357 max and gas checked bullets

[jimbo1096]

I see several cast bullets at different bullet companies offered in 165 to 180gr lead gas check designs. I usually shoot jacketed 160 or heavier but looking for something a bit cheaper for practice and fun shooting in the Max.. Wondering if the gas checks really would help reduce or eliminate leading in velocity ranges from 1600fps to 1900fps or would they need to stay below 1400? The brinel hardness is listed as 18, powder most often used is H110 but will be working with H4227 also.

 

[Coogs]

I'd still stay with gas checks, regardless of the velocity. 4227 is my first choice. I'm shooting 180, 200 and a 210gr. in mine. Look to buy in bulk, 500 count or more, and watch for some online coupons, every now and again Midway comes up with some good ones, JMO, Coogs.

 

[Coogs]

You could also try some cheap, loaded, .38 specials or .357 mags, that is if there is such a thing as cheap loaded ammo anymore. The Max will digest either with no problems, Coogs.

 

[jimbo1096]

Coogs - what FPS are you seeing with the 180s?

 

[Coogs]

I'd have to take a look at my load data, can't remember off the top of my head. I do have a chrony, but never ran them yet. If I remember I'll look tonight when I get home, Coogs.

 

[eric conrad]

Jimbo, check out articles by Fryxell here- www.lasc.us He has Great articles on the maxi.
Eric

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I saw some really high velocities and was scratching my head until I went back and saw 357 Maximum. I would think any lead bullets going that fast would have to be very, very hard and would be better with a gas check. 30-30 lead bullets are usually kept around 1400fps.

 

[jimbo1096]

Jimbo357, glad I got your attention! LOL. Running 23gr. H110 and the 160jsp I estimate about 1800fps but have yet run over a chrony. .Maybe this weekend weather permitting.

Eric, that is some good info and read often.

 

[Chief 101]

I shoot a 200gr RCBS rifle bullet wit a max amount of WW296(15). Using a 357 Magnum case it crimps properly and is too long for a Magnum cylinder so no mishaps. Extracts fine, but i developed this 30 years ago for use in a single shot for steel competitions. This fits in a Max cylinder and shoots well in my gun. This bullet with a lighter more sane load might make for good practice round. Another load that shoots good in my Max it the Lazercast 158 FP(no bevel base, no gas check) with a normal dose of 14gr 2400. Never had a leading problem but I do clean the carbon out of the cylinder once in a while. The 200 gr RCBS rifle bullet is too long in the Max case thus the Magnum case. You might use a little more restraint in your powder choices and amounts but I had a lab with a tunnel and test equipment to work with at the time.
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=3324&route=C12J059
This is the mould, if I was hunting dangerous game, I would use this bullet.

 

[Bucks Owin]

I saw some really high velocities and was scratching my head until I went back and saw 357 Maximum. I would think any lead bullets going that fast would have to be very, very hard and would be better with a gas check. 30-30 lead bullets are usually kept around 1400fps.

30/30 cast loads are certainly not limited to 1400 fps nor is a GC an absolute necessity. Heck, the original factory load was a 165 gr lead bullet @ something like 1900 fps as I recall... :shock:

Just saying... :wink:

 

[Chief 101]

I saw some really high velocities and was scratching my head until I went back and saw 357 Maximum. I would think any lead bullets going that fast would have to be very, very hard and would be better with a gas check. 30-30 lead bullets are usually kept around 1400fps.

30/30 cast loads are certainly not limited to 1400 fps nor is a GC an absolute necessity. Heck, the original factory load was a 165 gr lead bullet @ something like 1900 fps as I recall... :shock:

Just saying... :wink:

and i do shoot cast bullets in my Win Mod 94 with a full dose of 4895, never chrono'd because it doesn't matter but over 2000fps I suspect...shoots well and doesn't cause any leading problem. Using the same alloy in the Max 7.5" a 200gr rifle bullet chrono's at almost 1500fps. I think sizing/alloy/lube make the difference...jus' sayin'

 

[jsh]

Ditto to the comments on cast having to kept at or under 1400 or so. I have ran enough full tilt rifle and handgun loads in the last dozen years to prove other wise. Most in 40 or more round matches. So it was t one of those over the chrono to say I shot one that fast.
Any of you gents give me a y feed back on the taper crimp die for the 357 max?
I got a few to try loaded with the rcbs 180 sil over some 1680.
Jeff