Does anyone have any load data for FA 353 Casull using the Hornady 180 gr. XTP bullet & Win 296 or 2400 powder? I thought I had some Taffin info on this round, but his info Pre dates the 180 XTP bullet. The only load I could find uses AA9. A call to Freedom Arms this afternoon didn't get me anywhere either.

I have used 15.5 gr. 296 & CCI 350's with the 180 XTP crimped in the top crimp groove, for years with outstanding accuracy.
This is above loading manual recommendations for the average .357, so proceed carefully.

240,

I've recently acquired a 353 Casull myself; love it! I used load data in Taffins write-up. Only catch is, I'm using a Nosler Partition. I consulted Jamesfromjersey about the 353 and he said the 180 xtp wouldn't hold together at the high level loads. He highly recommended the 180 NP. The levels I'm referring to is not the level that 500WE mentioned above; I'm talking about 1600-1700+ fps range. James is currently still experiencing computer issues due to Sandy, but he should be able to shine some light on the subject when his back on line. We had about an hour conversation in this very subject just last night.

240,

check this site: http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/taffin...=Powder&Source=

Doc

Thanks fellas, I settled on 15.5 gr of 296 under a 180 XTP, and ignited by Rem small rifle primer. I crimped on the bottom groove, I'm not sure if this is going to have negative effect? I will try the nosler partition next time.

My FA showed neither the velocity nor accuracy crimped in the bottom groove vs crimping in the top groove with that load. Test both next time before loading a bunch.

Which guns can handle these kind of loads? The reason I ask is I was wondering how heavy of a load the S & W Model 28 would handle?

Grendel,
these loads are for the Freedom Arms 353 Casull (AKA M83 357 Mag) only.
I've not tested them in any other revolver, but John Taffin warns against it. Some of these Taffin loads are DOUBLE SAAMI specs.

the Speer manual #14 gives silhouette loads using a 180gr.fmj W296 start 14.3 max.-15.9,H110 start14.5 max.-16.1,AA#9 start13.0 max.-14.4 IMR4227 start 14.1 max15.7, 2400 start 12.1 max13.5 , they do list blue dot but I won't put this info out for it cause of high pressure problems between the old manufacture and new....the manual states"the loads here were developed on copper crusher pressure barrels and approach the industry pressure limit of 45,000CUP.Use them only in single shot pistols and heavy frame revolvers.I had shot the Hornady 180gr.X.T.P.'s over 16.0 gr of H110 out of my Ruger Blackhawk with no(primer)signs of being too hot but sometimes this can be decieving,the Freedom Arms 353 should be plenty strong for these loads-john

I forgot to add, the length of the cylinder may be the only problem you may have so make a dummy load to check for overall length-john