357 Maximum test

[tx gunrunner]

I loved my Ruger SBH and Encore in 357 max . Both gun loved 180 gr .Hornady and IMR4227 . I got them for pig hunting here in Tx and my health stopped that . Love your reloading bench . It looks the same as mine , I used mine for over 20 yrs .

[Hunter5567]

I've loaded with H4227 in 357 Max in a Ruger Maximum. It is less erosive than ball powders being an extruded powder and still get high velocity. I used mainly Hornady 180gr XTP bullets. Also used to have a Dan Wesson, H&R Handirifle, and T/C Contender in 357 Max. FInally decided a 44 mag will do anything it could do with 180gr bullets in handguns and shoot heavier bullets also. You don't have problems with flame cutting in the Contender or H&R rifle and I used mainly H110/W296 in those.

[tx gunrunner]

1680 Accuracy has been proven the best powder for the 357 max for speed and accuracy . IMR 4227 is my second choice .

Flame cutting is only a problem with ball powder and light weight bullets with large cylinder over .003 gap . . And it stop after it goes so deep and nothing to worry about .

[Hunter5567]

I picked up a H&R Handirifle in 357 at a local pawnshop about 2 weeks ago. I beleive it has been rechambered in 357 Max. I loaded some 357 Mag brass with the 180gr bullet seated out and barely in the case and it would chamber. I making some pseudo Max loads by seating the bullet till .200 is in the case which gives the same powder capacity as a 357 Max loaded cartridge. Found the data on this website: http://www.metalsmithpro.com/357MagnumRifle.htm . Shoots great with this load but I need a scope on it. It's getting too hard see the bullseye past 50 yards on targets to line up the sights. I use 1" orange dots from 0 to 300 yards.
I am shooting 20gr of IMR4227 in my 357 Mag/Max loads and Hornady 180gr XTP bullets with CCI Small Rifle Mag primers in the H&R rifle.
As always start 5-10% less for any loads posted. These were safe in my guns.