Diving into the unknown

[Maxinquaye]

I'd like to load the .357 Maximum using AA#9 powder but can't find any published load data anywhere. However there are tons of loads using H110...and it's my understanding that H110 and AA#9 are not that far apart.

Additionally, I can find plenty of loads in .357 Mag using AA#9. I'm thinking that it would be pretty low risk to start at a .357 Mag load in the Max cases and work my way up. AA#9 does not fill the case even loading .357 Mag, and the Max case is even larger, so it does not seem to be like H110 where severely reducing the load can cause problems.

Am I missing anything here? Would this be an incredibly stupid thing to do?

 

[Mikul]

That's a fine idea. Using a .357Mag load in a .357Max case is a safe thing to do. I've done the same thing with .44 Special in a .44 Mag. The standard of starting 10% below max is always a good idea.

In my case I found that my powder dujour performed poorly until I tightened the crimp.

BTW, that's a Tricky name you've got there.

 

[steveno]

that may be a safe place to start but I would sure talk to the powder and/or bullet company to see what they have to say about the max load. Beleive it or not they will tell you that information if they have it. I like the 357 max a lot but it is a high pressure round and they tend to be very unforgiving once you get to the max side.

 

[steveno]

if you look in the Speer # 13 manual the only listing for AA# 9 is with a 200 Speer TMJ-silhouette bullet(#4231). the starting load is 13 grains for 1218 fps and a max load of 15 grains for 1393 fps out of a TC 14 inch barrel. I guess you have to decide what you want to do with the load. if you want the max performance out of the round than AA# 9 isn't a very good choice. if it is just to shoot than it will probably work. I guess this is a start since Accurate Powder chose not to test this powder in the 357 max

 

[Maxinquaye]

Thanks for the info guys. I concur that given the load data you found that AA#9 is not the best powder for this caliber. Guess I'll have to stock another powder

 

[cottontoptexan]

Accurate Arms in 357 Maximum

I have an Accurate Arms Book here and i looked and the only powder they use for all the bullet weights tested in AA5744 . I think i would stay away from the No 9. If it would have been stable in this cartridge they surely would have listed a load for it.

 

[Maxinquaye]

Well, I thought maybe AA#9 would work and they were just too lazy to work up a load for an obscure cartridge. However, I just heard back from Accurate and they confirmed that they don't recommend it...I just wish their reply were in Englsh (at least in English that I would understand)!

"We do not recommend AA9 for this caliber.
The low loading density will make the round extremely sensitive to ignition."