I have been loading for it since 2008. Here are a few things I have learned along the way.
- don't let JES cut the chamber nor modify the extractor/ejector
- do let Mike Bellm cut the chamber and modify the extractor/ejector
- use small rifle primers
- use A1680 with all bullets 158 - 275 grain. 28-29gr with just about any suitable 180gr bullet works well.
- don't shoot any Barnes solid copper bullets. The 140gr XPB is too light and the various 180gr .35 cal bullets are built too tough
- Fury Bullets are tailor built for Maxi speeds
- experiment with crimping. Some of my rifles shot better with a firm roll crimp. Some did not
- Viht Tin Star (when found) is the single best low velocity powder for youth hunting loads
- test pistol bullets in wet newspaper or something similar before hunting deer or black bears. Some pistol bullets like the 158gr XTP-HP expand too quickly
My son and I have killed no less than 15 deer and 2 black bears with our 357 Maxi single shot rifles.
Let me guess, JES uses a revolver reamer which incorporates a loooong throat way too long for a normal ball seat in a rifle.
