GeezerD
Bearcat
I have been experimenting with increasing the effectivness of the 357 magnum as a deer hunting round in the 77/357. By increasing the throat length with a Manson .358 rifle throat reamer to 3/8", it allows seating the 180gr XTP bullet to the second crimp groove. Thus increasing the powder capacity to the same as when a 158gr XTP is seated to nominal C.O.L.
This allows loading 19gr of Lil-Gun powder with no signs of excessive pressure behind a 180gr XTP bullet with a velocity of 1850 to 1900 fps. The loaded round will not fit in the magazine and must be single loaded but can be followed up with a full magazine of standard spec 357 loads.
I have no doubt that any of the 35 caliber rifle bullets of 180 - 200 grains could be used but may not expand as well as the 180gr XTP. ------------- GeezerD
This allows loading 19gr of Lil-Gun powder with no signs of excessive pressure behind a 180gr XTP bullet with a velocity of 1850 to 1900 fps. The loaded round will not fit in the magazine and must be single loaded but can be followed up with a full magazine of standard spec 357 loads.
I have no doubt that any of the 35 caliber rifle bullets of 180 - 200 grains could be used but may not expand as well as the 180gr XTP. ------------- GeezerD