357 handi maximum

[Deerhunter#1]

Looking at w296 with 180 rem sjsp what is a good peramiter for start and max loads. Hornady 180 xtp max is 21 grains per them at 1700 ft second with a 10 inck barrel. Mine is 18 1/2 so was thinking I would pick up an extra 200-250. That said I see people saying they get 23-2400 second with this combo all be it a 3 inch longer barrel. Is the 21 grain a conservative max and what has your experiences been going over that if at all possible?

[cwlongshot]

Afternoon,

First off, I do not know that bullet. Is it possible your mistaken and you mean Rem 180 scalloped jacket hollow point? If so I have used the bullet and find that at top maxi cel from a rifle it's too fragile. The only hollow point I recomend for hunting big game is the XTP.  And only then the 180 grain.  Another good bullet is the 158 FLAT POINT. I also like Speers 170 GDSP bullet.
IMHO the best bullet is the Hornady 180 SSP.
As for 296 powder, try it. Most find best results with AA1680. It gives top. El and usually excellent accuracy once you find the recipe your barrel likes.

I get almost 2200 from my 21" Maxi barrel using a 180 SSP bullet and AA1680 powder. Stay with a small rifle primer too.

LOTS of info in the H&R section of the board.

CW

[Deerhunter#1]

That is the bullet and am surprised of your findings. I just saw a side by side comparrison of that bullet with many of the pointy 358 bullets and they expanded very little. the hollow points expanded twice the size. The rem did shed from 180 down to 120 at 75 yards but a little less at 200. I think that is the bullet you are speaking of. I do want to load up some hornady xtp as they performed well also. Just want to get the most speed and flattness in shot whatever bullet I decide to use without giving up accuracy. some of the loads and speeds I here about have to be exceeding max to achieve them. I am going to use rem 7 1/2 primers.

[quickdtoo]

Here are some .358" terminal performance results from a 35 Rem, they include the 180gr SSP and Speer bullets at ~2300fps, for 357 Maxi rifle velocities, CW's recommendations are pretty much right on IMO. 

Tim

http://www.suitorsgarage.com/gunstuff/35remington/35rempart2.html

http://357maximum.com/developing-a-load/

[cwlongshot]

You did not say if your shooting targets or game...
 
If just targets, try what ever, targets will not care.
 
If big game is the target, steer clear of any HP sans the 180 XTP. Stay with SP bullets. ALL 357 bullets are designed for SHORT barrels... you will easillt get 400+ FPS over what a long barrel 357 mag will do. 358 bullets designed for the 35 Rem for example are very GOOD choices...
 
CW

[dpe.ahoy]

I need to work with mine this spring, had been using 158gr SP's up to now.  I have 180 gr hornady SSP's, XTP's and just scored on 180gr Nosler Partitions at 12.99 a box of 50, needless to say I bought all 10 boxes.    If I can get the accuracy out of them, I think they will be used up in my Maxie's.  I'll be working with 1680 and LilGun for the loading of the 180's.  I'm open to any other powder recommendations I may run accross.  DP

[cwlongshot]

I need to work with mine this spring, had been using 158gr SP's up to now.  I have 180 gr hornady SSP's, XTP's and just scored on 180gr Nosler Partitions at 12.99 a box of 50, needless to say I bought all 10 boxes.    If I can get the accuracy out of them, I think they will be used up in my Maxie's.  I'll be working with 1680 and LilGun for the loading of the 180's.  I'm open to any other powder recommendations I may run accross.  DP

NICE SCORE!!  I would like some of those myself!!
 
AA1680 has LONG been my @1 choice for the Maxi. Seems my findings have grown like wild fire!! EVERYONE uses it now!    I haven't had the best accuracy with Lil'gun and only reciently found my shorty likes H110 better. I have not chronographed it yet. I am curious.
 
I bought a box of those 357 Partitions to use in my Herrett some years back. IIRC I shot one buck with them. I did like them, just did not like the cost!! $13 a box is a good deal and I too would pay it! As you know, both the Hornady 180 XTP and SSP are proven great hunting Maxi bullets!
 
CW

[Deerhunter#1]

I hit the range for the first time with the max and what a fun gun to shoot. was surprised at the amount of drop at 100 yards the mag ammo had compaired to the max. almost 1 1/2 foot. loaded the 180 rems at 20, 20.5, 21 grains with w296. 21 was a hodgan listed max with 180 xtp so followed that with the rem bullets. all were acceptable but 21 was the best. that said the load isnt compressed and i had no signs of pressure issues. the rem 7 1/2 small rifle primers looked great.  that is my next question has anyone went with higher loads with this combo as the higher i got he better accuracy got with no signs of pressure evident and room in the case still left.