357Max.
I have a T/C 21 inch carbine in 357 Max that I can't find shells for.My question to the experts> Can I reload 357Max with one of those old Lee 38/357 hand loaders?.The kind where all you need is a kitchen table and a small hammer.I realize I'll need a powder scale
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Yup, and you can shoot 357 magnum and 38 special in it too - just clean the chamber good to avoid a lead ring build up which would cause problems next time you try and chamber a 357 max cartridge. 0 -
Case lube is a real help with those. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Redtail
I have a T/C 21 inch carbine in 357 Max that I can't find shells for.My question to the experts> Can I reload 357Max with one of those old Lee 38/357 hand loaders?.The kind where all you need is a kitchen table and a small hammer."I realize I'll need a powder scale"
You can load without a scale if you buy the Lee plastic powder scoopers. They come in a boxed graduated set, along with with data sheets that lists how much powder each one holds, for all the common reloading powders.0 -
That Lee Loader might not work for your 357 Maximum, as it is about 3/8 of an inch longer than a 357 Magnum. It might not size it all the way. The Lee scoops, will work for now, untill you decide you have had enough, and get a press, and dies. Then you might as well get a good starter kit, with a powder scale, and powder measure.
Hand loading one's own ammunition, can be as much fun, and stress relieving, as shooting. It can consume one's mind, into a constant procession, to always strive for better techniques.
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After you make a few hundred rounds with a Lee loader, you probably be hooked and will want the other stuff anyway.
A Lee loader can kind of teach you the basics of what there is to reloading and that's not a bad thing.
If I were you, I would start saving now for something better. Having a 357 max is a great reason to get into reloading, plus you could also reload for 38 special and 357 magnum as well as making your max much more vesatile.0 -
Look for a Lee Challenger kit. A very good deal for the $$! I got started with one of those, and never stopped! 0 -
I reload .38 specials, .357 Magnums and .357 Maximums with .38 special dies. Since they are going into the same gun there should be no problem. I have a shorter .357 Maximum barrel for my Contender & have never had any problem.
I have not had much luck shooting .38 specials & .357 Magnums in it. They work but I have not gotten good results with them.
I have the opposite problem. I have a set of .454 Casull dies & wonder if there is any way to load .45 Long Colts with them?0 -
Thanks a lot guys.I don't want to get into large scale reloading.Two deer will last me a year,although we are alowed five deer in my county,I can't eat more than two,so I only need to shoot my 357Max two times a year.
I plan to buy a Lee loader off Ebay.Thanks again0 -
Generally, you can load longer cartridges in shorter dies by adjusting the dies. But that's with a press. The only experience I've had with Lee hand dies that might be remotely similiar to your situation was in loading 3" 20 ga. shells in 2 3/4" dies. As I recall, it worked but was not very convenient. But as you state, you're only going to load a few so time per cartridge should not be a problem.
By the way; instead of ebay, why not try the auction side here. Among other things, I like the 15 minute rule better than having to sit at the computer and try to sneak the winning bid in on ebay in the last second!
See auction #330054065.0 -
Thank you Ambrose,I have bid on that loader.I somehow missed it in my search. 0 -
Gruntled, my .45 Colt loads were made with Hornady .454 dies. The .454 should work just fine for you as well 0
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