Author Topic: 357 MAX load (Read 589 times)

Buddy in AK · « **on:** November 15, 2005, 07:57:31 AM »

I going deer hunting in AL and will take my Contender w/ 14" .357 Maximum barrel. I am reloading some 180 gr Hornady XTP loads. Just wondering what you Maximum shooters like for southern whitetails. Favorite Loads, bullets??

Buddy in AK

Oldsnow · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2005, 03:38:43 PM »

Healthy load of AA 1680, under Hornady's 180 gr. SSP.

PaulS · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2005, 08:37:35 AM »

The Speer 180 FN (for 35 Rem) 22 grains of W296 or H110 or 26 grains of AA 1680.
or the Hornady (3505) SSP spire point with maximum charge of 296 or H110. There is a bit less space with this bullet so the data can't used from the Speer manual (I don't have my Hornady manual with me) and I think that the smaller powder space acctually lowers the velocity with AA1680.

Any of these combos will give you 1800 fps at the muzzle and the bullets will perform at downrange velocities to 120 yards or so.

The Hornady bullet has slightly better ballistics and better penetration but the Speer is as accurate as any bullet I have fired through my Contender and expands better.

Will the deer know the difference? Not if you're a decent shot.

Buddy in AK · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:35:54 AM »

Thanks Guys, I have the 180 XTPs loaded up and I also have a box of the SSPs on the shelf. I need to get a different bullet seating die for the spire points.

PaulS - how do you seat yours. Lee said I could send in a bullet and they would make me one.

Buddy in AK

sawfish · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:48:22 AM »

I like the Sierra 200 gr. RNSP for deer, as it is fairly soft. The R-P 200 gr. RNSP is a little tougher and should be better for Black Bear, etc.. AA-1680 seems to be the powder to beat in this caliber, but the 357 Max is not hard to please. Most recommended powders give good accuracy and performance.