Many have underestimated the .357 Magnum as a good Rifle Caliber Load ,
sometimes it might be because of available components and reload data.
Why? The availability of 45/70 hasn’t made the 44 Magnum any less popular; the .308 hasn’t killed off the 30-30. I’m always bothered when someone suggests that a more powerful gun/round precludes the effectiveness or popularity of another. Granted, the .357 magnum is not the ideal rifle caliber for hunting... doesn’t mean that is ineffective or inconsequential.Has it been underestimated or have the availability of 44 magnum rifles just made it a non starter?
I see the popularity of the 357 lever guns and I am somewhat bemused by it when 44 mag rifles exist.
There is no difference between rifle and pistol data for 357 Mag, they both have the same specs including peak pressure. Since your shooting it in a rifle select powders that are slower burning for the bullet you are using and you will realize a bigger velocity bump between pistol length and rifle length barrels.
There is no difference between rifle and pistol data for 357 Mag, they both have the same specs including peak pressure. Since your shooting it in a rifle select powders that are slower burning for the bullet you are using and you will realize a bigger velocity bump between pistol length and rifle length barrels.
Hodgdon has rifle and pistol specific data also but it is still loaded to the same specification, pressure, dimension etc. They are just reporting velocity data for a long or short barrel. If they are smart they are also using slower powders in the rifle specific loads to maximize velocity.I have an older manual with rifle specific data in it. I can't remember who put it out and it's in the garage. I'll check it with current 357 data tomorrow and see if there is any difference. If so I'll post it.
What powder did you choose for each? For plinking in my Henry I really like the 125 gr with a heavy H110 charge. It’s like an M1 Carbine on steroids.View attachment 898469
Three .357 Magnum Rifle Loads done.
What powder did you choose for each? For plinking in my Henry I really like the 125 gr with a heavy H110 charge. It’s like an M1 Carbine on steroids.
Why? The availability of 45/70 hasn’t made the 44 Magnum any less popular; the .308 hasn’t killed off the 30-30. I’m always bothered when someone suggests that a more powerful gun/round precludes the effectiveness or popularity of another. Granted, the .357 magnum is not the ideal rifle caliber for hunting... doesn’t mean that is ineffective or inconsequential.
Hodgdon gives 16.7 Max load for H110 for Pistol and Rifle with 1591 fps out of a 10" barrel.View attachment 898466
357 Mag. (Pistol) Load Data
View attachment 898467
357 Mag. (Rifle) Load Data
The only real difference in the data is the reported higher velocity from the longer rifle barrel. The cartridge is still loaded to the proper pressure for the .357 Magnum.There is no difference between rifle and pistol data for 357 Mag, they both have the same specs including peak pressure. Since your shooting it in a rifle select powders that are slower burning for the bullet you are using and you will realize a bigger velocity bump between pistol length and rifle length barrels.
View attachment 898466
357 Mag. (Pistol) Load Data
View attachment 898467
357 Mag. (Rifle) Load Data