357 Contender Loads

filmjunkie4ever

Handloader
May 4, 2011
1,656
532
I just picked up a 10'' ported T/C Contender barrel in 357 Magnum caliber. It has a 1x Scope on top and appears to shoot quite well with the PMC 158 JSP factory loads I put through it the other day. I am interested in making up some loads for deer/hog hunting with this pistol. I don't plan to take it buck hunting, just antlerless and the hogs are an if/then type situation where a rifle will not be too far away if needed. Any recommendations on the load? I have a ton of H110 which I use in my 44 Rem Mag loads and plan to use it in this as well. I like the 158 grain bullets and dont plan to shoot anything lighter than that. I have considered the 180 PT-HG's at around 1200 fps. This is a fun gun! Looking forward to throwing down on a doe this fall with it.
 
Mine was shot in a 6" 686, but it was super accurate.

16.5grs H110
158 Hornady XTP-FP
Starline Brass
CCI 550
Lee FCD 1 full turn
 
I have shot deer with this load and it is a killer. Keeping shots inside 107 yards which is as far as I have killed one with this 10" 357 mag barrel on my Contender.
Federal case, 13.5 grs H-110 (max load according to Hodgdon 2011 manual) CCI 550 primer, 180 gr Hornady XTP, OAL 1.575 1400 fps in my barrel. This is also a tack driver of a load.
 
Back
Top