CastBoolit and Load Data for .357 Maximum

[Buzzard II]

I just ordered a T/C Encore barrel, 24 inch stainless to be chambered into a .357 Maximum. 1 in 14 twist. It's coming from Mike Bellm. I'm looking for some recommendations on cast boolits and powder. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Bob

[Goatwhiskers]

Don't remember but should be at least some data on Mike's site. Mine is a 24" 1 in 16 twist barrel, loves a RD359190 GC or preferably PP out to .360". I use A1680 over the powders normally recommended. Don't care to quote charges over the 'net, but they are a bit over book, pressure is down because I have the proper rifle chamber and can seat a lot further out. PM me if you need more particulars. GW

[quilbilly]

I have a Contender carbine in the 357 max. I am using about 17 gr. 2400 for the SWC-GC loads and 8.5 gr. Unique for the 150 gr. RNPB loads. The 160 gr GC boolits are very accurate at 1850 FPS and the PB 150 are equally accurate at 1300 FPS (no leading with LLA with the PB boolit). Point of aim at 100 yards is nearly the same. That PB 150 gr boolit is fun to shoot all day and gets 9" of penetration in soaked phone books after passing through 1/4" plywood at 40 yards so has some authority out in the field. 2" groups at 100 yards with iron sights are the norm for either in my barrel.

[rockrat]

My 357max really likes the Heavy metals mould 360-235 "Thor" boolit and the RCBS 35-200 boolit. Doesn't really care for lighter boolits, but really likes the heavies. I use WW-680 powder

[NSB]

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/images/downloads/357%20Max%20Handloader%2094.PDF
http://www.reloadammo.com/357max.htm
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357+Maximum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Source=

[missionary5155]

Greetings
I do not have any barrels over a 20" but I use AA1680 in all my Supermag calibers (.357, .375, .414). Seems to be one good powder in longish cases. Works very well in the 336 Marlin caliber .414 SM.
In the caliber .357 SM I have never tried less than a 180 grain and up to 210 with happy results. If a barrel has a short lead it is to your advantage to move it down the barrel another grease groove.
Mike in Peru

[Hamish]

Rock rats experience with the HM2 360-235 Thor mirrors my own. Good accuracy with H110 and 296, but best accuracy and mild recoil with 2400.

[Tatume]

Lots of good data at http://hodgdon.com/

My own experience is with 180 and 200 grain bullets using H110, WC820, and Accurate #9, all excellent. IMR4227 is also supposed to be an excellent powder for this cartridge, but I haven't tried it.

[lak]

I have the same barrel only from MGM. RCBS 200 and 24 grains of 1680 seem to be the most accurate load I have found so far

[quilbilly]

I have tried a 180 Keith Style SWC-PB in my 357 Max pushing it to 1400 FPS without leading and did a terminal ballistics test to compare it with the 150 Gr RNPB (actually drops boolits at 157 gr) performance described above. Amazingly there was no gain in terminal performance, just additional recoil and vibration on my end so I continue to use the RNPB as my "rook rifle" and the 160 gr SWC-GC (actually dropping at 164 gr) as my "light bear rifle" when mountain biking.