Shooting 357 Maximum Cast Boolits from a rifle

[watkibe]

I like to develop at least one cast bullet load for every gun I own, so my newly reamed Maxi H&R barrel needed one too. I got an idea of the type of bullet I wanted to use from Steve over on 357maximum.com His were from Lyman molds,
but I found what I wanted from Lee, their TL358-158-2R. They give this bullet a BC of .207, much higher than most SWC designs. BTW, with my alloy, the mold throws bullets weighing about 165 grains. I got the mold and cast and lubed a bunch. I could find no published data for this type of load, so I used the maximum charge weight of Unique for the 357 Magnum cartridge in my Maximum cases. It's been too dark and overcast here for the Chrony to work, but groups are starting to show promise.

[runfiverun]

much like you i developed a load for the revolver.
using the saeco 250gr boolit and aa-2230 powder.
it's different anyways, it would be excellent in a rifle.
hopefully i can find one, or make one like you did.

[Dutch4122]

I too have an H&R Handi Rifle reamed from .357 Magnum to .357 Maximum. So far I have shot the LBT 360-210-LFNGC (218 grns) over IMR-4227 with very good results. Velocities were chronographed in the mid-1800's; and groups were 1.5 inches at 100 yards. What I did when researching load data for my rifle was to stick with published .357 Maximum CONTENDER data, and load no hotter. So far that has served me well.

Hope this helps, :D

[nitroproof]

What is the twist rate in the Handi Rifles? I have rebarreled Martini Cadet w/ 1-22 twist. I have have found the Remington 140 JHP the most accurate. Am looking for a cast boolit to try.

[watkibe]

What is the twist rate in the Handi Rifles? I have rebarreled Martini Cadet w/ 1-22 twist. I have have found the Remington 140 JHP the most accurate. Am looking for a cast boolit to try.

Hey nitro, the numbers I get for H&R twist rates are as follows:

.357 Mag - 1 in 18¾" or 1:15½"
.357 Maxi - 1 in 18¾"
Hope that helps
Bruce

[rockrat]

If you can get some, try the 35-200 RCBS bullet over 2400 powder. My rifle will do about 1.5"@100yds and close to 2300fps.