New Roller in .357 Max loading question

[moodyholler]

Can I load .357 max with my .357 mag dies? I just had my Remington 1 1/2 rollingblock sporter relined to this caliber and am itching to shoot it this weekend and dies wont be here until next week. Thanks, moodyholler

[Ben]

Should work just fine.

Same principle as loading 357 Mag. with 38 Special dies.

Ben

[Handgunr]

Yes, most .38/.357 dies will accept the .357 Max case.

Some companies, (only a couple I guess) show a different die set for that caliber. This would have everything to do with their sizing die if there is a difference at all. The issue would be (if at all) is whether it's cut deep enough to accept the .357 Max case or not. I don't think I've ever seen dies that wouldn't, but that's not saying there isn't dies out there that won't....get me ?

Just slowly run a lubed .357 Max case up into the sizing die and watch to see if you can run the base of the case up to standard limits without encountering any upper ridge, or ledge in the die that would stop the case.

In most situations, this will not occur, but better safe than sorry.

I have 3 sets and they all work just fine.

Take care,
Bob

[SharpsShooter]

Ya better get some fodder loaded for that thing and what ever else ya bring with ya.

SS

[moodyholler]

Thanks a bunch. First outing with Black Powder showed much promise! I want to load some of that new fangled smokeless stuff now. I am still sure it is a passing fad, but, have some 4227 and 158 RN FN LASERCAST slugs and want a starting load. I read on one of 357 MAXIMUM's posts to always use small rifle primers with the max. Is this a consensus? I used REMINGTOM small pistol with success with the BP loads last week. Thanks a bunch, moodyholler

[Handgunr]

MH,

Small rifle primers are required in the Maximum due to the pressures that are generated with smokeless powders. I don't know what pressures are produced with blackpowder, so I can't comment there.

Smokeless loads produce pressures up around 50,000 CUP, so rifle primers were used back when the cartridge was designed.

The .357 Max has always been my favorite round , ever since it's inception back in 1983. I bought one of the first 200 14" barrels for the Contender, and have loaded and shot just about everything imaginable through it. I've taken a lot of game with the round, and using heavier pistol bullets, it deliver's lightning like kills to deer.

4227 is a good cast bullet powder, and other's like 2400, W680/AA1680, and AA#9, are all good for cast bullets as well. Their burning curve is smoother, and their reaction in regards to cast bullets is more of a "push" than a shove.

Jacketed bullets can serve you better with powders like H110, W296 and Li'l Gun.

Hope this helps,
Bob

[Scrounger]

Had to edit my original post. The loading manuals always said to use pistol primers in the .357s and .44s even if you were loading them for a rifle. I've always assumed that the .357 Max was the same. I just checked two manuals and both say to use small rifle primers. Using small pistol wouldn't be a safety problem but you could not load as hot before the primer cups would pierce because they are thinner in pistol primers.

[Handgunr]

For what it's worth, the loading manuals always specify pistol primers for .357s and .44s. Since the .357 Max is loaded to the same pressure (about 40,000), I've always assumed it needed pistol primers too. I would imagine you could take either rifle or pistol primers and work up a good load. Consistency is the thing, if you developed a load using either one, stay with it.

Scrounger,

That's just it, the .357 Maximum is not loaded to .357 Mag, or .44 Mag pressure spec's.
SAAMI specs for the Maximum run up around 48k to 50k, whereas the other two are much lower. That's the reason for the small rifle primers.
If you're loading reduced loads in it, and you know your pressures are in the lower Magnum ranges, then I guess it's a choice whether to use pistol primer's or not.

To do so with the normal pressures that the Maximum operates at though, would (or could) result in pierced, or blown primers.

I don't load reduced loads in the Maximum, as I have the .357 Mag's and .38 Specials below that. Although my loads aren't always loaded to the hottest pressures, my hunting loads are close. Using a pistol primer in them, would be a guaranteed rupture.

Take care,
Bob

[Handgunr]

Using small pistol wouldn't be a safety problem but you could not load as hot before the primer cups would pierce because they are thinner in pistol primers.

Scrounger,

Just caught your edit....

Yeah, that's correct.....if you know your pressure levels won't exceed the pistol primers limits.....

I believe the .357 & .44 Magnum pressure area's run in the low to mid 40k range.


Bob

[357maximum]

I always always use SR primers in my max loads, but then again I stoke my loads and I would hate to think what my loads would do to a SP primer.

My original intention with the max was 35 rem ballistics while living with the "straightwalled Pistol" rule for southern michigan. I push my 180 grainers and the chrony tells me I am reaching and exceeding my initial goals of 35 rem velocities aqnd doing it with almost boring accuracy.

As for BP use you are on your own...I am no help on that one.

I will throw a big AHHHHHHHHHHHHMEN to the "Lighting Like KIlls" The max is simply amazing, much to the dismay of the Bucks/critters who end up residing in the freezer.

If I had to recommend "one" load to try to a new 357max man it would be a 180-200 grain(ish) Gaschecked boolit under 2* grains of Vhit N-120 and sparked by a remington 7.5 primer.

Good luck in the making of the stinky smoke

[Scrounger]

Has anyone tested loads using Reloader 7? I have several jugs of T-Ven which I think has the burning rate of Reloader 7. It's very good for .45-70 and I think it might be good in .357 Max.

[GrizzLeeBear]

My original intention with the max was 35 rem ballistics while living with the "straightwalled Pistol" rule for southern michigan. I push my 180 grainers and the chrony tells me I am reaching and exceeding my initial goals of 35 rem velocities aqnd doing it with almost boring accuracy.

Hey 357max., is your barrel a standard TC or a custom barrel? I've heard the TC "forcing cone" throat is not great for accuracy. But have also seen some people with TC barrels that shoot just fine.
I just posted a 357 Herrett barrel for trade in the Swappin/Sellin forum. The Herrett is a great shooter, but like you said, living with the straigth walled pistol rule, so I need me a maggie or a maxie barrel.

[MT Gianni]

Has anyone tested loads using Reloader 7? I have several jugs of T-Ven which I think has the burning rate of Reloader 7. It's very good for .45-70 and I think it might be good in .357 Max.

I've never used RL7 in the max but have had good results with it in the 356/308 class case. Gianni

[TCLouis]

150- 200 grain boolits?

[moodyholler]

Thanks for all the replies!!! You have my concerns now. 50K? WHew!! My old roller is supposed to be safe in 444 marlin according to Frank Dehaas, but that is in the 40k range. 50K makes me nervous. I just wanted a little cat and rat gun that could digest 38, 357 mag, and max fodder. Firing pin is bushed for smokeless and action is in good shape and I am not afraid of 40K loads. So I am going to load some 18 grains of 4227, with 158 graqin LASERCAST FN bullets, and CCI 400 small rifle primers. It has a new TJ's GATEWAY liner installed. Here is a pic of the rifle. It does well with black powder for anyone interested. Thanks, moodyholler
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/moodyholler/026.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h199/moodyholler/027.jpg

[jim4065]

For what it's worth - Lee makes two sets of 357 Mag dies, one of which will also work for the Maximum and the other for the 38 Special. The seating die on my old Lee 357 Mag die set wouldn't turn down far enough for the 38 Special.

Got a Handi-Rifle in 357 Maximum that I haven't shot yet - hope it's accurate.

[357maximum]

Hey 357max., is your barrel a standard TC or a custom barrel? I've heard the TC "forcing cone" throat is not great for accuracy. But have also seen some people with TC barrels that shoot just fine.
I just posted a 357 Herrett barrel for trade in the Swappin/Sellin forum. The Herrett is a great shooter, but like you said, living with the straigth walled pistol rule, so I need me a maggie or a maxie barrel.

Mine is a 15 inch bull bearrelled beast from Match Grade Machine, and the throat was cut to slightly engrave a rem bulk 180 jword....which in turn worked out fairly well for most my castings...simply by pure sh@&house luck.

[oldfart]

I use reloader 7 for 357 mag and several other t/c cartidges, its a good choice for 7mm-08, 45-70 and several other calibers

[moodyholler]

Has anyone ever loaded SR 4759 in 357max for some lazy bottom end loads? thanks, moodyholler

[357maximum]

Has anyone ever loaded SR 4759 in 357max for some lazy bottom end loads? thanks, moodyholler

I have but was not impressed with accuracy or the fouling....I did not even record it to the ol memory bank I was so un-impressed....but then I am a self confessed barn burner...so you may feel differently about the results.

[home in oz]

Howdy,

Can anyone recommend a good 357 MAX load for deer?

Someone told me it should be at least 200 grains for the cast bullet.

Thanks,

[jim4065]

Going to load the 357 Max with small rifle primers and the GB 180 gr triple crimp GC boolit. I want to use WC820 but I'm not finding any loads for it or AA9. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

[Blammer]

I was runnin 357 mag case an 180gr FP boolit when I hammered my deer this year. Lilgun was my propellant of choice.

I now use 360 dan wesson brass in my win 94 and the same powder and bullet.

I'd go for the max case but it won't fit in the action....

I will make the leap and say that 180 gr bullet and lilgun in the max will be very good for deer!

BTW my 180gr boolit was a complete pass through, including spine at about 50 yds... :)

[Leftoverdj]

Going to load the 357 Max with small rifle primers and the GB 180 gr triple crimp GC boolit. I want to use WC820 but I'm not finding any loads for it or AA9. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Start at 17 grains and work up by half grains. Max is 19 grains for me.

[jim4065]

Thank you, sir.

[nitroproof]

moodyroller-

Love your rifle! Should you ever get bored with it dop me a line :mrgreen:

As for mild loads in the .357 Max I've had success with full case charges of 4198 (just enough to barely compress). Have a BSA Martini Cadet in the said caliber...

Craig