It should be noted, especially by DW owners, that the 357 Super Mag and the 357 Maximum are two different cartridges. In the beginning there was the 357 Super Mag as conceived by Elgin Gates. The Dan Wesson is actually chambered for this cartridge, not withstanding the fact that it is marked 357 Maximum. I do not know why it is so marked. The 357 Maximum came along later as a collaberation between Ruger and Remington in one of the typical cases of the big guys taking up a wildcat that works, and fixing it until it doesn't. As loaded by the factories, it was a flop in the revolver.
The 357 Supermag has a nominal case lenght of 1.610 inch.
The 357 Maximum has a nominal case length of 1.605 inch.
This difference is probably significant only when you are adjusting your crimping die. In fact, when I buy 357 Max brass and measure it, I find it to be Super Mag length.
The signifcant difference is in OAL. The Super Mag is to be loaded to an OAL significantly longer than the Maximum. In fact a properly loaded Super Mag will not chamber in a Maximum chambered revolver such as the Ruger as the cylinder is too short.
As I said above, the Dan Wesson is marked 357 Maximum but is actually chambered for the 357 Super Mag so we are in hog heaven.
This OAL question might affect lifter dimensions if used in a modified lever action rifle.
