357 Maximum getting close

[caneman]

My gunsmith called and said my rifle (Rossi Single Shot) is now rechambered to 357 Maximum. He won't release it to me till he proof fires (Sensible precaution) so I'm still looking for a couple of rounds of ammo for the test. I ordered some from Reeds Ammo in Ok. City, but might be another 6 weeks before it gets here. Normal for them in the past has been 4-6 weeks and three weeks have already passed. Like everyone, they're running 4-6 weeks late.

Time wise for me, it's like waiting through the third trimester.

 

[Old Syko]

Curious as to the reason for the conversion as this is not a legal round for deer hunting in Indiana and you are obviously not a handloader or you wouldn't be buying ammo from Reeds? Is this a reamed 357 Magnum?

 

[singlestacksig]

even if a handloader, it is a good idea to proof with factory loads...

 

[Old Syko]

even if a handloader, it is a good idea to proof with factory loads...

There are no longer "factory" loads for 357 Max available. Reeds offers custom ammo just like any qualified handloader manufactures for himself.

 

[caneman]

Kind of a long story but here goes.

At 70 and with a lot of back trouble and arthritis I don't hunt anymore. My 357 Magnum has become my take anywhere, anytime gun for trips to our kids in Auburn and Flora, IN. If things should ever go totally to pot while we are away from home the 357 Maximum will be my rifle to stop anything from bunnies to boars if needed. Also my only rifle I take on our rare vacation trips. Under a fan situation, legal caliber becomes a moot point when I want to get home (Bugout in reverse).

I have dies ordered from Midwayusa but they are on backorder. No idea when they'll get here. I had bought cases ahead of time so the loading will happen at that time. I was going to try using 357 Magnum dies but with .4 inch difference in length I'm just a little leery of using my 38Spl/357Magnum dies.

After examining my current battery and not wanting to carry more than one rifle, this seemed to be about the cheapest way to accomplish all objectives.

If I took a sightseeing trip to Montana and took three boxes of ammo I should be able to make it home. One box loaded with 105 grain cast bullets in 38Spl. cases for bunnies, and other small game through turkeys, to 35 yards. One and a half boxes for two and four legged critters under 250 pounds. One half box of 357 Maximum 180 Grain for boar or bear.

Not perfect for any of them but versatile enough to give us a chance. Notice I didn't mention a firefight with hoards of zombies. I'd lose that battle just based on mobility at my age.

You might find fault with my logic but I have thought it out based on my personal limitations.

 

[rmcrob]

You might find fault with my logic but I have thought it out based on my personal limitations.

Your logic is sound, in my book. I bet you will enjoy to whole project, too.

 

[schoolmaster]

The 357 maximum IS a legal round for deer hunting in Indiana. So is the .445 Super Mag. Both meet caliber and length requirements.

 

[singlestacksig]

There are no longer "factory" loads for 357 Max available. Reeds offers custom ammo just like any qualified handloader manufactures for himself.

In stock at midway..


MidwayUSA - Grizzly Ammunition 357 Maximum 200 Grain Lead Wide Nose Gas Check Box of 20

 

[cce1302]

Sounds cool. What kind of velocity do you expect from it?

I think S&W should put the .357 max into their X-Frame. They could fit 8 rounds in that cylinder, like they do with the N-Frame 627 and 327s. I bet there wouldn't be much recoil either with the weight of that gun.

 

[22lr]

Im getting ready to start the same project, great round for IN legal deer rifles.

 

[caneman]

I've read of folks rechambering Contenders and NEF 357 Magnums for the Maximum cartridge. Other than me, I don't know of anyone with a 357 Rossi. I of course am hoping the action is as strong as a NEF.

I haven't actually figured out a load, but it will be a "middle of the road" at most. My days of hot rodding are long gone. I know the manuals show it can be real close to 30/30 balistics but I'll probably not go there. Mine is a light rifle and punishment isn't part of my aim.

 

[jy951]

The .357 Max has been tried by Ruger in a revolver and there was too much flame cutting therefore it was discontinued. I don't think it would be any different in a S&W.

And yes, the 357 max is legal for deer hunting in IN. I'm also putting one together for fund and possiblly deer hunting.

 

[Slow Hand]

The .357 Max has been tried by Ruger in a revolver and there was too much flame cutting therefore it was discontinued. I don't think it would be any different in a S&W.

And yes, the 357 max is legal for deer hunting in IN. I'm also putting one together for fund and possiblly deer hunting.

Actually, I"ve read and heard from owners/shooter o fthe Ruger maximum that the flame cutting stops when it reaches a certain ( and still safe) depth. ti's a shame that Ruger discontinuted the Max frame as it lends itself to some neat conversions. Here's a few picsof my buddies .500 Linebaugh Maximum (Slightly hotter than a .500 S&W and pre0dates it by several years).

And next to my 4 5/8" NMBH for size reference

To the OP, your rifle sounds like a great gun. My only difference would have to have made it out of a NEF, just for the fact that you could get different barrels from the factory for it. I know more than a few guys with NEF's stashed in RV's and pick-ups with something like a .357 or .44 Mag barrel along with a 20 or 12 ga shotgun barrel and a decent amount of ammo for each. I would reccomend getting either an elatic butt cuff or even a sling that would hold some extra ammo for you. That way if an emergency strikes and you only have time to grab the rifle and go, you'll at least have some ammo with you.

Here area few articles about the Handi Rifle and making them more user freindly. they are from a good freind of mine in Missourri:

THE H

handi-Rifle Postscript

The Sixbarrels of the Handi-Rifle

I've got a lever action Rossi in .357 magnum and with my 195gr handloads,it comes very close to the muzzle energy of a .30-30 with little recoil and the ability to easily digest powderpuff .38 wadcutter loads. I think the .357 in a pistol is a great round and in a rifle, it's amazing for it's efficiency and adaptability. I think you made a good choice and will be happy with your rifle. Let us know how she works out for you!

Doug K

 

[caneman]

I have a nine round elastic cuff for spare ammo (primary) as a BO rifle. It’s generally leaned up in the corner in a leather saddle scabbard next to a seven pound fanny pack which holds an additional 50 rounds of ammo.

The scabbard provides good protection for the rifle (No, I’m not a horseman) and a way to strap the scabbard on to some mode of transportation if it materializes. The rifle and bag go in my truck anytime I leave. If those and a canteen can’t get me home I’m probably in worse trouble than I can handle.

I guess it’s confession time about something else also. Since I’ve had three disc operations I can’t wear a belt. The pressure around my waist is nearly crippling. So, I wear a vest everywhere. Yes, it looks dumb, yes it says “gun” and yes it can be too warm. It’s also the only option I’ve found that works for me. It carries my wallet, keys, smokes and lighter, Magnesium bar, handkerchief, a piece of candy (I’m diabetic), one dose of medicines and cell phone. Not a bad start on a BOB all by itself. If I’m going to be gone through a mealtime, I often have a granola or fruit bar.

The choice of rifle to rechamber was dictated by what I already had. Purchasing an NEF to start with wasn’t an option.

 

[schoolmaster]

The 357 maxi can be loaded from mild to wild. I believe I would pick one load that shot the best and not worry about 38 sp. 357 mag loads. A good accurate load will serve for about any situation.

 

[caneman]

Schoolmaster. If you check the scenario I detailed I think you'll find the reason for the varied loads. Under a fan situation, I'd expect to feed us wild going cross country to be of the turkey and smaller variety. One of you eagle eyed younger folks might successfully shoot the eye out of a xyz at 100 yards but for me a nearly silent 105 grain head shot at 35 yards is more likely attainable. I also might not want to alert folks in the town a mile away that someone close is shooting.

If I was talking a two rifle option I would be adding a 22LR. I want one rifle to do the job, the way I've determined is best for me. You're approach would obviously be correct for you. Thankfully, we are allowed to choose different paths.

 

[caneman]

Schoolmaster. If you check the scenario I detailed I think you'll find the reason for the varied loads. Under a fan situation, I'd expect to feed us while going cross country to be of the turkey and smaller variety. One of you eagle eyed younger folks might successfully shoot the eye out of a xyz at 100 yards but for me a nearly silent 105 grain head shot at 35 yards is more likely attainable. I also might not want to alert folks in the town a mile away that someone close is shooting.

If I was talking a two rifle option I would be adding a 22LR. I want one rifle to do the job, the way I've determined is best for me. You're approach would obviously be correct for you. Thankfully, we are allowed to choose different paths.

 

[minuteman32]

Check here; GunBroker.com Search Results, too, for ammo, dies, etc.

 

[Redskinsfan]

Actually, I"ve read and heard from owners/shooter o fthe Ruger maximum that the flame cutting stops when it reaches a certain ( and still safe) depth. ti's a shame that Ruger discontinuted the Max frame


Agreed. I was actively shooting in Hunter Pistol Silhouette competition when the 357 max came out. the 357 max was motivated by the then very popular sport of metallic silhouette shooting. It did cut the top strap but stopped after a point. Ruger decided to discontinue it anyway. Dan Wesson had their revolver chambered for it and I had my hopes of getting one of those, but money was short and I did get one. The Dan Wesson did not have any problems with the gas cutting the metal that I am aware of.

Terry

 

[Disposable Heart]

Jimbo-indy here on the forum had a .357 Max Blackhawk, has some awesome loads to offer. I gave him some 110gr component bullets once, bad idea. I kept telling him that he now created a handgun round with enough velocity to wound through fragmentation (like a rifle) instead of expansion!

Big boom. I cant even begin to imagine that round's velocity out of a rifle length barrel. Sort of up there with my desire to see a .357 Sig carbine or similar.