Years ago i read an article - by Taffin, i believe regarding higher velocity loads in the 44 mag with 300 grain hornady bullets, where he increased the velocity and lowered the pressure by crimping in the rear groove. this only worked in rugers and Dan Wessons that had enough cylinder length to accomadate the increased OAL. my question is has anyone ever tried this with the 357 specifically using the 180 grain XTP/

I'm sure someone has tried it in a Contender but I've not read about anyone trying it in a revolver,interesting idea though-john

Brian Pearce wrote an article for the April 2010 issue of Handloader magazine covering +p 44 mag loads using the lower crimping grooves where avail. Don't remember anyone writing article addressing similar 357 loads.

I don't use that Hornady bullet, but I do crimp the lower goove with a 180gr cast that I cast. Smith cylinders are too short using .357 mag brass, so when I shoot that bullet in them, I use .38spec cases and crimp in the lower (an old Skeeter Skelton trick).