.357 Max Handi at 25 Yards

[Swampman]

I was just getting it on paper. This is with some .38 Special 150 grain wadcutters that were charged using Lee dipper. The small holes are 5 shots form my Marlin 39A.

[txpete]

nice shooting,I am a 357 max fan (encore) try some AA1680 .

pete

[AJMD429]

This is with some .38 Special 150 grain wadcutters that were charged using Lee dipper.

Evidently you missed the previous posts on other threads that said the Lee 'dippers' are totally inadequate for reloading, because you MUST weigh each charge, and that there's no way you can get an accurate load worked up without the ability to use charges 'in between' dipper sizes...

Looks like you got a real good shooter there.

Did it come that way, or did you have a barrel made for the cartridge, or did you ream your own out of a .357 Magnum?

[Swampman]

It started out as a .357 Magnum. I rechambered it with a hand reamer, it took about 15 min.

[AJMD429]

It started out as a .357 Magnum. I rechambered it with a hand reamer, it took about 15 min.

I'ver read that some of the .357 Magnum Handis were made on a lighter or different frame that was their 'shotgun' frame, and that you shouldn't try to modify those .357 Magnums due to larger firing-pin holes (possible primer extrusion back into the receiver), and somewhat weaker lock-up than the higher .357 Maximum pressures requires. I guess they made other .357 Magnums on 'rifle' frames, then?

I had a .357 Magnum Handi I wound up trading off (towards a brand new Marlin 1894c ), but had thought of reaming out to .357 Maximum. If I get another one, do I need to avoid the 'shotgun frame' ones?

[Wrangler John]

Absolutely, positively try AA-1680 in the .357 Maximum. I used WW-680 and Sierra 180 grain Silhouette bullets for competition and nothing performed like WW-680. AA-1680 gave just as good results later on. Your post makes me want to get the old Ruger Maximum out and shoot some more - as soon as things dry out anyway.

[Ysabel Kid]

It started out as a .357 Magnum. I rechambered it with a hand reamer, it took about 15 min.

I was wondering how you got one - I wasn't aware that they had made them in the .357 Maximum chambering.

So, you could, in theory, shoot the following in that single shot:

.357 Maximum
.357 Magnum
.38 Special
.38 Long Colt
.38 Short Colt

Right? Sounds like a lot of flexibility in one compact package!

[Swampman]

This one is on a small dia. firing pin SB1 frame. This frame can only be fitted with a .357 Mag, .44 Mag, or a shotgun barrel. So far those that have been Maximized are not giving trouble. As soon as I get my brass I'll see if I can break it.

H&R/NEF produced factory .357 Max guns and they have produced SB2 .357 Magnum guns.

[txpete]

yup




you just have to good cleaning after using the stubby rounds.

pete

[Swampman]

Don't forget the .360 Dan Wesson. Here's the reamer.

[AJMD429]

So, you could, in theory, shoot the following in that single shot:

.357 Maximum
.357 Magnum
.38 Special
.38 Long Colt
.38 Short Colt

Right? Sounds like a lot of flexibility in one compact package!

I'll bet those 'Colts' would jump and yaw enough to be going sideways at 25 yards, though...

[Ysabel Kid]

So, you could, in theory, shoot the following in that single shot:

.357 Maximum
.357 Magnum
.38 Special
.38 Long Colt
.38 Short Colt

Right? Sounds like a lot of flexibility in one compact package!

I'll bet those 'Colts' would jump and yaw enough to be going sideways at 25 yards, though...

Oh yeah - but it is just the flexibility I like. If you needed to, you could. Kind of like shooting a .22 CB in a .22 Long Rifle. Not the most accurate, but in some cases, it fits the need.

[Rusty]

Some have even said that the Handi rifles have such a long throat in them that they will chamber a 360 DW right from the factory. A .357 Max in a Handi is so close to a .35 Remington it's not even funny.