357 Maximum bullet choice

[jjsharpshooter]

I recently bought a mint in box Ruger 357 max with 10.5 bbl. I don't have a proper cast bullet mold at the time so for now I plan on using jacketed bullets. I plan on using it for whitetail deer and see i can buy Hornady 180 gr xtp or Remington 180 gr hp, which is better for accuracy, expansion, etc? Will be using Imr4227 powder also.

[bradshaw]

Sept 14, 2017 9:38:21 GMT -5 jjsharpshooter said:

I recently bought a mint in box Ruger 357 max with 10.5 bbl. I don't have a proper cast bullet mold at the time so for now I plan on using jacketed bullets. I plan on using it for whitetail deer and see i can buy Hornady 180 gr xtp or Remington 180 gr hp, which is better for accuracy, expansion, etc? Will be using Imr4227 powder also.

*****

If the Remington is the original Remington 180 JHP designed for the Maximum with the company's flower petal jacket, it will do the job. Don’t have personal experience with the Hornady 180 XTP, but it, too, should work fine. Jacket on the XTP sometimes folds flat against the shank, creating a rough wadcutter, which of course chops a hole. Velocity from the 10-1/2” Maximum with 180’s easily cruises 1,500 to 1,600 fps. More velocity is available but unnecessary. Within that rpm range, let accuracy decide. Going hotter, the 180 certainly kills, but you begin to pay with shorter brass life. Remember, rifle primers only; they do not need to be small rifle magnum, the standard will do. Make sure your Ruger has the blued, heavier coil Cap & Ball mainspring. Don’t use a Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk mainspring.
Good fortune on the hunt,
David Bradshaw

[jimtx]

I have used XTP's to take big whitetails, they work great most of the time, like any none solid bullet an issue can arise like Bradshaw stated above, but for the most part from 800-1700 they will open and do a nice job.

I have taken deer with many different cals/handguns, HP's work quickest and best(light skinned game). But a descent HC WFN will work as well.

Good Luck, Jim 

[bigbrowndog]

I'm currently shooting 180xtp from my 357max, and getting great accuracy. A forum friend has sent me some 200ish cast bullets that he uses in his with good success. I'm out to the range to try them next week, for an up coming pronghorn/mule deer hunt. Mr. Bradshaw knows a
"Little" about these guns and what they're capable of, he is a wealth of information.

Trapr

[dougader]

Sixshot/Dick just took a deer and a pronghorn with his max... using 200 grain powder coat bullets of his own casting IIRC.......

[jjsharpshooter]

Thanks for the info guys, can't wait to see what she will do.

[potatojudge]

Congrats! That's one I'd love to own.

The 180 XTP is plenty accurate for WT hunting, and while I haven't used the 357 for deer the 44 XTPs in 210 (special loads) and 240 (mag loads) grains have performed well.

The Remington is a great bullet too and if cost is a concern, it'll get you more practice for the $$.

Are you planning to use the factory sights, a Bowen rear, or an optic? It's great we have no drill mounts for reflex sights now so we can extend our hunting range and hunting hours without altering the guns.

[jjsharpshooter]

I might try the weigand mini mount with an ultradot l/t, I have it on my 480 Bisley so I might take it off and give that a try.

[oddshooter]

Hey JJ,

Please let me know if those Weigand mounts work. I've tried several other mounts without success.


Prescut

[mart]

If you'd like some 200 grain cast bullets to try, shoot me a pm with your contact info. I have a bunch cast up and would be happy to send some to a fellow 357 Max fan. These are from an Accurate mold and are a WLN gas check.