smokin54s .223 loads and 357 max

[Smokin54]

This thread was started so I would not change the subject of someone elses question .

It was heading in the direction of discussion on the loads I use in my encore rifle that deliver sub 1/2 Moa and deliver sub moa in a 14 inch contender . The load consists of winchester primer ,27 grains of Blc-2 and a Vmax bullet with a COL of 2.275 loaded in lake city brass timed to 1.750 , I reduce the load by 1.5 grains for the contender .
These loads have been found safe in my guns but you have to decide whats safe in your gun , reduce your load and work up accordingly.

The other direction this thread was heading was a discussion of the 357 max loads .
I have tried alot of different loads in my 357 max and Have not found any that I find acceptable ,The best so far is about 2 inches at 50 yards . I have not given up yet . I have another batch of reloads ready to go now using 4227 powder starting loads
1 consistant problem I have had is cases that stick and this is with starting loads ,This can be as few as 1 or 2 out of 50 or more but the speer data seems to be way to hot for my barrel and I have had to pull loads.
I have to admit that I am running out of ideas on this barrel.

[MF]

Smokin54,

You're gonna like that 4227, that's where I get my most accurate loads. I've been using it with Hornady 180sspb, Nosler 180 silhouette, and Sierra 158jsp. I've been getting 1" groups with the 180sspb usually with two holes touching and the third a flyer. (not always  on the third shot) If I didn't have a built-in wiggle factor they would probably be better. :lol:

[Smokin54]

I have been using a crimp on all my 357 maximum loads . Should i try these same loads without a crimp ?

[HHI-7420]

Smokin54, don't know anything about the max, but I use reloader 7 in my .375win and was wondering if it would possibly work in the max. Who knows.  Pat

[Bullseye]

My 357 Max likes IMR 4227, CCI Mag Rifle Primer and a 180 gr XTP.  I think the max likes full power loads best.  I am not going to tell you how much IMR 4227 I use because it was below the max in the old Hornady book but is now above the max in the new book.

With this load mine will hit golf balls all day long at 50 yards in a 10" tube.

[Gregory]

Smokin54
Are you using small rifle primers for your 357 Max?  I've got accurate loads using IMR4227 180 gr hornady XTP and CCI BR small rifle primers.

296 powder with the above components also gives very good accuracy and higher velocity too.

Greg

[Smokin54]

Yes ,I am using small rifle primers.
The part tht has given me some concern is the sticking cases  even using starting loads , The extracter pulls the case out of the chamber but it wont easyly come the rest of the way out . I get this on 1-2 and sometimes more cases out of 20 and this prevents me from working up beyond starting loads. There are no other signs of pressure though.

[Pie-bald]

My 357 Max loves a max charge of H110 which is 21grs. I load it using CCI450 primers and Hornady 180gr XTP loaded to the bottom groove of the bullet. Mine is a Super 14" and with aBurris 1.5x4 it'll shoot a ragged hole at 50yds and keep em' in a 1.25 dot @ 100yds. It's also a deadly combo on deer. It impressed me this year on what it'll do on deer.  Smokin 54. What grain bullet do you use in your 223?

[MF]

Smokin54,
I put a light crimp on all my max loads and I use CCI 400 small rifle primers. Pay particular attention to your grip and where you rest the fore end when you shoot your groups as small variances will affect your groups in a big way. Good luck and don't give up yet!

[Graycg]

Smokin 54,
  Are you using Winchester Brass?  A few years ago, I had an entire lot of WW357 Max recalled because of some issues with the heads being too soft.  The brass did some of the same things that you mentioned.  I've never had a problem with the Remington brass, the federal Nickel brass I used long ago, didn't last as long as the Remington and I don't have of it left.  Just an idea...

regards,
 Graycg

[Smokin54]

I tried 4227 powder today and with the speer 180 grain bullet I shot a group at 50 yards with 8 out of 10 going into 1 1/2 inches ,This is something I think I can work from . I think part of the problem has been my hold . I have in the past used a locked arm with my .223 and hornet and got fantastic results but I think a bent elbow may be awsner with the maximum cartridge .It also has not seemed to like cast bullets or real light jacketed bullets .

[Pie-bald]

Wish I could go out and shoot today. We got about 16-18" on the ground and I got 8-10 foot snow drifts in my driveway!!!!!!

[Smokin54]

California has some of the Worst gun laws in the country , But we have some of the best weather in the country .
It was overcast and about 65 degrees today .I plan to hunt coyote next weekend in the desert about 75 miles from me , The forcasted weather is highs of 77 and lows in the mid 40s .

[Bullseye]

My goodness, after reading my post from last night, I see that I said I use a Mag Pistol Primer.  That is totally wrong, I use a CCI Mag Rifle Primer.  You guys are way to nice.  The post after mine asked the guy if he was using a Pistol primer.  Don't be nice, say Bullseye you ***** you had better be using a rifle primer because of the pressure.  I changed the post so no one will read it and get some bad info.

[Hopalong7]

My S-14 doesn't like any load less than close to max, or any bullet less than 180gr. Feed it 180's and a max load of either 4227's, H110, WW296, or best of all ( if you're lucky enough to still have some ) WW680 and it becomes a one holer.  Oops, I left out AA1680, It's supposed to be the same as WW680.  It does good but not as good as 680.   Smokin54, those few stickin cases have got to be a problem.  I assume you have checked brass length on these. Consistant loading practices???  I don't know.  Don't let me offend...just trying to help.  I'm not going to mention some of the stupid stuff that I catch me doing.  My Max also likes a crimp,especially w/ H110 and WW296.      GOOD SHOOTIN',   Walt

[Smokin54]

I make every effort to get consitant loads , check overall length and make sure my powder charge is within .1 grains and the crimp is always the same . I appreciate the efforts of evrybody here !! I see all this as suggestions of what I possibly have overlooked .