Howdy Yall,
I have a Contender in 357 Maximum Super 14 Barrel with the break. Was thinking of taking a deer with it this year or maybe selling it. Whats your experience with the maximum and what type of performance? I shoot alot of 45 and some 44 but not much in the .357 diameter bullets.
Can you push a Gas checked Hard cast bullet at a good strong velocity and still get good accuracy?
What bullet are you shooting? Can I use regular 357 magnum dies and just run the out or do I need Maximum dies?

Thanks for the info, I know I ask alot, but its a cartridge I have never fooled around with.
Thanks
Nav

I use my 38 spec /357 mag dies and just add spacers for the neck expanding and bullet seating dies.
I load the hornady 180 XTP over 20 gr W296. I've got a 10" TC. I've not taken a deer with it, hope to use it this year.

Been using the 200gr HornadyRN, less bearing surface that other 200's and some 180's. My 10" will put them in 2" at a 100yd with a 2x scope. Easier to control over 44-45's. Shoots a little flatter than larger bores, but carrys up well with the long bullet. Use 38/357 dies. H4227 probably best all around. Way less blast than ball powders. Good single shot round. Almost equal to 35Rem without the blast and recoil. Equals 357 Herrett without the case forming.

[ 11-04-2003, 03:22: Message edited by: Blackhawk44 ]

Good round in the 14 inch, probably the best round in the 10 inch barrel for Deer/pig sized beasts. Good advice above, and yes you can shoot hardcast gas checked rounds very successfully out of the Max. I use 3 bullets very successfully, first is 180 grain LBT WFNGC and it screams out at right at 2000fps with heavy loads of H110 or AA1680. Next is 200 grain Lyman 358315, 200 grain RN bullet, and last bullet is Lyman 215 grain SWCGC bullet. All are outstanding for accuracy, I think the 180 LBT is the best game bullet though, balance of penetration and trajectory is great for 200 yard shots. I also like to use the 180 Hornady SSP and honestly the 180 grain Remington SJHP is also a great bullet in the max, great expansion and good enough penetration. If you want to trade the barrel off, contact me, I might have something you want. I've got 10", 12" and 21" barrels.

regards,
Graycg

I like the LeadHeads 205 gr. GC. Works great in my barrel.

I use regular 357/38 dies to load for my Max. I would take the break off the barrel, its loud and not really necessary for such a mild round.

I have loaded the 150 grain 35 Cal Spire Point with great success in the 357 Max. It makes a very flat shooting moderate (150-200) distance cartridge. My barrel is a rechambered 357 Mag. 10" and I find trigger control is the key to success for this round at good distances. Very potent and very accurate. bobp2506