Ok it definitly looks like I'm compressing this charge.

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swampcrawler

swampcrawler

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357 maximum, 158gr JHP, seated to the bottom edge of the cantaluer.

Im loading IMR 4227, their site data suggests starting load 20.5, max of 22.5.

With 21.5 it looks darned close to the point in te case where the base of the bullet will be, and I can't hear the powder in the loaded cartridge when I shake it.

Am I gunna blow my beautiful face off here?
 
Will one take up more space than the other at the same weight?

Also I charged a case, dropped a dowel to the powder, and got .376
Base to cantaluer on my bullet is about .350. So I'm thinking I'm ok. Won't be able to fire till at least Saturday evening so if it's determined they are unsafe il pull the bullets.
 
Without looking at proper charge weights, I can at least say that the fact you think you are at 100% to maybe 105% load density is not going to hurt a thing.
 
The Old Dupont/Canada type IMR takes up more space.

Will one take up more space than the other at the same weight?
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Looking up Hodgdon data for both IMR & H in 2007 for 44 mag., same weight bullets/different brands. The IMR takes up more room in the case & is compressed/lower velocity . The H uses more grs of powder and is NOT compressed with higher velocity. No 357 maximum data that i can find in by older manuals.
 
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4227 old or new, IMR or Hodgdon, will not hurt a 357 Max no matter the volume. Relax, shoot, and enjoy. All listed data for the caliber is somewhat anemic anyway from my experience with my Contender.
 
Why would you think compressing a load will make it dangerous? If current manuals list it as safe the compression itself is not dangerous and it will not cause a Kboom...
 
As Archangel said. If you are using the correct published data, compressed charges do not present an unusual, or unsafe scenario.

GS
 
Thanks a ton guys. I did some readin last night and found that IMR being a slow powder is actually commonly slightly compressed in 44 mag. I'm still somewhat unfamiliar with powders and for some reason thought compressing any smokeless powder was a no-no.

Thanks again. I have some loaded with 20.5, 21, and 21.5 grains. Il load some with 22 and 22.5 tonight. :)
 
Just don't compress Trail Boss. 4227 compresses and is pretty accurate. Not the highest in velocity. One of my favorites in 357 mag and 45 Colt.
 
You will like 4227 in the max as you go higher. Don't worry about the compression it works well with it. I pretty much only shoot 4227 in the Max because I have a Ruger SRM and don't want to flame cut the frame with ball powders. 4227 works well for me!
 
Nice to see some people actually have some experience with this round. I just hope brass doesnt go the way of the Do-Do too soon.
 
Nice! I only have 200 pieces right now, but I plan to start stashing some when funds allow.
 
I'd suggest you stop at the 20.5 until you've tested some rounds. That's what "starting load" means.

Move up a few at a time. Never go to max until you've tested lighter charges. In fact, there's almost never any reason to go to max. Have you got a chrono? What do you expect the max load will do for you that the starting load won't?
 
Don't have a crono. I'm going to shoot the lighter loads first. Just looking for accuracy and enough velocity to take any piggy I happen uppon this year.
 
swampcrawler said:
Just looking for accuracy and enough velocity to take any piggy I happen upon this year.
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Start with the "start" load and stop when you're happy with the accuracy without exceeding the max load. The pig won't be able to tell the difference between starting and maximum loads.
 
Exactly what sport45 said.

The difference between most starting and max loads for the .357 Max is <150 fps.

That's the difference between real fast and very fast, or, not much difference at all. The pig won't know.
 
Well that greatly simplifies matters lol. Hopefully il get to shoot it this evening. Can't wait!
 
I've had a standing order for 357 Max brass at Midsouth since early spring.

Since then it's been like crickets chirping.

Maybe before long I'll have a box at the door???????
 
Remington does a run of 357 Max about every other year. That is why I bought 2000 last time they made a run. I use them a lot and if you load hot they tend to wear quickly. Maybe 8 to 10 reloadings?

Maybe email Remington and ask when their next run will be?
 
Numerous cases are like that. If you load a caliber that companies make once a year, better stock up when they do. (.35 Remington for me. Nope, don't want to buy the Norma stuff, not for .35 Rem)
 
I agree with you on stocking up but boy I have received grief from folks about buying that much of one case type. To me 2000 new cases for 3 pistols is actually light. I thought nothing of buying the brass yet others have complained I was hoarding. Interesting the perspective differences.

They have not had to wait a year to two for the next brass run when they missed out.
 
I would assume Remington doesn't make much more than what is pre-sold. Otherwise, they have to pay to store it. Which is why you need to pre-order on oddball items.
 
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