Reloading 357 Maximum

[albiec22]

Hi everyone,

Finally got my 18" 357 Maximum barrel and eager to start reloading Barnes 140gr. XPB bullets. I've got H110, but I've been reading online about Lil' Gun. Anyone have experience with either? I will probably start at 20gr and work my way up to 23gr. I've also got Alliant Steel, which I've tested in 357 mag using the Barnes data (9gr), I'm thinking of starting at 12gr. and working to 14gr. Anyone use Steel for Maximum? Only other powders I have are Unique, which burns too fast.

Also, is there another lead-free 357 hunting bullet? I really wanted to use Lehigh with it's higher BC, but it's not expanding and thus not applicable.

Can't wait to start chrono'ing 2200fps! If everything works, this will be my 200 yard deer killer!

[buffybuster]

I'd look at bullets and comparing load data for the .350 Legend. I would NOT use .350 Legend data but treat the .357Max as a shorter, lower pressure version of the .350 Legend, which it is.

[Imageview]

There really isn?t much data for 357 max lead free. Still a Barnes 140 going 2200+ fps is nothing to sneeze at for a ?pistol? round.

1680 is another choice of powder. Lil?gun got a bad rap over the top strap cutting issue but works well, I stick with h110. The greybeard forums are a good source for max info.

[albiec22]

350 bullets in 357 Max?

I'd look at bullets and comparing load data for the .350 Legend. I would NOT use .350 Legend data but treat the .357Max as a shorter, lower pressure version of the .350 Legend, which it is.

I was also looking at the 350 Legend as well. I'm tempted to get a few boxes of 0.355 bullets and try them out in the 357 Max casings. Lots to experiment!

Regarding 350 Legend load data, thanks for the warning. I wasn't going to follow the 350 Legend data, but using the information from here:

https://reloadammo.com/357-magnum-reloading-data-maximum/

and here:

https://matchgrademachine.com/encore-contender-357-magnum-maximum-load-development-results/

My only problem now is that I can't find 357 Max brass anywhere!

[Imageview]

I could spare a few cases if you are in the Bay Area. Enough to get you started on load development anyways till you can buy a batch. Gunbroker has a fair amount, prices are what they are but it?s available.

[albiec22]

Thank you!

I could spare a few cases if you are in the Bay Area. Enough to get you started on load development anyways till you can buy a batch. Gunbroker has a fair amount, prices are what they are but it?s available.

I appreciate the offer Imageview, but I can get by with shooting 38s or 357s for now. I didn't even think of looking at gunbroker. Looks like the prices are close to what Precision, Midway are charging. Thanks!

[Flouncer]

1680 and H110 are in the Speer manual, but for their jacketed lead bullets. The cartridge is in no way even related to the .350 legend, separated by almost two generations of hunters and shooters. The Max was developed as a revolver round, the Legend specifically as a rifle hunting cartridge for ammo restricted areas.

Get in line for brass here - https://www.starlinebrass.com/357-maximum

Ammoseek found 5 sources. Good luck !!

https://ammoseek.com/reloading/brass/357-remington-maximum

[ar15barrels]

Hi everyone,

Finally got my 18" 357 Maximum barrel and eager to start reloading Barnes 140gr. XPB bullets. I've got H110, but I've been reading online about Lil' Gun. Anyone have experience with either? I will probably start at 20gr and work my way up to 23gr. I've also got Alliant Steel, which I've tested in 357 mag using the Barnes data (9gr), I'm thinking of starting at 12gr. and working to 14gr. Anyone use Steel for Maximum? Only other powders I have are Unique, which burns too fast.

Also, is there another lead-free 357 hunting bullet? I really wanted to use Lehigh with it's higher BC, but it's not expanding and thus not applicable.

Can't wait to start chrono'ing 2200fps! If everything works, this will be my 200 yard deer killer!

I can run a Quickload powder chooser for you if you give me your desired OAL.
I don't have a 140gr Barnes on hand to figure out what a good 357max OAL probably is for them.

Cartridge          : .357 Maximum (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .357, 140, Barnes XPB 30453
Useable Case Capaci: 25.280 grain H2O = 1.641 cm?
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 1.990 inch = 50.55 mm
Barrel Length      : 18.0 inch = 457.2 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 40000 psi, or 275 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 102 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

82 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Hodgdon Lil'Gun                     96.6     23.4     1.52    2289    99.6    40000    3889   0.968  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Winchester 296                      94.7     23.7     1.54    2264    92.8    40000    4100   0.984  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H110                        95.0     23.8     1.54    2219    95.4    40000    3832   0.995  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate 5744                       97.4     21.7     1.41    2137    86.4    40000    3594   1.001  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N110                    102.0     20.2     1.31    2116    98.3    34869    3381   1.043  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 1680                      102.0     24.8     1.61    2034    78.2    35295    3355   1.057  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4227                           102.0     21.8     1.41    2011    85.6    33186    3252   1.076
Hodgdon H4227                      102.0     21.8     1.41    1994    85.7    31225    3292   1.097

[Flouncer]

357 Rem Max OAL

Yeah good to check dimensions with his actual bullet. The SAAMI chamber is probably for the original application in revolvers and whatever weapon the OP has, it has an-18 inch barrel so it's not likely to be a revolver. My 14-inch barrel Lone Eagle shot touching holes off sandbags at 100 yards one time ( !) with the Speer 180g hunting bullet. The 125g factory original Remington ammo I had was probably more than 1/4" off the lands.

Edit: dont see it here - https://saami.org/technical-informat...ami-standards/

https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SAAMI-Z299.3-2022-Centerfire-Pistol-Revolver-Approved-12-13-2022.pdf