180 rcbs sil 357 max advice

[Double B]

Recently picked up the rcbs 180 grain silhouette mold to try in 357 maximum NEF handi rifle. I have been shooting 180 gr Hornady ssp with 1680 successfully in 3 similar rifles in 22" and a 16 1/2" barrel lengths. Have loaded many cast loads for revolver but not for rifle. With a lack of availability in the 180 gr Hornady bullet, I figured I'd try pouring my own and gas checking them at least for paper and possibly deer too. I have other powders like Lil Gun, 4227, 2400 and others but love 1680 in this round/gun. Looking for lube advice, alloy and anything else you can think of to make life easier on this project. Have a friend with chrono and have seen 2200-2400 depending on load and gun. Can I get close to this and is it a viable deer hunting option with the right alloy? Wondering if I will need to use too hard of an alloy to get the speed but may have averse effect on expansion? Assuming the 358 sizer will work with the bore as I have shot many 158 swc accurately in the short trapper model. Hey I guess i have already loaded cast for a rifle! Even if they were originally rolled for my pistola. Thanks.

[curator]

I am running the LBT .359-180 LFN-GC boolit in an unmodified H&R Handi-rifle using .360 DW brass and seating slugs out to touch the rifling. I am using mostly WC680 mil-surp powder and charges from 14 to 18 grains. Since I am not running these over a chronograph, I have no idea how fast they are going but suspect speeds of 1400-1800 fps. These will go through a 350 pound Florida "Piney woods rooter" from one end to the other. I have never found a slug inside one of the deceased Piggies. I am using ww alloy + 2% tin and mostly water droping for BHN22+. Gas-checks all around. Size to .359.

[Double B]

Thank you for the reply curator. Any folks push the 180 sil fast?

[Ola]

I have pushed them fast with .358 Win. I have tried the reloading manual minimum charges for equal weight jacketed. No success there. Yet.

[Double B]

I think I will try the 1680 in the range you are describing Ola, likely will try some with a starting (jacketed) book load of 1680. Have not had any problems with this powder even at max loads in 2 different calibers. Only problem is finding it on the shelves. Thank you for the reply.

[Nobade]

I shoot those and other heavy bullets in my Handi (rechambered 357 mag to max) with great results. Soft lead, no gas check, no lube, and paper patched. Seated out to touch the rifling, with a case full of AA1680 they will generate 35 Rem factory ballistics. Also works well with Lil' Gun, but back off a couple of grains and work up since you can (barely) overload this cartridge with that powder. Use rifle primers.

-Nobade

[45-70 Chevroner]

I think I will try the 1680 in the range you are describing Ola, likely will try some with a starting (jacketed) book load of 1680. Have not had any problems with this powder even at max loads in 2 different calibers. Only problem is finding it on the shelves. Thank you for the reply.

1680 is the only powder I have ever used in my Super 14" TC. The very first load I tried pushed a 200 gr. Lyman cast boolit at an average of 1680 fps and I haven't changed it a bit.

[Double B]

Thanks for the replies, this should be a fun project. The smith that did the ream jobs on the guns said the same thing about 1680. Basically load bullets seated as far out as you can go with as much 1680 as it will take and you can't stuff enough of it in a max case w 180 gr projectile to cause problems. I found 205m and tula sr primers performance to be best so far. Indiana deer hunting w these and 35 remington is kind of our target performance. We can trim 35 rem brass to meet case length laws but 357 max is easier and right on its heels performance wise.