357 maximum loads

[jw johnson]

I currently have two ruger 357 maximum revolvers, one in 7.5 and one in a 10.5 inch barrel. I am aware of the 357 maximum issues and the proper powders, bullets and loads.

Here is the problem.

I belong to a gun club that has organized (fun) matches. One of the matches I would like to shoot is a silhouette. The only rule ( i dont make em) is that you must use lead bullets, no gas checks, no jackets.

I will need to develop a load which will slow things down a tad. Can I use data for IMR 4227 powder/180gn bullet for 357 magnum in a 357 maximum case or will this cause any issues. I would like to slow things down to about 1000fps to avoid leading issues.

 

[FredT]

I would say yes. I looked in my loading manual. Lyman 49th. Their max load for the .357 Mag is the starting load for the .357 Max. I compared their 170 grain Mag loading to their 168 grain Max loading. Velocity is over 1000 fps.

 

[RidgwayCO]

I think Trail Boss should give you an easy 1000 fps out of a .357 Maximum with lead bullets. Plus it would fill most (all?) of the case. Hodgdon has lead bullet data for the .357 Magnum, but not the Maximum. You should contact them for load data, and work up carefully.

 

[NCsmitty]

I have a 10" Contender in 357 Max, but do not load down, so I don't know if you can download IMR4227 to do what you want. You may need to go to a faster powder but I cannot find any reduced loads for the Maximum and the extra powder space of the Maximum can be a problem using 357 Magnum data. Just be cautious.

Here's some info using a 220gr cast bullet. Scan down to the load data, maybe you can get some insight from it.

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellLyman358627.htm

NCsmitty

 

[Walkalong]

Try Accurate 5744. Very bulky & fills the case well. I tried it in regular .357 Mag and got good accuracy.

16 Grs. in .357 Mag got velocities around 975 FPS with standard primers and 1025 FPS with rifle primers for 125 Gr bullets.

15 Grs. in .357 Mag got velocities around 900 FPS with standard primers and 950 FPS with rifle primers for 158 Gr bullets.

These were jacketed bullets, so lead velocities should be a bit better.

Welcome to THR

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Try a 180 grn Lasercast FP with a cci400 primer, 19.5 grns of IMR 4227 to 1.915 with a medium roll crimp.

That is my mid range plinker 357 max round. I found it exceptionally accurate with no leading in my Supermag or my Ruger SBH.

I have not worked up much faster but that is a "reasonably" mild load.

 

[pbslinger]

The only information I can give you about this is that there is data with 4227 for 38 Special and 45 Colt. It must be fine at lower pressures.

This is not a common situation with 357 Maximum, but with a good fitting and hard bullet it is possible.

I would ask the guys at Castboolits for some help.