Was there ever a 357 smoothbore made

[glwenzl]

I would sure like to have a smooth bore 357 Mag (handi) to shoot bird shot with. I really like shooting 45 LCs in my full choke 410 and have even made some in-between rounds (between 45 LC and 2 1/2" 410s) from 444 cases but have the itch for a smoothbore 357... Thanks for any help...

[trotterlg]

I probably have a reamer just the right size, so if you have a .357 mag barrel you could be all set.  Larry

[ro]

glwenzl, no they don't make smooth bore 357 rifles, if it is a smooth bore it is called a shotgun, CCI makes a 38/357 shot shell, i have five boxes of them in i think #7 shot, i shoot them in my 357 for snakes, the ones i have, have a blue plastic cap with the shot loaded into it, they shoot good in my model 686 pistol, never shot them in a rifle.

[coyotejoe]

I would sure like to have a smooth bore 357 Mag (handi) to shoot bird shot with. I really like shooting 45 LCs in my full choke 410 and have even made some in-between rounds (between 45 LC and 2 1/2" 410s) from 444 cases but have the itch for a smoothbore 357... Thanks for any help...

Trotterlg seems ready to fix you up but I'd really give it some thought.  While the .45 Colt and .410 can hold a useful load of shot, 1/2 ounce or more, you won't get even 1/4 ounce in a .357 mag.  Winchester used to load a 9mm rimfire shot shell which was about the same length as a .357 mag but it was only offered for a few years before dying from lack of interest. There are good reasons why the .410 is the smallest shotgun. I'd sure think long and hard before sacrificing a .357 barrel.

[45carbine]

Yes the 357 will make a small shotgun round, but my first hunting rifle was a .22LR with the rifling pitted out. I used to use rat shot also called birdshot 22LR shot shells. Max distance was about 5 metres. My best day saw 13 starlings for 7 shots. Would wait until 2 would line up in my patern. This was very effective as it was quite and would not put holes in tin sheds.

[glwenzl]

Thanks for the info guys... I shoot the 22 bird shot from a smooth bore garden gun mostly (been told that riffling opens up the pattern too much). This is great for shooting inside my barn, machine shed and three other buildings without doing much if any damage so long as i keep the right distance...

I also have the CCI 38s, 44s and 45 shotshell capsules... The 45s have been a blast to shoot from my full choke NEF and what I use it for mostly is to get rid of the hornets and there nest. usually will knock down the nest and kill all the hornets!!!

But now i am wanting a smooth bore 38. I have contender barrels for 357, 44 mag and 45 LCs with choke tubes but have not been impressed, the 44 seems to shoot better than the other two???

I have a bag of #9 shot just for these and am getting some about the size of #12s from a friend....

I also have a Cooper 17 CCM and 22 CCM. I don't shoot the 22 CCM at all and am thinking since it is about like a 22 mag on steroids that it would make a dandy lil birdshot gun if weren't fopr the rifling.... I might have to buy another smooth bore 22 and have it chambered for the 22 CCM??? (Making the lil wads and installing em might be tricky too eh...

I might gave to look around for an old Winchester 38 BS if I can not figure out a way to make my NEF a SB 38.... sure wish I could leave it alone but just too much fun with these lil guys!!!

[Chilachuck]

There used to be a 9mm shotgun made in England for shooting garden pests. I don't know any more about it than that.

Keep in mind the minimum size limits on shotguns. Anything less than an 18" barrel and something (26"?) over-all is illegal, even if it's "just a .22".