.357 Mag help

I pull my load info from Load Data.com and have a question I hope someone will help me with. I am trying to load a few hundred rds of "hot" 125 gr .357 Hornady XTP for a SP101 and a Marlin 1894C.
According to Hornady's 7th edition the max load for 125 gr XTP, using small magnum primers and Alliant 2400 for a rifle is 15.5, while the max load for a handgun is 16.9. I am using Lee auto-disks and found a sweet spot of 15.8 gr, but can I use this? Can I go up to 16.9 gr like they have listed for pistols?
I guess I'm not sure what the problem would be loading up as high for a rifle as you can for a revolver.

Those Max loads should be worked up to, not started at!
It's not worth it, you could harm yourself or a bystander and damage the weapon.

I guess I'm not sure what the problem would be loading up as high for a rifle as you can for a revolver.

Because with the longer barrel of a rifle you build up more pressure and get higher velocities than with a handgun. The bullet you are using may not be suitable for velocities higher than what the load recipe will provide. Many lever actions in pistol calibers are not built to be abused with "hot loads" that produce pressures above tested safe levels. This is reflected in the Hornady manual........I suggest you follow it.





Those Max loads should be worked up to, not started at!
It's not worth it, you could harm yourself or a bystander and damage the weapon.

yep....what he said.

Those Max loads should be worked up to, not started at!
It's not worth it, you could harm yourself or a bystander and damage the weapon.

++++++2 for your our safety - work up to it, don't start there!

First, i haven't gone beyond the manual.
I guess I just don't know enough about ammo yet because with the exception of Hornady's LEVERevolution I am unaware of .357 Mag designed for a .357 rifle.

If I go and buy some really hot ammo from DT or BB they state they are fine for revolvers and rifles. Hell, BB has a 125 gr JHP going 2200+ fps.
Is there any .357 ammo out there that is for only one or the other?

Lee's second edition shows 17.0 - 17.6 of 2400 for a 125 gr jhp seated at 1.570 with small primers, not magnum, so there's a little less pressure (31,800 psi).

Hornady's ballistics (their website) for their factory load with 125 gr XTP shows 1500 fps out of an 8" barrel.
Can that be used in a Marlin?

I`d go with the next lowest cavity ,I think it`s 14.8 grs. & a good crimp to get it Lit

This is more likey to work in both than the other & only loseing 150fps?????