.357 maximum data

[fortress49]

Hello,

I am looking for .357 Maximum loading data specific to the NEF rifle.

I notice that most are using the 180 gr bullets.  What type of bullets are you finding to be the most accurate?  From Midway I see there are spire point single shot, single shot pistol, lever revolution, etc, all in .358 caliber.  What has been working best in the Handi's?  Has anyone tried the really heavy bullets from 220 to 250 grains?  If so, to what results?

What kind of primers?  I see that small rifle primers are required.  Any particular brand working best?

What about powder and load?

At first I will be shooting paper with hopefully hog hunts in the future for this rifle.

Thanks,

Matt

[Badnews Bob]

Use the search funtion and you'll find a ton of info on the max. Its very popular around here. Mine seems to prefer 180 gr hardcast with IMR 4227. it shoots the 200s well to but he 180 work so well I am not changeing. AA 1680 produces well but at a little slower speed than the IMR. My rifle did not like the SSPs they were plenty hunting accurate but the groups would open upby 3/4 to an inch over the hard cast 180s. Its a plus that the lead shoots so well because I cast my own, I use the same bullet in .38s, .357 mag, .360DW and .357 Max. dose me good. I shoot a lot of lighter bullets to but they are just for fun most won't hold the same groups as the heavier rounds.

The hornady XTPs are also a very good option, as are the 200 gr rem bulk bullets for the .35 rem. I do use hollow points in anything but my 9mm. I don't need them , you put a .35 cal hole all the way thru a white tail and they die.

[Jimbo47]

There is a ton of information out there and you can do a search and type in just about anything about the .357 max and you come up with threads and threads of information.

I've been doing the same as you looking for load data, as I've got a reamer on the way, and loading gear that I'm starting to put together.

Read some of those links that others post as I've found links that went into a lot of detailed information and different loads.

There is a lot out there and it will make your head spin, because there are soooo many different variations.

Some use small rifle primers, and some use small rifle magnum because they claim to give higher case pressure, and more uniform results, so this is an example of the differences.

The top three bullets I've narrowed down are the Hornady 180 grain SSP bullet, the Hornady 180 XTP, and the solid hard cast LBT bullet in 180 grain.

The heavier bullets seem to be the favorite along with about four different powders which I haven't narrowed down yet.

Anyway I'm sure someone will set us straight, and I welcome all comments.

Thanks!

[cwlongshot]

I don't like to post actual data for fear of a misstake in my posting or your remembering. There is data in every manual I have seen and at a number of sites on line.

Having said that, I will tell you my load is a rem 71/2 BR primer and AA1680 powder. I shot H110, 296 and H4227 with mediocre results. It wasn't until I found AA1680 that my handi really became a shooter. I have shot a bunch of deer with mine and up until a couple years ago I shot the Hornady 180SSP almost exclusively. I stopped using it because the last few deer I shot with it the bullet failed to exit and upon processing the animal did I find out that it disintegrated on larger bones. I prefer to shoot bones with firearms as where I hunt the ranges are short and precise bullet placement is possible. If you like lung shots or your shots are about 100 or more, I think this bullet will work wonderfully well and will recommend it to you. I switched over to the Speer 180FP and the Speer 170 Gold Dot SP. The 180 is a great bullet and holds together perfectly. Even on spine hits at 20 yards. the Gold Dot should also prove as good, but its only accounted for two deer to date. So I am wanting some more animals before suggesting it.

 Good luck and happy shooting,
 CW