357 Max

[olywa]

I just picked up a used 357 Max Contender barrel and need to find out which dies to add to my humble little collection that I use with my Lee Hand Press. I already have the 38/357 Deluxe 4-Die set and I think that the Factory Crimp die in that set will work on the Max. However it is my understanding that I will need to get the 357 Mag 3-Die Carbide set to work with the Max because of length limitations on the 38/357 dies. Am I on track here? Also, can anyone tell me whether the 357 Mag Carbide Speed-Die will work with the Max? If so, maybe I should go that route instead.

Thanks in advance guys, it's always great to be able to tap into the experience base on this site instead of having to learn all the lessons on my lonesome.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Just the club of new 357 Max owners. I bought a Ruger a few weeks back and have just finished up my first loads for it. I just bought standard 38/357 magnum RCBS dies and they worked fine. They are toward the end of the threads though (except the resize die of course). I also picked up a redding profile crimper for the 357 magnum and it works nicely. Everything I read indicates you can load just about any powder but I have to stay with the non-ball powders like IMR/H 4227 or RL7. My first try out loads are 20.5 grns of both IMR and H 4227 with a 158 grn Remington JHP, Remington Brass and WSR primers. I know that is a starting load but I figured start low and work up.

I doubt I will get them shot quickly with all the work around the house, but they are sitting on the bench taunting me right now.

Have fun with your Max. I know I was shocked at how big the brass was after working with 38 specials and 357 mags for years. These things are HUGE!