357 Max Ammunition

[Aszerigan]

I'm considering doing a run of 357 Max ammunition this year for hunting season, but I've read mixed reviews on this caliber.

Do many hunters know someone that shoots 357 Max? I personally don't, but I'm a ballistics geek, not a hunter. I'm curious for feedback.

Thanks !

 

[hammer24]

No personal experience with it, but I've heard nothing but good about the caliber on deer. I seriously considered switching over to it this year because of the great reviews I've been hearing. Out of curiosity what negatives have you heard?

 

[buckhunterbb]

Here is a good link with lots of info. Maybe you've seen it already.
The Great .357 Remington Maximum Revival

 

[kludge]

I think the market would be pretty limited. Yes, there are max shooters and hunters out there, but I would think that they are rolling their own for the most part.

However, there would probably be two or three distinct loads that I would make if I were in your shoes. 158gr XTP-FP or 180gr XTP with H110 for the revolver hunters (not many of these I would guess), 180gr SSP with H110 or A1680 for the T/C pistol hunters, and 200gr FTX with A1680 for the rifle hunters.

If I could only do one it would be the 180gr SSP with A1680. I doubt the Interlock style of the 180gr SSP would come apart in a deer out of a 24" rifle, but is probably the best compromise since the 200gr FTX was designed for an impact velocity of 1600-2000fps and maintaining that velocity at 100 yards from a 10" Encore barrel would be tough.

 

[dbd870]

I have a 20" 357Max Encore. One deer with it to date and it put him right down. I reload and use the 180SSP. I suspect like the other poster said that most Max shooter likely reload their own. I have to think any performance problems would be more likely due to poor hits or a bad bullet choice than the 357Max itself.

 

[geronimojoe85]

Gunbunnies loads 357 max.
Shoot him a PM

 

[parson]

I started hunting with a maxi last year, a Handi rifle that I reamed to maxi, and really like it. But like most who shoot the caliber, I load my own.

I do see occasional posts on the graybeard site asking about available ammo.

.357 Maximum

This site has a lot of load info on the caliber.

 

[Aszerigan]

Out of curiosity what negatives have you heard?

No real negatives per se, just that ammunition is very expensive, and unless you really need the extra velocity, 357 Mag works well.

 

[BoilerWes]

I shoot 357 Max for deer and love it. Got some sweet loads from a gentlemen in Silver Lake, IN. I will post his info when I get home from work. I have a 200 grain load that I like. Also ordered some 180 grain Hornaday that I have, but have not got a chance to shoot.

 

[BoilerWes]

Ok, here's what I got:

Right now for deer I am shooting a 200 g FTX out of a 24" TC Custom Shop barrel. Bill Rose of Rose Reloading LLC made these up for me. Email is bk-rose@hotmail.com and # is 574-505-1153. Super nice guy and knows his stuff.

Other ammo I have right now is from Reed's Ammuntion (found it on-line). It is 180 g Hornaday XTP. I honestly have not got a chance to shoot any of it yet.

I sighted the Pro Hunter in last fall with the 200 g stuff and had a nice clover leaf at 100 yards. I have not tested the limits of the ammo/gun as 90% of my shots will be at 100 yards or less. Hope this helps.

 

[hotfarmboy1]

I know a guy that shoots it, but he loads his own. I've been thinking about getting one of the .357 Handi rifles and having it reamed out for this caliber. But it probably won't happen this year.

 

[dave29]

I have 5 rifles in .357 Max, love the caliber!

I roll my own and everyone I know that shoots the Max does the same. 180gr SSP's and AA1680 with CCI 450's make a nice load.