Handloading the 357 Maximum

[rock-steady]

I have some questions about handloading the 357 Maximum for use in a rifle.

What is the correct primer to use? Small rifle or small magnum pistol?

Also, anyone use the 357 Max in a Handi-Rifle? Will it shoot cast boolits accurately?

[handirifle]

I never had one but based on the fact that it's a long 357 Mag case, I would suggest the mag pistol powders. More powder to light off.

Check with the folks at GB outdoors http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php. Scroll down the page a bit to the H&R forums. Great bunch of folks and they have done exactly what you are asking, and much more I might add.

Heck they were making Max rifles out of their 357 Mag's 10 years ago. So lots of data for you to draw on.

[Hobie]

I have some questions about handloading the 357 Maximum for use in a rifle.

What is the correct primer to use? Small rifle or small magnum pistol?

ALWAYS small rifle. ALWAYS.

Also, anyone use the 357 Max in a Handi-Rifle? Will it shoot cast boolits accurately?

So they say. My Contender shoots cast well, too.

[Rusty]

+1 on graybeards forums. Those guys have taken the Max to a new level.

[Thunder50]

I use either Rem 7 1/2 or Wolf primers for the 5.56. Powders that have worked the best for me are WW680/WC680 and 2400. I shoot mine thru a Ruger #1, but do have a NEF that I rechambered to 357max, but have just shot the Ruger instead.

Over on Graybeards, there is nothing but praise for rechambered Handi's.