Best Bullet for hunting with the .357 max.

[AllOutdoors.22]

Just wondering everyone's opinion on their favorite bullet for the .357 max. Or any .35 caliber really?

[Djones]

All for hunting
357 mag NOE 360180 wfn
35 rem ranchdog 190
358 win 358318 FN

I don't have a max but I bet the ranchdog or rcbs 35-200 would be good

[MT Gianni]

RCBS 200, Lt 358627, 180 fn all work well depending on twist.

[Djones]

Shot at 50 yards.

[Beerd]

It's hard to beat a 180gr WFN bullet in the 357 Maximum.
Revolver or single shot?
And WELCOME TO THE FORUM!
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[AllOutdoors.22]

Thanks for the welcome Beerd...it is a 24" Encore barrel. Some great recommendation so far...does Lee make any good molds? Thanks for all the replies!

[AllOutdoors.22]

I also should mention that I have no experience with sizing or gas checks yet...I am assuming I will need to learn both for the Max ?

[Djones]

Lee doesn't have anything bigger than 158 grain in 35 caliber.

If you want to run 357 max velocities you will probably need a GC.

[Beerd]

Lee makes a bunch of dandy moulds. Unfortunately their catalog does not include a 35 caliber rifle bullet offering, and you really need a 180 grain or heavier bullet for your Encore.

Since Lee made the original "Ranch Dog" moulds maybe you can start a write-in campaign to have them add the 359-190 RF to their lineup. I'll bet there are quite a few 35 Rem & 357 Max shooters who would invest $20 in one.
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[AllOutdoors.22]

I think I just might do that. I am not familiar with the "Ranch Dog" but I will get familiar with it if it will work in my .357 Max.

[AllOutdoors.22]

This Is 3 separate loads I tried the other day. I would love to get these results with a cast bullet

[AllOutdoors.22]

8

And this is what she looks like ready to hunt!

[Hamish]

(ahem)

The 360-235 Thor over 2400,,,,,,,

[Beerd]

Ranch Dog is the screen name of a dedicated levergun shooter and bullet designer.

His bullet for the .356 Win looks like this:

http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/bin/...let/sketch.jpg

That 360-235 Thor is mighty interesting but in my opinion is a little heavy for the Max.
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[AllOutdoors.22]

That looks pretty good...so if I understand correct this is a tumble lube bullet also? Is there a benefit from the Tumble lube versus a bullet with lube grooves?

[Beerd]

Yes, it's a tumble lube (TL) bullet intended for use with Lee Liquid Alox (LLA).
The "advantage" is one less piece of equipment to buy.

Keep reading. Do a search, check out the Stickies.
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ps
Nice rifle. You shoot it well.
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[AllOutdoors.22]

I like the idea of using a tumble lube bullet. Like you said less equipment to buy. But do you think that it will hold up at the velocities the .357 max. can deliver?

[leftiye]

I agree with the idea that tumble lube boolits (especially with the lubes used) may lack whatitneeds for top velocities and accuracy. JMHO.

Ranch dog's designs may be the exception to this.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
My rule of thumb is heavy for caliber, large flat nose, the softest mix that yet supports launch velocity and base pressure, get as close as possible and put it through both lungs to include the heart if possible. If I know for sure I will try to bust shoulders I use WW aircooled with 2% tin but still the large flat nose.
I hunt river bottoms so all my shooting is close. My longest corn cruncher to date is 34 yards. Most are 20 yards and under. I actually set the fur of a doe on fire once with my caliber .58 Zuoave. That is when I predomonently went back to recurves.
Mike in Peru

[MT Gianni]

Ranch dog 35 cal designs are also available from NOE and Accurate molds.