Factory 357 Maximum

[rimfire]

I have been researching loads for a 357 Maximum T/C Custom Shop barrel [15"].  Everywhere I look I keep getting reminded of the issues many have with the revolver style forcing cone arrangement between chamber and rifling for this caliber in factory T/C's and how bad it is.  How bad is it really?  Should I be prepared to be frustrated with this barrel?  I bought some 180 XTPs to try and was a little suprised that I could not reach the rifling at all no matter how far out I seated the bullet, but I have not fired the gun yet.

Considing this is a 15" barrel I was hoping to have a 150-175 yard gun for deer with good accuracy, but these comments are scaring me.

I have hunted a lot with a 7-30 WAters barrel that shoots 1.5" groups at 200 yards consistently.  If I can get that at 100 yards I would be satisfied I guess, but your thoughts?

[Hopalong7]

Don't be dissappointed until there is real reason to be.   There are a whole lot of us shooting factory barrels that have been getting decent results for a long time.  I currently have a 21" and 14" and while they may not be my most accurate barrel they are quite easily minute of deer.  I've also had a couple of 10" barrels in the past that have given good results.
   The 180 XTP is as good a starting place as I can think of too.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[rimfire]

Can I assume you are getting under 2" at 100 yards consistently?  I would prefer 1" obviously, but if I could not stay under 2" consistenly I would be very dissapointed.

[Hopalong7]

It's been awhile since I've grouped mine, and I don't remember numbers right off, but I'm like you...I'd be a little dissappointed with 2" at 100yd.

[blhof]

I have a 14" factory barrel and with 200grcast I get 1 1/2" groups at 100yds with sandbags.  I've used spire points with equal accuracy.  You have no forcing cone to worry about in the contender so lighter bullets at higher speeds aren't a problem.  I can consistantly ring the 200yd gong at the outdoor range with the 200gr cast bullets.  I use a gas checked LBT LFN style bullet crimped on the top grease groove for max length.

[WayneS]

The story behind the "top strap" gas cutting and the "gun writers" that gave the Max it's bad rep is a story in itself. The ONLY you will know what YOUR bbl is capable of is to load up several test loads ,scope it and test it, be sure to take the 7-30 also as you know what it/you are capable of , a simple way to see if it's the Max/load or you.
Got any friends that cast 180-200 357's  get some and test them as well.
send me a PM and I'll send you some loading data for the Max that was in Handloader Mag. of March/April of 1986