Reloaders can find authoritative 360 Buckhammer load data published directly by powder and bullet manufacturers such as Hodgdon, Speer, and Hornady. Published load data normally includes the specific bullet weight and profile, the exact starting and maximum powder charges, measured velocity, cartridge overall length, and the test barrel length. Because the 360 Buckhammer is a relatively new straight-walled cartridge designed to maximize performance in lever-action rifles, its data requires extra attention to firearm pressure limits. The most common bullet weights represented in published data are 180 grains and 200 grains. Published data can differ significantly between sources because each laboratory conducts testing using different test barrels, brass case capacities, primers, and powder lots, necessitating strict adherence to a single printed recipe.
360 Buckhammer Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Pressure Category | Test Barrel | Source |
| Remington Core-Lokt SP | 180 grain | CFE BLK | 31.0 gr | 35.0 gr | 2,399 fps | 50,000 PSI (SAAMI) | 20″ | Hodgdon / Remington |
| Hornady RN | 200 grain | CFE BLK | 34.0 gr | 38.0 gr | 2,217 fps | 50,000 PSI (SAAMI) | 20″ | Independent / Hodgdon |
| Speer JSP | 180 grain | Accurate 1680 | See Manual | See Manual | 2,300 fps | 50,000 PSI (SAAMI) | 20″ | Speer / Independent |
| Hornady Interlock | 200 grain | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | See Manual | See Manual | 2,100+ fps | 50,000 PSI (SAAMI) | 20″ | Hodgdon / Independent |
| Hammer Shock | 178 grain | IMR 4227 | See Manual | See Manual | Subsonic / Supersonic | 50,000 PSI (SAAMI) | 20″ | Hodgdon |
Understanding The 360 Buckhammer Load Data
To utilize a 360 Buckhammer load data chart effectively, you must understand the exact definitions of the terminology used by the testing laboratories:
- Starting load: The minimum powder charge recommended by the manufacturer. This is the mandatory starting point for 360 Buckhammer load development to ensure consistent ignition and baseline pressure before working up.
- Maximum published load: The absolute highest powder charge tested by the laboratory that remains within the designated 50,000 PSI SAAMI pressure limit. Exceeding this figure is highly dangerous.
- Velocity: The speed of the bullet, measured in feet per second (fps), as recorded by the publisher’s chronograph.
- Pressure: The chamber pressure generated by the cartridge upon firing, which for this cartridge is strictly measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).
- Bullet weight: The mass of the projectile, measured in grains (there are 7,000 grains in a pound).
- Powder: The specific brand and model of smokeless powder used in the recipe. Powders cannot be substituted.
- Barrel length: The length of the test barrel used to record the velocity. A longer or shorter barrel on your lever-action rifle will yield different speeds.
- Test conditions: The environmental constraints, primer brand, and brass case brand utilized by the lab during testing.
- Firearm pressure category:The classification of the load, identifying that it conforms to the strict 50,000 PSI maximum average pressure (MAP) established by SAAMI.
360 Buckhammer data from one source may not be interchangeable with another because bullet bearing surfaces, seating depths, and specific powder lots alter internal ballistics. A maximum load in one manual could generate higher pressures when assembled using a different brand of brass or a non-standard primer.
360 Buckhammer Bullet Weight Load Data
Reloaders have access to a specific array of 360 Buckhammer bullet weights, provided they consult manuals covering specific lever-action safe profiles. Do not assume every .358 caliber bullet weight has published data; you must match your chosen weight exactly to a printed manual.
- 150 grain to 178 grain:Lighter bullets, such as the 178-grain Hammer Shock monolithic bullet, are occasionally used. They require specific powders to fill the case properly without creating an overly compressed load.
- 180 grain: The standard lightweight option for the cartridge. Jacketed soft points (JSP) and Core-Lokt bullets in this weight achieve the highest velocities (often pushing 2,400 fps) and are excellent for medium game.
- 200 grain: The traditional heavyweight standard for the 360 Buckhammer. You will find extensive 360 Buckhammer load data published for 200-grain round nose (RN) bullets, which offer deeper penetration at a slightly lower velocity (around 2,200 fps).
- 220 grain to 225 grain: Specialty heavy bullets. Published data is less common for these extreme weights in the 360 Buckhammer and usually requires very careful powder selection to avoid pressure spikes.
How bullet weight affects ballistic performance: Heavier bullets drastically affect ballistic performance by preserving momentum and penetrating deeper, but they consume case capacity and raise chamber pressures, demanding strict adherence to published loads. Additionally, because the cartridge is primarily used in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines, flat-nose, round-nose, or flex-tip bullets must be used to prevent chain detonations in the magazine.
360 Buckhammer Powder Load Data
Reputable manufacturers publish data for a very specific, narrow band of medium-fast rifle powders. The 360 Buckhammer operates efficiently with powders that fill the straight-walled case adequately without causing dangerous pressure spikes. Below is a comparison table of published loads to illustrate how different 360 Buckhammer powder charges perform.
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity (Max) | Pressure Category | Source |
| CFE BLK | Remington SP | 180 grain | 31.0 gr | 35.0 gr | 2,399 fps | 50,000 PSI | Hodgdon / Remington |
| Accurate 1680 | Speer JSP | 180 grain | See Manual | See Manual | 2,300 fps | 50,000 PSI | Independent |
| CFE BLK | Hornady RN | 200 grain | 34.0 gr | 38.0 gr | 2,217 fps | 50,000 PSI | Independent / Hodgdon |
| IMR 4227 | Cast / Jacketed | 200 grain | See Manual | See Manual | 2,200 fps | 50,000 PSI | Hodgdon |
Do not imply that data published for one 200-grain bullet can automatically be used with another bullet. A 200-grain solid copper bullet generates vastly different pressures than a 200-grain standard cup-and-core lead bullet due to friction and length.
Standard Pressure vs Higher Pressure 360 Buckhammer Data
Unlike older cartridges (such as the .45 Colt) that have standard and high-pressure categories, the 360 Buckhammer was designed from the ground up as a modern cartridge operating at a single SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure of 50,000 PSI.
There is no officially published “higher pressure” or “+P” data for the 360 Buckhammer. The 50,000 PSI limit is already exceptionally high for a straight-walled lever-action cartridge.All published data from Hodgdon and Remington is engineered to be safe in newly manufactured firearms chambered for the round, such as the Henry Side Gate lever-action and various single-shot rifles. Readers must not assume that owning a single-shot rifle makes exceeding the 50,000 PSI published load data appropriate.
360 Buckhammer Bullet And Powder Combinations
The exact combination of components in any 360 Buckhammer load recipe governs the final pressure. If you alter the combination, you alter the science:
- Bullet construction: A monolithic copper bullet generates more barrel friction and requires a different powder charge than a standard lead-core bullet of the exact same weight.
- Bullet weight: Heavier bullets have more inertia and take up more space in the case, spiking pressures faster.
- Bearing surface: The length of the bullet that physically contacts the rifling. Longer bearing surfaces create more friction and pressure.
- Seating depth: Pushing a bullet deeper into the case reduces internal case capacity, which raises pressure exponentially.
- Case capacity: The 360 Buckhammer is based on a blown-out .30-30 Winchester case. Internal volumes can vary slightly between manufacturers (e.g., Remington vs. Federal brass).
- Primer: Using a standard large rifle primer versus a magnum large rifle primer changes how violently the powder ignites.
- Powder: Burn rates vary. The cartridge operates on a narrow band of burn rates; powders that are too fast create pressure spikes, while powders that are too slow cannot achieve viable velocities.
- Barrel characteristics: Tight chambers and different rifling twists change how a specific combination behaves.
Published load data applies only to the exact components and test conditions used by the source.
360 Buckhammer Velocity From Published Data
Velocities in the 360 Buckhammer allow it to perform exceptionally well on medium game out to 200 yards. Below is a comparison of published 360 Buckhammer velocities.
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Max Load | Muzzle Velocity | Barrel Length | Pressure Category | Source |
| Remington SP | 180 grain | Factory/CFE BLK | 35.0 gr | 2,399 fps | 20″ | 50,000 PSI | Remington |
| Speer JSP | 180 grain | Accurate 1680 | See Manual | 2,300 fps | 20″ | 50,000 PSI | Independent |
| Hornady RN | 200 grain | Factory/CFE BLK | 38.0 gr | 2,217 fps | 20″ | 50,000 PSI | Remington |
| Hornady Interlock | 200 grain | Lil’Gun | See Manual | 2,100+ fps | 20″ | 50,000 PSI | Independent |
Clearly distinguish:
- Manufacturer-published velocity: Fired under controlled lab conditions with exact test barrels (usually 20 inches for this cartridge).
- Independent chronograph testing: Fired by a consumer in real-world conditions, which often yields different speeds due to barrel wear and temperature.
- Ballistic calculator estimates: Theoretical math models. Do not present calculated velocity as measured velocity.
360 Buckhammer Load Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length affects published 360 Buckhammer velocity. Because the cartridge utilizes medium-fast burning powders like Accurate 1680, CFE BLK, and IMR 4227, it burns its powder column efficiently in standard lever-action barrel lengths. Most 360 Buckhammer load data is published using a 20-inch test barrel.
When reliable published testing is conducted using an 18-inch or 16.5-inch carbine barrel, velocities will generally be lower than the 20-inch lab data, typically losing 20 to 30 fps per inch of barrel reduction. Conversely, a 22-inch or 24-inch single-shot rifle may yield slightly higher speeds. Clearly identify the test barrel or firearm configuration for each velocity figure. Do not present one barrel’s velocity as universal.
360 Buckhammer Energy And Ballistics
Where reliable source data is available, the 360 Buckhammer proves to be a potent straight-walled cartridge.
- Muzzle velocity: A 180-grain bullet loaded to maximum pressure can achieve nearly 2,400 fps.
- Muzzle energy: This 180-grain load generates roughly 2,302 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
- Muzzle velocity (Heavy):A 200-grain bullet achieves roughly 2,200 to 2,217 fps.
- Muzzle energy (Heavy): The 200-grain load strikes with approximately 2,149 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
- Effective range: Ballistic trajectories and retained energy make it a highly effective cartridge for deer and black bear inside 200 yards.
These figures clearly identify the exact bullet and load associated with the ballistics.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
When conducting 360 Buckhammer load development, always prioritize official, pressure-tested data over secondary sources.
- Manufacturer-published load data: Derived in a ballistic laboratory using piezoelectric transducers to precisely measure PSI.
- Independent chronograph testing: Useful for determining what velocity a load achieves in a specific consumer rifle.
- Ballistic calculator estimates: Software predictions that cannot account for the exact friction of your specific bore.
- User-submitted load reports: Unverified data posted on internet forums. These should never be trusted as primary sources.
Independently measured results frequently differ from published figures due to temperature variations, altitude, tight chambers, and the differences between production rifles and universal test receivers. Give priority to official, pressure-tested manufacturer data.
360 Buckhammer Pressure And Safety
Safety in reloading requires that published 360 Buckhammer load data be followed exactly.
- SAAMI specifications:The SAAMI maximum average pressure specification for the 360 Buckhammer is exactly 50,000 PSI.
- Starting vs maximum loads: Always start at the published minimum charge. Never jump straight to the maximum load.
- Tubular magazine safety: You must use flat-nose, round-nose, or specialized flex-tip bullets. Using pointed spitzer bullets in a tubular magazine can cause the recoil to detonate the primer of the cartridge resting in front of it.
- Component substitutions: Substituting a monolithic copper bullet for a lead-core bullet of the same weight requires entirely different data.
- Temperature: Powders can be temperature sensitive. A maximum load developed in the winter may be dangerously over-pressure in summer heat.
Do not attempt to develop an unpublished recipe or exceed published maximums simply because a rifle feels strong.
Best Sources For 360 Buckhammer Load Data
The strongest current sources for 360 Buckhammer load data are the manufacturers who pressure-test their own components.
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: Unmatched for recency, accessibility, and transparency. They supply vast data for CFE BLK, IMR 4227, Accurate 1680, and Lil’Gun specifically tailored for the 360 Buckhammer.
- Remington:As the creator of the cartridge, Remington’s factory specifications provide the baseline for safe velocities and pressures.
- Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading: Offers excellent component specificity for their proprietary Interlock and round-nose bullets suitable for lever actions.
Clearly distinguish official manufacturer data from secondary or user-submitted sources.
Common 360 Buckhammer Load Data Questions
Where can I find 360 Buckhammer load data?
Authoritative 360 Buckhammer load data can be found directly through the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, which provides comprehensive recipes for various bullet weights and powder combinations.
What powders are used in published 360 Buckhammer data?
Published data commonly utilizes a narrow band of medium-fast powders like CFE BLK, Accurate 1680, IMR 4227, Accurate 5744, and Hodgdon Lil’Gun.
What bullet weights have 360 Buckhammer load data?
Data is most widely published for 180-grain and 200-grain bullets, with limited data available for lighter monolithic bullets around 178 grains.
What is the best source for 360 Buckhammer reloading data?
The best source is the direct laboratory-tested manual from Hodgdon Powder Company, as they provide exact starting loads, maximum loads, and pressure data.
Why does 360 Buckhammer load data vary between sources?
Data varies because different laboratories test using varying barrel lengths, powder lots, brass case capacities, primers, and specific bullet bearing surfaces.
What is the difference between standard-pressure and higher-pressure 360 Buckhammer data?
There is no difference. The 360 Buckhammer operates on a single SAAMI specification of 50,000 PSI, and there is no published higher-pressure data.
Does barrel length affect 360 Buckhammer velocity?
Yes. A 20-inch test barrel will generally yield higher velocities than a 16.5-inch carbine barrel, usually at a loss of roughly 20 to 30 fps per inch.
Can the same powder charge be used with a different bullet?
No. Different bullets of the same weight have varying bearing surfaces, lengths, and seating depths, which radically alter chamber pressure.
What is the difference between starting and maximum published load data?
Starting data is the safe minimum powder charge used to begin load development. Maximum data is the absolute highest charge tested by the lab before crossing the 50,000 PSI SAAMI safety limit.
Does Hodgdon publish 360 Buckhammer load data?
Yes, Hodgdon publishes extensive data for the 360 Buckhammer through their online Reloading Data Center and specific articles detailing load development.
Does Hornady publish 360 Buckhammer load data?
Hornady provides load data applicable to their 200-grain round nose and flat-nose bullets designed for lever-action safety.
Are standard .358 bullets safe in the 360 Buckhammer?
Yes, the cartridge utilizes standard .358 diameter bullets, but reloaders must ensure the bullet profile (flat or round nose) is safe for use in a tubular magazine.