I have a single shot HG in 357 Max. I have 100 brass for it. I want to handload it to 357 Mag or even 38 special but use the 357 Max brass. Is this crazy? Will it light off if loaded to 38 special? I just hate the big blast basically, big kick. I have 38 special brass and 357 Mag brass but these leave a ring in the bbl. so I would prefer to just shoot the max in this gun. More accurate?
357 Max
- Thread starter rustynut1
- Start date
It will fire all three, you just have to carefully clean your chamber after shooting. I own two of them, a Ruger Super Blackhawk and a Dan Wesson Super Max. - dan
vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
You can definitely down-load in the full length case. People have been doing that forever in the 357mag and 44mag. It's nice not needing to worry about the carbon ring in the chamber or getting different brass or shorter dies.
There are many past threads here related to the other cases mentioned but the search engine here isn't the easiest to use.
Trailboss powder is made specifically for this application and fills the case.
You can also just use the load data for the 357mag or 38sp in the large case and it will be even lighter than published because of the extra case volume. There are a few caveats with this approach though. Some of the magnum powders like H110 and 296 specifically say not to go below a certain level and others won't burn completely at lower pressures. Faster powders like titegroup, 231or bullseye can be good but care needs to be taken not to double charge any cases.
As you work lower care needs to be taken that you haven't gone too light and stuck any bullets in the barrel but that shouldn't be an issue unless you are looking for very light mouse-fart loads.
Cast bullet loads are generally lighter than those for jacketed so that might be a place to look also.
Might sound complicated if you are new to reloading but some Googling will probably bring up proven light load data on other forums.
Good luck!
There are many past threads here related to the other cases mentioned but the search engine here isn't the easiest to use.
Trailboss powder is made specifically for this application and fills the case.
You can also just use the load data for the 357mag or 38sp in the large case and it will be even lighter than published because of the extra case volume. There are a few caveats with this approach though. Some of the magnum powders like H110 and 296 specifically say not to go below a certain level and others won't burn completely at lower pressures. Faster powders like titegroup, 231or bullseye can be good but care needs to be taken not to double charge any cases.
As you work lower care needs to be taken that you haven't gone too light and stuck any bullets in the barrel but that shouldn't be an issue unless you are looking for very light mouse-fart loads.
Cast bullet loads are generally lighter than those for jacketed so that might be a place to look also.
Might sound complicated if you are new to reloading but some Googling will probably bring up proven light load data on other forums.
Good luck!
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Thank you for the information. I am making a list and will have to make a road trip to get supplies. This new gun comes with a 7mmBR barrel as well so I need to get projectiles for that as well. And scope mount and rings etc. Looking like Leupold DD rings and mount is the ticket. So many fun things to do!!!
