Finding accurate 360 Buckhammer load data is essential for maximizing the straight-walled, brush-busting performance of this modern lever-action cartridge.
This comprehensive guide compiles trusted 360 Buckhammer reloading data to help you safely develop the perfect medium-game round for your rifle.
Whether you are loading lightweight 180-grain projectiles or traditional 200-grain hunting bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before charging your cases.
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360 Buckhammer Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady InterLock FN | 180 gr | Lil’Gun | 24.5 gr | 27.5 gr (49,500 PSI) | 2,200 – 2,400 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Sierra JHC | 180 gr | CFE BLK | 26.0 gr | 29.5 gr (48,000 PSI) | 2,150 – 2,350 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady RN | 200 gr | Accurate 1680 | 23.5 gr | 26.5 gr | 2,050 – 2,250 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Western Powders |
| Remington Core-Lokt | 200 gr | H110 | 22.0 gr | 24.5 gr (49,800 PSI) | 2,000 – 2,180 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Barnes TSX FN | 200 gr | IMR 4227 | 23.0 gr | 25.8 gr | 1,950 – 2,100 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
360 Buckhammer Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Speer Hot-Cor FN | 180 gr | W296 | 24.0 gr | 27.0 gr (49,000 PSI) | 2,180 – 2,380 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady FTX | 200 gr | Lil’Gun | 21.5 gr | 24.2 gr (49,500 PSI) | 2,050 – 2,220 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Sierra Pro-Hunter | 200 gr | CFE BLK | 25.5 gr | 28.5 gr (48,500 PSI) | 2,000 – 2,200 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Remington Core-Lokt | 180 gr | Accurate 11FS | 24.5 gr | 27.5 gr | 2,150 – 2,350 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Western Powders |
| Hornady InterLock RN | 200 gr | Reloder 7 | 27.0 gr | 30.5 gr | 1,900 – 2,150 fps | 20″ / Universal Receiver | Alliant Powder |
Understanding the 360 Buckhammer Reloading Data
Reading 360 Buckhammer reloading data requires an understanding of the cartridge’s unique design and purpose. Introduced by Remington to dominate the straight-walled cartridge hunting market, the 360 Buckhammer is essentially a .30-30 Winchester case blown out to accommodate a .358-caliber bullet. Because it utilizes a rimmed case, it headspaces on the rim rather than the case mouth (unlike the 350 Legend). This allows handloaders to safely apply a firm roll crimp to secure the bullet, which is absolutely necessary to prevent bullets from being pushed into the case while resting in a tubular magazine under heavy recoil.
360 Buckhammer Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The 360 Buckhammer utilizes traditional .358-caliber rifle bullets, perfectly bridging the gap between the .35 Remington and the .350 Legend. The cartridge is optimized almost entirely for 180-grain and 200-grain projectiles. Because the round is primarily chambered in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines, reloaders must strictly use flat-nose (FN), round-nose (RN), or polymer flex-tip (FTX) bullets. Loading pointed spitzer bullets can result in a catastrophic chain detonation inside the magazine tube during recoil.
360 Buckhammer Powder Reloading Data
Powder selection for the 360 Buckhammer relies on fast-burning rifle propellants and magnum pistol powders that maximize velocity within the straight-walled case geometry. Hodgdon Lil’Gun, H110, and Winchester 296 (W296) are the undisputed industry standards for this cartridge, providing exceptional case fill and clean burns. Other highly effective powders include CFE BLK, Accurate 1680, IMR 4227, and Reloder 7. These propellants deliver the rapid pressure spikes required to efficiently drive heavy, large-diameter bullets down the bore.
360 Buckhammer Bullet and Powder Combinations
Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder ensures maximum reliability and terminal performance in the deer woods. A 180-grain flat-nose bullet paired with Lil’Gun or W296 provides the highest possible velocities and the flattest trajectory for the cartridge. When loading heavier 200-grain bullets for deeper penetration on large hogs or black bear, slightly slower powders like CFE BLK or Accurate 1680 provide a smoother pressure curve while maintaining excellent muzzle velocity.
360 Buckhammer Velocity From Published Data
Published velocity figures for the 360 Buckhammer prove it to be a massive upgrade over traditional straight-walled lever-action cartridges. Pushing a 180-grain bullet to nearly 2,400 fps generates tremendous kinetic energy and a highly practical trajectory out to 200 yards. Even when utilizing the heavier 200-grain bullets, velocities comfortably exceed 2,150 fps, matching or slightly outperforming the legendary .35 Remington while remaining perfectly legal in straight-walled restricted hunting zones.
360 Buckhammer Reloading Data by Barrel Length
Most published load data for the 360 Buckhammer utilizes a 20-inch laboratory test barrel to perfectly simulate the Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles that the cartridge was designed for. Because it uses very fast-burning powders, it achieves a complete burn very quickly. If you are hunting with a shorter 18-inch trapper-style carbine, you can expect a very minor velocity loss of roughly 15 to 25 fps per inch of reduced barrel length, meaning the cartridge remains highly effective in compact rifles.
360 Buckhammer Energy and Ballistics
The 360 Buckhammer delivers punishing kinetic energy, generating over 2,200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle with a 180-grain bullet. Because it utilizes heavy, wide-diameter bullets, it hits with massive hydrostatic shock and leaves excellent blood trails. However, the flat-nose and round-nose projectiles feature low ballistic coefficients, causing them to shed velocity rapidly. The trajectory begins to drop heavily past 200 yards, strictly making this a short-to-medium-range hunting cartridge.
360 Buckhammer Hunting Applications
The 360 Buckhammer was purpose-built to be the ultimate lever-action deer rifle cartridge for states with straight-walled cartridge regulations, such as Ohio, Iowa, and southern Michigan. It is devastatingly effective on whitetail deer, feral hogs, and black bears within 200 yards. The heavy .358-caliber bullets plow straight through heavy brush and bone, providing reliable pass-through penetration, making it an exceptional choice for hunters navigating dense timber or hunting from tree stands.
Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing
Because the 360 Buckhammer is a relatively new commercial cartridge, adhering strictly to official manufacturer data is critical. Independent forum data may mistakenly apply 350 Legend load data to the 360 Buckhammer, which is incredibly dangerous due to the different bullet diameters (.358 vs .355) and differing case capacities. Always prioritize verified load data published specifically for the 360 Buckhammer chamber to prevent dangerous overpressure spikes or firearm damage.
360 Buckhammer Pressure and Safety
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the 360 Buckhammer is set at 50,000 PSI. Because it operates at high pressures for a lever-action cartridge, maintaining proper case length and applying a consistent, firm roll crimp is paramount. A weak crimp can allow the bullet to be pushed deep into the casing while inside the tubular magazine, reducing internal capacity and causing a massive pressure spike when fired. Always start at the published minimums and inspect fired brass for flattened primers.
Best Sources for 360 Buckhammer Reloading Data
The most reliable sources for load data are the printed manuals and digital databases provided by Hodgdon and Remington, who collaborated to bring the cartridge to market. The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center offers extensive, free digital tables for their top-performing powders like Lil’Gun, H110, and CFE BLK specifically tested in the Buckhammer. Always reference these continually updated digital hubs to ensure you are using the safest, most modern load recipes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find 360 Buckhammer reloading data?
You can find accurate 360 Buckhammer reloading data digitally on the official Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and in newly published supplements from bullet manufacturers.
What powders are listed in published 360 Buckhammer data?
Commonly listed fast-burning powders include Hodgdon Lil’Gun, H110, Winchester 296, CFE BLK, Accurate 1680, IMR 4227, and Reloder 7.
What bullet weights are covered in these tables?
These tables specifically cover the optimal lever-action bullet weights for the cartridge, primarily focusing on 180-grain and 200-grain projectiles.
Does barrel length affect 360 Buckhammer velocity?
Yes, shooting from an 18-inch carbine rather than the standard 20-inch test barrel will typically result in a minor velocity loss of roughly 15 to 25 feet per second per inch.
Can I use standard rifle primers for 360 Buckhammer?
Yes, standard large rifle primers are universally used and recommended in manufacturer load data to safely ignite the powder charges in the rimmed casing.
What is the difference between 360 Buckhammer load data and reloading data?
There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the precise recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers required to safely assemble the cartridge.
Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?
Velocity figures differ because testing facilities use varying specific test barrels, environmental conditions, brass lot capacities, and primer types during their distinct testing protocols.
Should I use the maximum published load?
You should never start with the maximum published load; always begin with the minimum recommended starting charge and carefully work up while monitoring your brass for pressure signs.
Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?
You should only use data specifically designed for the exact bullet profile you are loading, as variations in seating depth, bearing surface, and crimp groove locations drastically alter chamber pressures.
Where should I verify 360 Buckhammer load data before reloading?
You should strictly verify all load data against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online database before assembling any ammunition.