357 maximum load data

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Hk996

Bearcat
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Was able to test my loads for the 357 maximum today. I loaded up 180gr XTP with 18gr IMR 4227. Averaged 1424fps.

The other leads I had were 19.5gr H110 & 1600fps, but they were not that accurate.

I did the same with my freedom arms 454. 13gr Longshot with 250gr XTP. Made that gun a lot easier to shoot.
 

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Seminole Wind

Bearcat
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Any thoughts on the high extreme spread of the 357 Maxi load? I've seen the same thing with some of my Maxi loads. Good shooting by the way.
 

Hk996

Bearcat
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Distance was only 7 yards, but I could really place my shots. I'll know more when I go to the outside range that has steel set up at 35,50,75 and 100 yards.

The ES was the 1251fps. Most were 1300-1400. I'll also get a better reading when I shoot outdoors because I'll shoot more bullets.
 

contender

Ruger Guru
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The .357 Maxi is a personal favorite of mine.

You need to really look at all the work David Bradshaw has done wit it. He helped Bill Sr & Jr in it's development back in the beginning. He worked hard to help us get that wonderful caliber & gun.
But he didn't stop there.
He, with the help of Lee Martin developed a cat & powder coated bullet JUST for the Maxi. it weighs 194 grns, and was extensively tested prior to introduction.
The "Bradshaw/Martin" bullet when loaded using IMR 4227 is easily producing groups of 3"-4" at 100 yds.
David hit a homerun with it too!

If you wish to study this in depth, you need to go to Lee's "singleactions" forum & read. Prepare to spend some time. But it'll be worth it.
 

maxfam

Bearcat
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Tennessee
I like the Dan Wesson Super Mags. Also have a Ruger .357 Maximum and a H&R topper in .357 maximum from the factory.
 

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One of my favorites for the Max was a Speer 180grJSP and 21gr H110. It worked well in the rifle and Ruger. Unfortunately they don't make the bullet anymore so I will try testing some coated bullets when I run out of current supply.
Wondering if anyone has used coated with IMR4227 or H110 in the Max?
 

contender

Ruger Guru
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jimbo,, I repeat, check out the Bradshaw/Martin bullet. It's a 194 grn COATED bullet using 18.5 grns of IMR 4227. Very accurate & I know Dick Thompson took a mule deer this past season with one.
 

contender

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Nobody offers the Bradshaw/Martin bullet commercially. But as noted,, you CAN buy the mold & cast your own. And Powder Coating them is easy too!

I know some folks don't cast,,, or think it's too hard etc. But just like handloading,, it adds another dimension to having exactly what you desire in a caliber/bullet combo.

Casting is not as hard as it may seem. Remember,, our forefathers used to do it all the time. :D
And in these days of poor availability, having the ability to make your own is just another good reason to cast.
 

Hk996

Bearcat
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I found that thread. It has great information there. Unfortunately, I'm not at the level to cast my own (at least not yet). It seems getting lead is becoming harder to come by and knowing me, I'll probably end up with elevated lead in my blood.
 

contender

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As I mentioned,, casting isn't hard. And if you take normal precautions,, no problems with lead levels either.

And yes,, the info over there on the Maxi, and the Bradshaw/Martin bullet is excellent.
 

Hk996

Bearcat
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So I took the gun out to the outdoor range a couple weeks ago. My ave velocity was still 1351 fps. One thing I noticed was that it was spitting on the sides. I didn't notice at the indoor range since nobody was next to me.

Does anyone know of a gunsmith in the Socal area that may have experience with these revolvers? I'm thinking its just the cylinder gap, but would like the timing looked at also to be sure.
 

contender

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Sometimes it's not the gap,, nor the timing. Sometimes the "spitting" of lead is due to a forcing cone issue. A very short or almost no forcing cone can cause spitting.
The cylinder gap issue can cause some spitting,, but I seriously doubt the timing is off.
 
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Was able to test my loads for the 357 maximum today. I loaded up 180gr XTP with 18gr IMR 4227. Averaged 1424fps.

The other leads I had were 19.5gr H110 & 1600fps, but they were not that accurate.

I did the same with my freedom arms 454. 13gr Longshot with 250gr XTP. Made that gun a lot easier to shoot.
That's the beauty of the Dan Wesson. If your loads get too hot for the barrel to stabilize just order a custom barrel blank and turn up a barrel that will. I like Douglas Barrels for cast bullets and Pac Nor for jacketed.
 

contender

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But the OP doesn't have a Dan Wesson. He was inquiring about his Ruger. Can't swap the barrels in the Ruger like you can in a DW.
 
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I would look at the forcing cone as my first suspect. That isn't that hard to correct. There ae forcing cone reamer kits available that do a good job with a little bit of patience. And if you are firing higher velocity loads you are always going to get a blast from the side, maybe unburned propellant, possibly shaved off lead. Seems that you may have gotten a reaction from someone occupying the next lane that wasn't expecting it?
 
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