357 Maximum

[Kerz]

I've done a bunch of reloading over these winter months (retirement is great). Even my 357 Maximum.

I bought the Ruger about 10 years ago. We shot it some when I first got it but that's about it. I loaded some IMR4227 and WW296 with Hornady 180 XTP using both CCI BR4 and Rem 7 1/2 primers. Last week it was 58 here in E. KY so decided to do some chrono and grouping. Thought I would share some results.

180 Hornady 180 XTP, Remington brass, 19.1 grs IMR4227, 1.988 OAL:
Rem 7 1/2= 1444 fps, SD 9
CCI BR4= 1390 fps, SD 16

180 Hornady 180 XTP, Remington brass, 18.0 grs WW296, 1.988 OAL
Rem 7 1/2= 1564 fps, SD 16
CCI BR4= 1549 fps, SD 20

The target analysis is performed using OnTargetShooting.com software. Neat program. Chronograph is a MagnetoSpeed
The difference in BR4 and 7 1/2 velocities is something I've noticed with .223 loads as well.

[Kerz]

Picture of my son shooting the Ruger when we first got it. Factory 158s

[Whig]

That's quite the muzzle blast! Must have extra powder or slower burning powder for that barrel. Would look great at night. I have a S & W 629 snubby that looks like that when I fire it.

I hope your son has safety glasses on. Looks like you guys need another pair of ear muffs too. I'll bet that was loud.

I use the MagnetoSpeed, also. I love it. Sometimes it's hard to affix to the barrel of some rifles with suppressors or muzzle brakes but it can be done. Really easy to use and reliable results.

Thanks for sharing. Makes me want to dig out my Super Snubby 629!

[Kerz]

Yes sir. Quite a bit of flash for sure. Actually its a 10.5 inch Ruger Blackhawk. The image was a section from iPhone video, thus the limited quality. Hard to tell, but he does have safety glasses on.
The powders are magnum ranged, like WW296 burn rates. That pic was Remington factory 158. The 357 Maximum is 1/3 longer case than a std .357.
Vic

PS. I agree on the difficulty on mounting the MagnetoSpeed. Especially with handguns. I mounted in upside-down on a M1 carbine the other day. Worked great.

[Whig]

With that nice long barrel, you can move the Magnetospeed back a lot more even over top of the ejector. It's best to have the beginning of the magnet platform closer to the muzzle. It makes it harder to have a slight movement that will cause it to get hit by the bullet.

That pattern program looks neat. I'll have to check it out. Thanks again and keep shooting.

[carbon outlaw]

This is how I learned all about 357 maximum ... I use 357 magnum brass to form 256 Winchester magnum brass and I ran out about 5 years ago when 357 brass was very hard to get .. So I kept watching midway shooting supply and they finely got some 357 brass in so I ordered 700 rounds and when it got here I found out instead of 357 magnum brass I had ordered 357 maximum brass ha ha then I found out what 357 max was ... Sitll have it . it seams 357 max brass is on limited production and is hard to get ....

[madsenshooter]

4227 is a good powder to have around. I got some very good groups with cast out of my Krags using it.

[Hamish]

This is how I learned all about 357 maximum ... I use 357 magnum brass to form 256 Winchester magnum brass and I ran out about 5 years ago when 357 brass was very hard to get .. So I kept watching midway shooting supply and they finely got some 357 brass in so I ordered 700 rounds and when it got here I found out instead of 357 magnum brass I had ordered 357 maximum brass ha ha then I found out what 357 max was ... Sitll have it . it seams 357 max brass is on limited production and is hard to get ....

Starline is easy to get, Remington is in stock at Midway for $30/100. I held off on a bulk purchase for several years myself until Starline finally started making it several years ago.

There was a time a few years back that you could have gotten $75/100 for your stash,,,,,,. :D

[Hamish]

Yes sir. Quite a bit of flash for sure. Actually its a 10.5 inch Ruger Blackhawk. The image was a section from iPhone video, thus the limited quality. Hard to tell, but he does have safety glasses on.
The powders are magnum ranged, like WW296 burn rates.

Depending on the bullet weight and how hard you want to push, I would suggest talking a good look at 2400 and a really hard look at MP300. 2400 will give you all the velocity you want with a much milder recoil impulse, lower decibel blast, lower pressure, and a whole lot less fireball.

MP300 has shown itself to be THE powder for the .357 Max in single shots, not entirely sure if that is 100% true for revolves though.

There is a fellow over on the Cast Boolits website that has been looking for a certain serial number frame, offering TWO pistols in exchange.