Discussion on .357 Maximum

[AllOutdoors.22]

Let's discuss the .357 Maximum...I am loving this caliber and it's difficult (not impossible) to find new info. or stories involving the Max. I just can't get enough...so tell me your stories or lessons you've learned while reloading it!

[NSB]

I shoot this caliber quite a bit in a Browning Low Wall. I've spent the last two years doing load work ups with a variety of bullets, powders, and primers. All of it is kept on a spreadsheet. I really don't feel like writing a book to answer your question. Do you have any specific questions in mind? If so, I'll try to answer them as best I can.

[photomicftn]

You haven't said whether you own a copy of a .357 Maximum, but even if you don't have one, the following links are useful:

I was around when Ruger released the SRM in .357 Maximum more than 30 years ago. I couldn't afford one then, but later acquired several for conversion (wink, wink) into Linebaugh Long .475 & .500 Maximums. A desire to retain skeletal integrity has kept them in their boxes since, safe queens all, so I can't offer any of my own loading experience. I have sought out resources, and I have all of the components to shoot the .357 Maximum, but haven't found the time to do so as yet. Some history if you haven't run across it already, and a couple of very informative web sites from guys who do use it can be found below. Good Luck !!

The rub against the original revolvers was from reloaders using light bullets and hot-burning ball powders to attain stratospheric velocities, resulting in some rapid flame cutting of the top straps at the cylinder/forcing cone junction, as well as rapid forcing cone wear. A justified complaint, and one also suffered by hot loaded .357 Magnums using the same formula. Ruger pulled the gun from the market, and will reportedly confiscate any that are returned for them for service and offer credit instead, so they have become something of a cult item.

If you find a Ruger shooter, use a heavy weight bullet (>180gr) and a stiff charge of a powder like IMR4227. See some load data and observations here:

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell357Max.htm

If your taste runs to single shots like T/C Contenders or Ruger/other rifle conversions, check out Mike Bellm's site with several articles here:

http://www.bellmtcs.com

[jaysouth]

Good resource for .357 Max.

He has done good work on my H&R Max and is recommended by Mike Bellm, no small feat.

http://www.dandtcustomgunworks.websitetoolbox.com/?forum=199988

[docone31]

I had a Dan Wesson Super Mag. It really liked the 180 gn Sillywet jacketeds. I used 2400 powder and the 180 gn bullets.
A compressed case with hard crimp.
Didn't drop much at 200yds.

[Norbrat]

I had a Wesson Arms revolver.

I used a CBE 358-200 http://www.castbulletengineering.com.au/bullet-moulds/rifle/358-calibre/358-200gc-triple-cavity which weighs about 215 gns lubed and gas checked.

The powder was 19.5 gns of AR2205; Oz made powder still being supplied to IMR/Hogdon and sold as 4227 in the USA.

The load shot well, but the gun had issues; after about 25 rounds in the silhouette match, the POI would start to "walk" low and right each shot. Not what you want when getting on to the second bank of those darned turkeys!

So I moved the gun on and got a FA in 357 mag to replace it.

I still use the same boolit in the FA, but now with 12.5 gns AR2205; shoots a lot better and dumps every target I manage to hit.

[Moonie]

I had a 10" 'Tender barrel a couple of decades ago, shot great. I only used it for target shooting with 125gr XTP's, hard kicker as I recall.

[roverboy]

A friend had one years ago in a 14" Contender. He loved it, with Sierra 170 gr. JHC and H110.

[captbligh]

I have the United Sporting Arms from Tucson AZ (all stainless, single action revolver) and really enjoy shooting it. My load of choice is the 180 grain Hornady XTP and Win680. Once I run out of the W680 I plan to work up a load with AA1680, supposedly the same or very close to W680. At the moment, I don't remember the barrel length, but it's around 8" give or take. I've carried it deer hunting a few times, but have yet to get a shot. So far no evidence of flame cutting.

[MT Gianni]

I have a rechambered Handi and a 10" contender bbl. The handi does it's best with 200 rcbs and 358627 @ 230 gr. An acuaintance killed a bullwinkle moose with a 14" bbl and 180 jacketed loads.

[NSB]

My best loads to date for accuracy are the Hornady XTP 180g with Rel7 and the Nosler 158 JHP with 4227. I've shot a couple of deer with the 180 XTP but have yet to recover a bullet....even at one hit at just over 100yds. Both loads will group sub 1moa on the days I do my part.

[onceabull]

Here's another fan of the 358627 in the 357 Max. (and numerous other 35 cal.applications)Been using it ever since I read Glen F'.s old article on that boolit, had to buy the first 300 from Western Bullet,B4 I found a realistically priced mould..It's a fine stopper in the super 14 Contender in 35 R.and 357 Herrett,too.. Onceabull

[Nueces]

NSB, I have the same rifle, even the same rear sight. Who took yours out to the Maximum chamber and what throat did you specify?

[NSB]

NSB, I have the same rifle, even the same rear sight. Who took yours out to the Maximum chamber and what throat did you specify?
Bellm. He wrote the book on this caliber. Google him if you haven't heard of him.

[Nueces]

Oh, yes, I've heard of Mike. His backlog has always been quite long. And he has no FFL, so cannot accept a complete rifle.

[merlin101]

My aunt had a Dan Wesson in .357 Max. and shot metallic silhouettes with it and loved it, I've wanted one for years and never had the coin when one came up.

[NSB]

Oh, yes, I've heard of Mike. His backlog has always been quite long. And he has no FFL, so cannot accept a complete rifle.
The guys that are really good usually have a waiting list. It's a pain but you end up getting the best and get what you pay for.

[AllOutdoors.22]

Great stuff so far guys...I have a 26" Max. encore barrel chamber by Bellm...shoots great...I was hoping to be able to use Lil Gun for a little more speed but AA 5744is more accurate. So until I find a better Lil Gun load I'll stick with the 5744. These loads both using Rem. SJHP 180grs. Which I'm getting scary low on...can't find these anywhere!!!

Also just picked up a new unfired but older G2 and a factory chambered 10" .357 Max. barrel with sights. Gonna try to keep it with the open sights as I am not a fan of scopes on pistols. First targets are promising...1st shot at 20 yds. to check sights...2" low. Back at 50 yds. first three shot group went into 2"...and would have been 1" had I not pulled the last shot!!! Now I can't wait to get my holster (Simple Rugged with ammo loops will be put on Chesty Puller system) & deer season to get here!

[NSB]

You need to get some Rel 7 and/or 4227 to try in your gun. These two work the best in my rifle. They are consistently good grouping and give reasonably good velocity.

[AllOutdoors.22]

I have tried the IMR 4227 I was ok...about the same speed as 5744 but lost some in accuracy. ..I would like to try some RL7 at some point...

[NSB]

Here's one of my latest attempts with Rel 7 and a Nosler 158g Revolver Handgun bullet. Two hundred yards. I don't think it will work on deer, too explosive at the velocity being shot at, but should be good on woodchucks, coyotes, etc. This is not a book load, and I don't recommend anyone use it based on my stating I use it in my gun. I shoot at my own risk. Data is scarce in this caliber.
142411

[runfiverun]

I have the Dan Wesson version and have been fiddling with loads off and on for a while now.
one of my silliest is the saeco 250gr cast boolit for the 358 Winchester on top of aa-2230.
it will take down the steel plates at 50 yds like nobody's business.
but for anything like actual target work the 180gr silhouette by sierra will keep the bullets pretty close together on top of a case full of H-110.

[cattleskinner]

My only experience with the Max is in a re chambered handi rifle, fitted on a rifle frame. Last year between a co-worker and I, we killed 5 deer with 5 shots during Ohio's gun season. This was with the NEI 180gr. Rnfp group buy from way back. I noticed it shot tighter groups out of my rifle with Hornady XTP bullets, but used the cast bullets out of principle. Accurate Arms 1680 shot the tightest groups, Lil Gun powder was not as good and will be saved for the 357 mag carbine.

[Paul D. Heppner]

I've used a lot of handguns on deer. My favorite is the Max. Mine is a Super Blackhawk. It's extremely accurate with IMR 4227 and the 180 XTP. I have an LBT 180 WFN in the works (been spending 29K a year for the last four years to send my youngest to nursing school.) I expect great things from that mold. It better work, I figure it cost me $116,125.00 and took me four years to get. Was it worth the wait? Sure was, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and landed a great job before graduation.
142479
This is the first deer I took with it. 64 yards, bang flop.

[Charlie in Co]

I shoot a Dan Wesson with Lyman 215 gr cast out of Linotype. Best results were with AA1680 full power loads.

[AllOutdoors.22]

Paul, any photo's of the bullet and/or mold?

Also where does everyone find the best load data? Expecially for cast bullets?

[Paul D. Heppner]

AllOutdoors, no mold yet. I should have the cash in hand and order the mold in a couple weeks. Load data is available on line and in a couple manuals. Glen Fryxell has some good data as does Dave Bradshaw (Ruger collectors forum). Bradshaw was instrumental in the Maximums development. Its original intent was as a silhouette cartridge. Pleasant to shoot but still have more than enough whack to knock over the rams. I feel it is just about the perfect whitetail medicine. I use the revolver and I have a friend that uses it in a Contender handgun and an Encore rifle. The rifle is absolutely devastating with a 180 SSP. He's not into cast bullets though I am educating him. He is starting to see the light.

[ubetcha]

Lyman's 3rd Edition Pistol and Revolver Handbook has load data for the MAX . 3 are for j-word bullets and 3 are cast bullets. The cast bullets are the 358429 168gr, 358156 155gr, and the 358315 204gr.

[tctender]

I have a 10" contender in 357 max. I have took two deer with it and 180 jhp. It did a good job on them. Just don't get to shoot as much anymore as I would like to.

[bikerbeans]

I have a 1972 vintage marlin 336 that I rebarreled with a Marlin 1894 357 mag barrel. I rechambered the barrel to 357 max and made modifications to the carrier, bolt and extractor to get the rifle to cycle the 357 max (rifle left the factory as 35 rem).

I am currently working with a 200 grain, .358" jacketed RN and Rl-7 looking for a good 100 yard whitetail deer load.

BB

[Dinny]

I have a few H&R rifles rechambered to 357 Maximum. David White did one and the other was done many years ago using a pistol reamer. I have the best accuracy using 180gr Hornady SS-PBs and AA1680. I just got some of the Lyman 214gr SWCs and tried them in a .357 Mag chamber using data from Glenn Fryxell's article. They shot great! I have plans to load some in my other 357 Maximums and see how they do.

Thanks, Dinny

[AllOutdoors.22]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/03/bc8ff66b7bf0ce5e37c8266620128a2a.jpg .357 Max. 10" G2 contender. This was at 50 yds. with 180 gr. Ranch Dog 175 gr. bullet over 8 grs. of Blue Dot in .357 mag. case.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Have one Dan Wesson .357Max still and the other is a 414 SM. Seems non-productive to me to use lighter than 180 grainers gas checked. My DW's in .357 mag are what lighter bullets go in. 296 (h110 ) and 1680 are my powders of choice for the Supermags.
Another fine caliber that should be in a lever rifle... all though the 35 Remington or 358 Winchester already fill that notch very well. But I like rimmed brass in lever rifles. Just seems the right thing to be there.
Mike in Peru

[Beerd]

Good morning
Another fine caliber that should be in a lever rifle... all though the 35 Remington or 358 Winchester already fill that notch very well. But I like rimmed brass in lever rifles. Just seems the right thing to be there. Mike in Peru

And that is why we have the 356 Winchester ;)
(and the subject for another thread)
..