Converting .357 Mag to .357 Max

[docscott]

180 Grain XTP w/ 25.0 gr Lil' Gun at 100 yards. 2258 f/s average 2 inch group

25grLilGun180XTP.jpg (177.76 KiB) Viewed 5106 times

[BigAl52]

If you have any or can find some give reloader 7 a try

[rickhem]

You're making the wheels turn in my head now.
I've got a Big Boy .357 and have been posting about trying to find good loads with various XTP bullets. So far, my best groups have been with the 140 FTX bullet, which is a lot longer than either the 158 XTP HP or FP bullets. The 140 FTX is 0.788" on the JBM site, and the 158 XTP HP and FP are 0.665" and 0.664" respectively. It seems that the faster twist on these barrels likes longer bullets, so the 180 XTP, at a listed 0.752", would be a logical next place to check. Your barrel sure likes those 180s, and you're shooting quite well with the 158s too.

The secondary problem is that when I go to MidSouth, or Midway, or Grafs to order the 180s, I already know there will be other things added to that order. Gotta feed the addiction.

[BigAl52]

You're making the wheels turn in my head now.
I've got a Big Boy .357 and have been posting about trying to find good loads with various XTP bullets. So far, my best groups have been with the 140 FTX bullet, which is a lot longer than either the 158 XTP HP or FP bullets. The 140 FTX is 0.788" on the JBM site, and the 158 XTP HP and FP are 0.665" and 0.664" respectively. It seems that the faster twist on these barrels likes longer bullets, so the 180 XTP, at a listed 0.752", would be a logical next place to check. Your barrel sure likes those 180s, and you're shooting quite well with the 158s too.

The secondary problem is that when I go to MidSouth, or Midway, or Grafs to order the 180s, I already know there will be other things added to that order. Gotta feed the addiction.

The FTX bullet when loaded in factory rounds is loaded in brass that is shorter than the standard length 357 brass. This allows chambering in 357 rifles. Im not sure what powder you are using but try 2400 around 14.5 to 15 grains with a 158 xtp FPHP or the 158 hp. 2400 will also work well with the 180

[rickhem]

Thanks BigAl52.
I'm loading the FTX in regular, untrimmed .357 brass, and no issues with cycling. I tried 296, but get better results with Lil Gun, so I've been sticking with that powder.
One issue is that I'm able to get velocities well over what Hornady says the design envelope is for both the HP and FP XTPs and the FTX. Everything tops out at about The Hornady guy that wrote back to me said that the FP would have a better tolerance for higher velocities, so I've been working with that. The 158 XTP FP, per Hornady, goes to 1750fps, and the 140 FTX goes to 1600. The table I have lists the 180, but not on the velocity table.

[docscott]

First 3 almost the same hole at 100 yards. Last two a bit higher (barrel was getting warm). I think I can live with this load. Will fine tune scope adjustment closer to deer season.

happy158gr28grLil'Gun.jpg (160.5 KiB) Viewed 4982 times

[r80rt]

I've considered the Max, it looks like it would be a dandy for my area. So far I havent found anything a .357 won't handle, but man I like the idea of having a Max.

[BigAl52]

I've considered the Max, it looks like it would be a dandy for my area. So far I havent found anything a .357 won't handle, but man I like the idea of having a Max.

If you decide to go that route I suggest you get another SS like 5Shot did as rechambering one to do that is going to reduce the accuracy on the standard 357 round.

[r80rt]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll leave this one alone and buy one in 360 buckhammer, I have and idea that I'd like one for cast bullet fun.

[docscott]

Deer season finally got here. Shot this doe at 75 yards with the .357 Max.

12172024doe135lbs357max.jpg (515 KiB) Viewed 4083 times

[DsGrouse]

congrats.

[docscott]

This years deer with the .357 Max. Shot this 9 point at ~170 yards.195# prior to field dressing.Went about 10 yards and tipped over. Bullet didn't quite make it out the other side.

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[Hatchdog]

Nice mature buck, congrarulations. The Max did its job perfectly.

[5shot]

Good job docscott!!! Was that the 180 gr. XTP over lil'gun??

[docscott]

Good job docscott!!! Was that the 180 gr. XTP over lil'gun??

This was the 158 grain XTP w/ Lil' Gun.

[daytime dave]

Great job on the buck. Congrats.

[docscott]

European Mount turned out very nice.

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europeanmount2025onwall.jpg (238.3 KiB) Viewed 1465 times

[CT_Shooter]

Beautiful display. Thanks for sharing the entire process with us. It's been fun. Congratulations.

[Hatchdog]

Nice mount, I like the European mount. Looks great against that dark wood on the wall.