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August 9, 2015
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What is the best bullet to use for the 357 Maximum Cartridge out of the Supermag.
I have been using Hornady 158 grain HP XTP Bullet. Would like to move to a heavier bullet, something in a 200gr.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Are you reloading or looking for factory offerings?
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
August 9, 2015
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June 4, 2015
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There are a few nice cast w/check 180 and 200 gr bullets out there that work well with my .357 Max. Though IT IS NOT the same cartridge, you may look into them . Midway usually has a good supply. Sierra also has a 180gr full profile jacket that is pretty good on steel. JMHO, Coogs.
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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The 357 SM runs better with heavier weight bullets. A 180 grain works very well. There were issues with flame cutting of the top strap of 357 Supermags, especially in Rugers. This was most notable when lighter bullets in the 125 to 158 grain range were used. These guns like a heavy bullet.
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June 4, 2015
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Just remember, the .357 Maximum and the .357 Supermag are two different cartridges. If you use a revolver, heavy bullets, slow burning powders like 4227. Top strap cutting in either a Ruger or Dan Wesson will cease to be an issue after a 1000+ rds. or so. Forcing cone erosion is the biggest problem particularly with light bullets and fast burning powders. In a single shot your pretty good with anything, but the Max/Supermag round was designed with heavy bullets in mind to provide .44 mag + down range performance with less than .44 mag recoil. Great cartridges and both great revolvers. Coogs.
August 9, 2015
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I have a ton of 158gr Remington ammo that I have been using.
I was told 158gr is the lightest bullet that is recommended in the supermag. I would like to go heavier but anything heavier than the 158 is impossible to find anymore. Grizzly used to load heavy rounds for the maximum but I think they have pretty much discontinued it now. I have never seen 357 supermag ammo for sale ever. Only maximum.
Tell me more about the forcing cone erosion.
June 4, 2015
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The light bullets in combination with fast burning powders would produce an almost sandblasting effect on the forcing cone. This combination, which was the result of people trying to drive a bullet out of the Max/Supermag at mach 4.2, was not what the round was designed for. As the powder is ignited, the bullet "jumps" from the cylinder to the forcing cone, which is a smooth taper, which guides it into the rifleing. The fast burning powders bombard the forcing cone during this process with high pressure gases and particles. This problem was obviously present in the Ruger Maximum. I'm sure it would be/is a problem in the DW if the light bullet/fast powder is used. The initial Ruger forcing cone was 5 degrees. Ruger changed it to 11 degrees which helped a little, especially with accuracy. Don't know what the DW dimensions are. In my opinion Remington never should have loaded the 158gr. round, the idea was that round for hunting out of the 7 1/2 gun, the 180gr round out of the 10 1/2 for shooting steel. I think it's too lite, Remingtons choice of powder didn't help. It's a faster burning powder, can't recall exactly what it is. Hope this helps, Coogs.
August 9, 2015
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Well I have about 350 rounds of 158gr left so once I go through that I will look into having someone load me some heavier bullets. What is the best type of bullet to use? Not necessarily weight but type. HP, SJHP. WFNGC, WFN,…ect.
June 4, 2015
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Huntin' or shootin' steel? Coogs.
August 9, 2015
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June 8, 2009
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For some additional reading you might want to check out BellmTCs. He has several write-ups on the .357 Max.
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Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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My favorite is the 180 grain Hornady XTP, it is all that I load for this round.
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A man cannot have too many SuperMags
June 4, 2015
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180 gr XTP or JHC for hunting or Sierra has a 180 gr full profile metal jacket for steel. I would not rule out a 180 or 200 gr. cast w/gas check for either. Remember it's all in shot placement, JMHO, Coogs.
April 25, 2008
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The old Speer 180 and 200 grain TMJ bullets were excellent, especially the 200 grain one. Too bad they are long since discontinued. My current stash is the Hornady 180 grain Silhouette bullet, but the 180 grain XTP will replace that when they are gone.
The Savantist
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