357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

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Russellb
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357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by Russellb »

I need help with something that is new to me please.

Is 357 Super Mag and 357 Maximum essentially the same as far as dies, components, loading data go?

I just purchased a Dan Wesson 357 Super Mag.

Who makes dies for this chambering? Dillon told me that they do not make dies for this. RCBS told me that the 38/357 mag dies will work for 357 Super Mag. So I am confused.

I am hoping I can use the loading data for 357 Remington Maximum but I need dies. Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Russell B.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by nutcase »

first, 357 supermag and 357 Rem maximum are the exact same cartridge.

as for Dies, RCBS, Hornady and Lyman make a special set of dies that will reload 38/357Mag/357Max with one set. the only difference in these cases is the length.

RCBS also offers the set with either a roll crimp or taper crimp.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by 260 Striker »

"Technically" the Remington Maximum is just a hair shorter than a "true" 357 Supermag. When Elgin Gates first designed the 357 Supermag his version was just a hair longer. Early 357 Supermag headstamped brass was cut to Elgin's specs. When Ruger brought out their gun their chambers were not as long as the Dan Wessons and ElDorados and Remington made their 357 Maximum brass just a hair shorter to accommodate the Rugers. Now having said all that, there really is no difference loading the two cartridges. SOME 38/357 dies can handle the longer Max cases with no problem. Newer 38/357 dies are probably OK, just have to try the longer Max case and see if it can be resized down or will bottom out in the die. If you don't need to resize the Max brass all the way down then you can probably use any 38/357 dies. Bullet seating and crimping the longer Max case should not be any problem it is just sizing that may be an issue. I don't know if dies that are just for a 38 Special would size down enough but even they should allow seating and crimping of Max cases. As nutcase said, they are considered to be identical since current Max brass is about all you can find. If you run into any of the early Federal brass with the 357 Supermag headstamp then you will see the slight difference in case length. Your Dan Wesson was made for the longer Supermag case so the current Max brass will work just fine. Good gun and very accurate once you get your loads worked up. DW Supermags took most of the top revolver spots at the Internationals back in the 80s.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by mugs »

Whatever die set you end up with get a Redding Profile crimp die. If your a bullet caster get a RCBS 35-180 sil. mold. If you don't cast look up Leadhead bullets and get some PR357-180 bullets. Get some IMR 4227 powder and have fun.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by 260 Striker »

+1 on what Mugs said. Another great cast bullet for the Max/Supermag is the RCBS 205 flat point bullet and Leadheads also sells that bullet if you don't cast. Might have to trim the brass back a little for the 205s but the 180s that Mugs mentioned work great in the Max/Supermag. I always used small rifle primers in my loads since I shot them out of TCs too but don't know if you can use regular small pistol primers or small pistol mag primgers. Mugs can probably give you better advice on primers.
Lynn Shultz
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by mugs »

Rem. 7 1/2.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by ihmsakiwi »

+1 on the 4227 but with the RCBS 200gr. :)
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by nutcase »

first, you should always use a small rifle primer due to the high pressures generated by the 357 Max (357SM).

second, the Leadhead 205 Gr bullet is a Saeco bullet ;) But the saeco and RCBS bullet are very similar in design. the other 200 Gr is too long for a 357SM revolver (PL357-200 WFN).

https://secure25.securewebsession.com/p ... /order.htm

and last, I use 2 different powders in mine.

IMR-4227 for high velocity. AA MP-5744 for lower velocity.

do not use the ball powders such as 296 or H-110 as these are what was causing the top strap cutting when the 357SM first came out.
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Re: 357 Super Mag vs 357 Rem Maximum

Post by LOCKHART »

I use w-296 and h-110 in my Dan Wesson Supermag, and it doesnt
cut the top strap, and I've been shooting mine in IHMSA competition
since I bought it in 1990! The top strap cutting is caused by using
light weight bullets, like 125 to 158 grain bullets with those powders.
If you use the 180 grain and up bullets, you will have no problems
with h-110 or w-296.
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