357 Maximum Rounds are huge!

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Peter M. Eick

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Wow, those are huge cases! 1.6 odd inches long is just plain huge! After loading 38 specials I set up the new dies for 357 Maximum and all of the dies except the sizer are near the limits of the threads. Pretty amazing how big these things are. I have not shot any yet, but I loaded up the starting load of H4227 with some 180's and 158's to try out what they can do. Actually handling the rounds it is a lot more like a 45-70 or 38-55 then a revolver round.

I will try and get the Ruger Super BlackHawk out for its break in of "real" ammo next weekend and report what it can do. I am guessing my starting load should be right around 1700 for the 158 and around 1500 for the 180's.

When I shot the SBH with my hottest 2400 loads and 158's it hit way low. I am expecting that with a bit more velocity we can get it up into the paper so I can see what the gun can do.

So, I have to admit I am a bit "intimidated" by my newest toy. Any advice or suggestions on shooting a 357 Max revolver?
 
I have only shot the 357 max in a TC super 14 and it is one heck of a round in a 14 barrel. I do remember that with some bullets you might have to trim the cases back to get a workable oal. the ruger didn't have as long a cylinder as the dan wesson
 
I was worried about that COL issue this morning so I pulled the cylinder and measured it. The total length is 2.000" so I could use the recommended 1.890 with no problem.

I expect that these loads will be quite impressive on the range.

Thanks!
 
I always thought a carbine in that caliber would be pretty awesome.

Is it really that bad about flame cutting??? I was really interested in the caliber. Ruger took the blackhawk off the market faster'n they introduced it. One day it was available, then BOOM, it's gone.
 
I have one right now on hold at a local dealer. Supposed to be near mint w/ box and papers. Hopefully she passes inspection and comes home with me in a couple of days.
 
Well if I get lucky I can grab a couple of hours tomorrow and try out my new creations on the range. I have followed the Max since they came out back in the early 80's but never could afford one, or saw one. My Ruger SBH is the first one for sale I have ever personally handled so I immediately bought it.

$650 with the box and paperwork is a good buy. I paid a bit less then that for mine but no papers or box. Mine could not have been shot more then a few cylinders full and appears to be all 38's when I cleaned it up.
 
Just hit me-wouldn't it be cool to have a Marlin 1894C reamed to .357 Max?
Wonder if it would work, or maybe it doesn't have enough carrier throw.
Cool idea though. Could fire all .357s & .38s.
Best-MC
 
considering the the 357 max is rated at 50,000 cup I don't think that there is a lever action made that can handle the pressure even if there was enough stroke
 
I've never shot one, but I saw a fellow club member in Conover NC a few years ago use one at a silhoutte shoot, and it was putting them down! It was funny in that he had already sold it to a friend (and was regretting it slightly), but people kept asking him about buying it.
 
While we are on this subject. Does anyone EXCEPT remington make brass for this caliber?

Tried e-mailing starline.....
No response after 3 different emails:mad: (At least be polite enough to tell me no.)

Nothing at midway etc.
 
at this time I think that remington is the only brass maker and they probably aren't making very much of it any more. I still have some winchester brass but I have had that for quite a few years. start checking gunshows
 
i still have some winchester 357 max from my contender but dont think they make it any more,i did see some in the cabelas catalog under obsolete ammo,
 
considering the the 357 max is rated at 50,000 cup I don't think that there is a lever action made that can handle the pressure even if there was enough stroke

Considering that you can get a Model 92 in .454 Casull, I don't think pressure would be the problem. And the smaller diameter case and bore would leave you more steel than for the .454. But I agree with the previous person that a pistol caliber type of carbine probably just can't take a cartridge with this OAL. Don't know that for sure. But the pressure wouldn't be a problem for a Model 92!

Gregg
 
We produce .357 Max ammo, as for flame cutting I believe it got the bad rep. from folks using full loads of powder behind a 125g bullet, I have never seen any evidence of it with revolvers that used 180+ bullets. The 200 and 205g cast bullets are a perfect match for the Max and do well for hunting and longer range shooting. Good cartridge.
 
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