I am thinking about buying a TC 357 Maximum for deer hunting. I understand there is an issue with the (Forcing Cone) with this cartridge. However I also think? I understand that this issue only pertains to revolvers not rifles like the TC. Is this correct?
357 Maximum
- Thread starter KevinR
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dirtyjim
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the tc has no forcing cone, the only issues i rember were people pushing the loads on them way past what they were desgned to handle. the old reloading books had a special section for ruger revolvers and contenders in 357 max but removed it due to people grenading their revolvers.
many years ago i had a tc contender super 14 in 357 max, i realy liked that pistol but hated having to explain to the dimwits that its a 357 maximum not a 357 magnum. about half of them probably still think i didn't know what i was talking about
many years ago i had a tc contender super 14 in 357 max, i realy liked that pistol but hated having to explain to the dimwits that its a 357 maximum not a 357 magnum. about half of them probably still think i didn't know what i was talking about
Otis is DaMan
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I have a Lone Eagle in .357 Remington Maximum. Knowing nothing about the cartridge, I shot one box of factory 158 grains and then went reloading. An amateur, I none the less I ended up up with 180 grain Speer flat points at 1820 FPS and easily shot touching holes at 100 yards off sand bags and a 2x7 scope. I left it on the bench when I went after deer in favor of a bolt gun however.
The Lone Eagle single shot is fundamentally different than the TC, but certainly much stronger than a revolver. With the 180 grain, it duplicates a .44 mag in energy at the muzzle, and on paper, it has better penetration due to the higher sectional density.
Looking back at the options available for either the TC or the LE, there are better or at least more common cartridges available. Say a 30-30, .35 Win or any of the 7mm rounds. A 7mm-08 in a TC would be sweet. The single shots handle recoil better than revolvers......
Edit: you can shoot .38 special and .357 mag..... plink whatever reduced recoil.....
The Lone Eagle single shot is fundamentally different than the TC, but certainly much stronger than a revolver. With the 180 grain, it duplicates a .44 mag in energy at the muzzle, and on paper, it has better penetration due to the higher sectional density.
Looking back at the options available for either the TC or the LE, there are better or at least more common cartridges available. Say a 30-30, .35 Win or any of the 7mm rounds. A 7mm-08 in a TC would be sweet. The single shots handle recoil better than revolvers......
Edit: you can shoot .38 special and .357 mag..... plink whatever reduced recoil.....
NCsmitty
Member
It wasn't the forcing cone that was the main issue, it was the top strap of the revolvers being cut by the flame front of erosive ball powders used in the high pressure 125gr loads.
The heavier loads were less of a problem, but the damage was done, and Ruger stopped production.
I believe Dan Wesson's 357 Supermags and Maximums were made sporadically the last couple decades and did not suffer as badly from the malady.
I have a 10" Contender barrel in the 357 Maximum and have taken deer with it, but I haven't shot it in a year or so. I use the 180gr Hornady Single shot pistol bullet with Rel-7 powder in it. I have it sighted at around 125yds with a Bushnell Phantom 2.5x, and it really is a great cartridge.
NCsmitty
The heavier loads were less of a problem, but the damage was done, and Ruger stopped production.
I believe Dan Wesson's 357 Supermags and Maximums were made sporadically the last couple decades and did not suffer as badly from the malady.
I have a 10" Contender barrel in the 357 Maximum and have taken deer with it, but I haven't shot it in a year or so. I use the 180gr Hornady Single shot pistol bullet with Rel-7 powder in it. I have it sighted at around 125yds with a Bushnell Phantom 2.5x, and it really is a great cartridge.
NCsmitty
LeonCarr
Member
www.bellmtcs.com
Everything you want/need/care to know about the .357 Maximum in the Contender and the right and wrong way to chamber/throat one.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Everything you want/need/care to know about the .357 Maximum in the Contender and the right and wrong way to chamber/throat one.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Cosmoline
Member
FYI Bellm just got in a new order of .357 Max. Encore barrels. They're rifle length but can be cut to any size. I just ordered a pistol length barrel and will be posting a thread on it when I get my stuff together for the round.
MachIVshooter
Member
As NCsmitty pointed out, the maximum's downfall was people pushing light bullets to ridiculous velocites and causing top strap and forcing cone erosion. The top strap flame cutting was a self-limited problem, but revolvers so chambered were tarnished by this reputation and discontinued.
In a single shot, you have no forcing cone or top strap, so load however you want (within published limits) and don't worry.
In a single shot, you have no forcing cone or top strap, so load however you want (within published limits) and don't worry.
OldmanFCSA
Member
I had several of the Dan Wesson 357 Maximums, when I shot IHMSA.
They shot great using 140 to 180 grain Hornady XTP bullets.
The guns came with 0.002" shim stock for setting the barrel-cylinder gap.
Most guns like my Ruger GP100 measure 0.004" gap.
Cleaning of the DW cylinder became a must-do between rounds to prevent lockup of action due to powder residue on front of cylinder.
It was advertised as being hardened on the top-strap area where cutting action may occur. I taped small u-shaped pieces of shim stock on top-strap which I changed out repeatedly.
Great guns - wish I had kept at least one of them.
They shot great using 140 to 180 grain Hornady XTP bullets.
The guns came with 0.002" shim stock for setting the barrel-cylinder gap.
Most guns like my Ruger GP100 measure 0.004" gap.
Cleaning of the DW cylinder became a must-do between rounds to prevent lockup of action due to powder residue on front of cylinder.
It was advertised as being hardened on the top-strap area where cutting action may occur. I taped small u-shaped pieces of shim stock on top-strap which I changed out repeatedly.
Great guns - wish I had kept at least one of them.
Random Discharge
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Some good information on the maximum in this thread too:
http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=93631#Post93631
http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=93631#Post93631
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