Hi Guys;
I'm getting set to load for my new 357 Max. barrel and wanted to get some input on powder choices. the barrel is 12" long and I will load the 180gr. XTP for hunting. I have a stock of 296 but wondered if there are better choices?
Thanks for the help with the scope. A local dealer had a bunch in stock that I could look through and I chose the Leupold 4x.Thanks! Ron.

Ron,

Great choice on the scope IMHO.

My current load for my 10" max consists of H4227 and the 180 gr XTP. I do not have any more H4227 so I was going to try 296 when I shoot up all of the ammo that I have loaded. I'm trying to cut down on the number of powders that I keep in supply and 296 has worked so well for me in a number of pistol cartridges.

Best of luck with your new setup!

Give Lil gun a try, makes my Max and 180 gr XTPs work very well

I just got a Dan Wesson 357 SuperMag (Maximum) and I'm loading 180grn XTP's with H110 and BR4 primers. I had 4 lbs of the H110 for my 45 Long Colt and thought I would use it. It is shooting good so far. With a starting load from my load manuals I just about at the bullet base. Some say the 296 is great but I didn't want to have another powder around. I'm also trying to cut down on the different powders I have.
Mike

Hawk,

H110 and WW296 are essentially the same powder. Therefore, data is interchangeable.

Doc

4227 worked super in mine and 296 is great.
Stay away from Lil'Gun, It burns so hot it will erode the forcing cone or throat in a single shot.

I my revolver I use H110 with the 158gr bullets and IMR 4227 with the 180gr pills.

Thanks Doc, hadn't heard that. I got to shoot my Dan Wesson with the 180grn XTP's. Open sights are getting a little fuzzy for me now but I got a couple of 2.5" groups at 50 yds this weekend.
I was expecting more recoil but I guess with the large frame of the Dan Wesson it soaks up some of the recoil. I'm used to shooting the XP's and Encores in huge calibers.
I'm going to bump up the load in two steps 1/2grn and see if that changes anything.
With the groups I'm getting and within 50-60 yds, I can take a pig or whitetail pretty easy.
Mike

I think it was Mike Bellm's news letter that he was saying to stay away from the Lil,gun just like 430man was saying,the cartridge in the news letter was the .357 max.

I use AA-1680 in most of my 357 Max Loads

I dont have the 357 max anymore. I had a dan wesson suppermag.I used 20 grains of H-110 with a 170 gr sierra.Did the job and very accurate.