Just wondering if any one shoots the maximum or experiments with 180gr .357 mag loads

I had a dan wesson. It was cutting the top strap in front of the cylinder. Common problem I was told. Traded it for a rifle

In a carbine the maximum is a deer stopper for cal restricted deer states. BUT 350 legend dose the same thing and ammo is on the shelf. In handguns the gas cuting listed above was a real issue.

It all depends on what your trying to achieve and the platform.

The gas cutting was an issue primarily with H110/296. And it would only go a few thousandths and then stopped.

The Single Action forum has a ton of information on the subject by guys with thousands if not tens of thousands of rounds of experience with the maximum.

To answer the OPs question both rounds, the maximum and the magnum do well with heavy bullets. The 357 magnum will do best with a weight forward bullet like one of the LBT style wide flat nose bullets that put more weight outside the case. That frees up some space for slower powders that will give the best performance with heavy bullets. If your cylinder length will accommodate a slightly longer bullet, the wide long nose profile is an awesome performer.

Killed several deer with the 357 max in T/C contender both rifle and pistol.. I used 180s w H110. I seated bullet out far so it would be closer to the lands. Apparently TC has a longer throat. Not conducive to best accuracy.

I use 180 grain Sierra bonded with H110 in a Savage model 24 (.357/20 ga) that's been reamed to max.
Works great but my supply is low and seems like they're unavailable anywhere.
Haven't tried Hornady 180 XTPs yet but was less than impressed with the 158s on deer.

I have a Ruger black hawk 8"bbl never been fired I have thought about selling it got it when silhouette shooting was popular.