Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles CFE BLK in 357 MAXimum?

Has any one worked with Hodgdon CFEBLK in 357 Maximum rifle?
Thank you in advance. Brian

I use CFE BLK in my S&W .460 loads for the Encore rifle barrel and am satisfied with them for 100 yd Michigan deer hunting.

I plan to try CFE BLK in loads for a .357 maximum barrel when I get it back from JES Reboring.

Thanks, I know that it is well liked for 500S&W too.

I think that it may be hard to get enough powder in the case for good velocity. I am looking at using flat base bullets in the 158 grain range. Also my 22" 357 Max barrel is for a TC Encore single shot so I will be seating to minimum depth.

Hodgdon does list data for CFE BLK in the 357 Max under Pistol Data:

https://hodgdonreloading.com/rldc/?t=2

It is too slow burning to reach top velocity before running out of case room in the Max. It lags about 200 fps behind other powders at full capacity. If you can seat longer it may help.

My opinion, AA1680 is the best choice for the Max if you want top velocity and good accuracy.

CFE BLK is a better powder in the 360 Buckhammer with 200 gr bullets giving top velocity. It has more case capacity than the Max.

Thanks, That makes sense. Brian

A1680 + 357 Maximum = perfection

I would try CFE BLK if I couldn't get A1680.