag bullets and they are built for the higher velocities the maxi fired from a rifle barrel can achieve.
One of our favorites in the Maxi is the Hornady SSP 180 bullet. The aforementioned Speer 180 FP is another good one! Personally I find bullets over 180 are not the best for a hunting projectile. the one exception may be the Hornady 200 FTX. IF its like the others in the FTX line it will expand readily at the slightly lower velocities. It shoots very good in my maxis I just have not shot any game to date with it. I can personally attest that the Hornady SSP, Speer 170 GDSP, Speer 180 FP and Hornady's 180XTP pistol bullet all work wonderfully on deer sized game at appropriate yardages.
The one thing you will find is 99% of the data out there is for pistol length barrels. Don't worry allot about this, it will be perfectly safe, just optimized for the shorter barrel. Powders like 4227, RL7 and AA1680 are excellent. H110, 296 and 2400 work as well but are not as efficient as the slower powders. may be just as accurate, just not as efficient in longer barrels.
Good luck,
CW