Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting Christmas in July - 357 Maximum

I've been casting for a number of lever guns for many years. I don't know how many bullets I've made, but it's been over 30 years anyway. A friend from the gun club was over checking out my Contender and suggested that I needed a new lube sizer. He was even kind enough to suggest that it be donated for the new cast bullet shooters at the club. So, I gave it to him.

That meant I would have to get a new Lubesizer. So I ordered one this afternoon, for a great price. Remember, I'm in Canada. We pay more for stuff up here. I scored a new Lyman Lubesizer with the heating pad for $276 CDN, taxes in. That's about $210 USD. Generally, they are about $280 Canuckian Dinars + 13% tax, so I'm happy with that.

But I'm keeping my old punches.

My largess was the result of getting the MGM 30-30 barrel in. While talking about the 30-30 barrel in the single shot section, I mentioned wanting a 357 Maximum. I'm not getting any younger, so I started looking around. I ordered an Accurate mold. Specifically, an aluminum 4 cavity 2.90 inch mold, product no 360-180E. It looks like this.



I was on a roll, egged on by my friend, and ordered this as well. It's a Lee 200 grain RNFP - 358-200-RF.



And 100 pces of 357 Max brass.

My credit card took a beating, so I'll have to get the wife out to work again to pay it off.

With all that said, who is shooting the 357 Maximum? Any words of wisdom?

Enjoyed the post especially the part about not getting any younger, so I started looking around.

RL-7 or Lil'Gun, a 180 SR cap and you should be good to go.

I used a 235gr., but I just didn't see any benefit at the ranges the cartridge may be used at.
I also used heat treated wheelweights. Sized correctly with the checks leading never happened in a DW 357 SuperMag.

That's good. Don't let your youth hold you back!

I told a good friend that it was rough being 18. He looked at me and asked how that was possible. I told him I kept failing at being 18, so the Lord keep making me repeat. It's just like school. Anyway, He's been doing that for over 40 years. Sooner of later, I'll get it right!



Yeah, from what I've read the 180 to 200 grain bullets are way to go. I just have to scare up some lead, but considering everything else I've had to go through to get the Contender, finding lead will be easy. Lots of places up here for that.

You will enjoy the 357 Maximum, I'm on my 3rd one, one TC & 2 10 1/2" Rugers. Took 4 muleys with the first Ruger, just got the second one a couple of months ago & like all of them it's a great shooter.. I use mostly 180's in mine but in the last 2 weeks have shot quite a few 200 gr LBT's & they have shot very well. I'm shooting them powder coated & gas checked but I'm getting some light primer strikes, my gunsmith son will get that worked out. Looks like the problem is the transfer bar. 4227 has always been my powder of choice but the old 680 & newer 160 is also good as is H110 (296) is the same thing. Of course small rifle magnum primers work best, especially in your TC, good luck!

Dick

Thanks for your input!

I'm looking forward to casting some 180s and 200s. Both are gas checks.

The new Lubesizer is on the way and I'm assembling some accessories. Can't wait for everything to arrive!

did you find a 357Max?

I have a reamer with a stepped rifle style throat that I am gonna ream me a Handi.

MGM Barrels, among others.

I'd have to dig up my notes, but with 200 gr cast in my 10" contender, AA 1680 was the powder and it required a compressed load before the groups tightened up. H-110 had huge velocity variations and accuracy was poor so I stopped testing due to the results.

One of those guns and rounds I miss.

I promised myself not to order the barrel before Dec1st. I have some other things that must be completed before I play with those loads. I have made a note about the 1680. Thanks.