« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: my new .357 Handi deer rifle  (Read 2181 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline randy_68

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 206
  • Gender: Male
my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« on: March 08, 2010, 02:19:11 PM »
I just put this little package together for my new deer rifle. It started as a .357/20 ga combo and I added the camo laminate thumbhole from Boyd's and forearm from H&R. I added a Bushnell Trophy XLT 4x12x40 DOA 600 and a sling. Tomorrow the barrel goes to the gunsmith to get reamed to .357 Max. I just ordered all my reloading supplies so when it gets back I will be ready to do some testing. My buddy John put one together just like it but I'm not sure what scope he will be using. This 4x12 was fine on the factory synthetic stock but when I put the thumbhole on I have to move my head too far forward. The thumbhole has a 1" longer pull and this scope doesn't have a long enough eye relief for me. My 3x9x40 DOA 250 on my CVA Apex seems just fine and I found out that it has 5" of eyerelief but the 4x12 only has 3.4" of eye relief. So now I don't know if I will keep this on here or switch it with the 3x9. I'll wait and see when I get the barrel back and do some shooting with it. Anyway I just thought I would share a pic.
Logged
NRA Life Member since 1976

Offline dpe.ahoy

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3363
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2010, 02:23:12 PM »
Lookin good!  DP
Logged
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Datil

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (17)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1822
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2010, 03:59:35 PM »
 Fine looking rifle, I don't think you need the big scope on it. 3X9 should be fine.
 Just my 2 cents.  Datil
Logged

Offline JerryKo

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (64)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 954
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2010, 07:11:08 PM »
Very nice.

Jerry
Logged
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."- Vince Lombardi

Offline mrloring

  • Trade Count: (11)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 236
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2010, 02:31:23 PM »
Good looking gun for sure, but wait a 357 for deer?  I doubt it will even break the hide!  ;)  ;D 

What you need is a 338 Remchesterby Loudenboomer at a minimum for deer!


I have a Nikon Prostaff 2x7 on my 357 Survivor.  It shots 158gr XTP's pretty good but I am going to work on some cast loads when the snow melts. 
Logged

Offline revbc

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (94)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1156
  • Gender: Male
    • NewLife Worship Center
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2010, 03:27:19 PM »
Looks great!  I have a set of camo stocks for mine, but the thing shot so good after reaming it to max I couldn't find the strength to take the syn's off.  They are really light to.  By the way, check out the weaver classic 2-7x32 at natchez shooters.  Great scope for the 357max, mounts low and has a great contour.

Bobby
Logged
Pastor, NewLife Worship Center
(Retired) Automotive Technology Instructor, West Feliciana High School
Avid Shooter, Hunter, Fisherman and owner of Handi Rifles

Offline randy_68

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 206
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2010, 03:28:53 AM »
I just got in my bullets for the .357 max. and sent the barrel off to get reamed.  I ordered 180 gr XTP's and 180 gr SSP's since I load for my .35 Rem Contender also. So I should have a good combo rifle and pistol for next falls deer season. I aslo called the gun shop where I bought the 4x12 scope from and he agreed to exchange it for the 3x9 so I should be good to go after that. Now the wait begins for the barrel to come back so I can start shooting it.
Logged
NRA Life Member since 1976

Offline MSP Ret

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (173)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8940
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2010, 03:54:06 AM »
That's great news Randy, and since the gunshop is OK with the swap consider the area you hunt, if there is brush and some woods with most shots under 100 yards and many shots closer and quick in thick stuff think about a 2x7 or even less. I have a couple of 3x9's, and in Maine where I hunt it is quite thick and a lower power would be helpful many times. The best scope I ever had for woods hunting was an old Weaver 1.5x4.5. I think a 2x7 would work OK also but the lower power is really helpful on quick shots under 40-50 yards or so. All the best and let us know how it works out....<><....:)
Logged
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline wreckhog

  • Trade Count: (55)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2997
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2010, 04:19:40 AM »
Depends how you hunt. If you on the move, low power is necessary. If you are sitting, higher power is great. I hunt where we have antler restrictions (points and inches) and my scope gets left on 9x even for 30 yard shots. You could just switch to binos, but at close range, that is just more movement.
Logged

Offline randy_68

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 206
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2010, 09:25:34 AM »
Where I hunt in southern Indiana it is a mixture of hardwoods and crop fields. You can have a shot from 10 yards to as far as you can shoot depending on the area you are in at the time. The 3x9 is my favorite size scope.  I did have a 2x7 on a different rifle but I didn't care for it. All my bow kills have been from 5-30 yards and my gun kills have ranged from 20-75 yards. BUT I have passed up farther shots because of what gun I was shooting at the time (mainly slug gun or older .50 cal M/L). I like the idea of this .357 Max being able to shoot farther as well as my .35 Rem contender and my new CVA Apex M/L. I intend to do a lot of shooting this spring and summer especially since I got into reloading now. I have been shooting/hunting for 40 years so I'm not a novice  but I just got into the centerfire shooting this past year since some calibers are now legal in Indiana. I have been lugging my 10 lb Ultra slug 12 ga around for the last 10 years and while it is accurate it is a lot of gun to lug around, plus I'm getting older.LOL This Handi Max is going to be a nice fairly compact rifle that will still shoot as far as I want. Plus I like trying new guns out. I've only been thru around 30 Air guns or so in the last 3 or 4 years and I shoot them all the time. Hope my wife doesn't read this.!!
Logged
NRA Life Member since 1976

Offline petemi

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (73)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7386
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2010, 10:03:37 AM »
Quote from: randy_68 on March 10, 2010, 09:25:34 AM
Hope my wife doesn't read this.!!

Ya know, if our wives got together and formed a "GBO Watch Organization" and had one member monitor the NEF Forums each day, and report monitary infractions to the appropriate lady, we'd all be in deep doo doo. :o ??? ::) :'( :'( :'(

Pete
Logged
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline Catshooter45

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (22)
  • Contributor
  • *****
  • Posts: 394
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2010, 01:53:48 PM »
Pete!  How can you even joke like that!?!   :o ;D

Probably none of them would thought of it . . . now we could all be in big trouble!

 ;D

Nice rifle.  I think I'd go 3x9 also, if nothing else for the proper eye relief.



Cat
Logged

Offline dave29

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (93)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1256
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2010, 02:18:06 PM »
Quote from: randy_68 on March 10, 2010, 09:25:34 AM
Where I hunt in southern Indiana it is a mixture of hardwoods and crop fields. You can have a shot from 10 yards to as far as you can shoot depending on the area you are in at the time. The 3x9 is my favorite size scope.  I did have a 2x7 on a different rifle but I didn't care for it. All my bow kills have been from 5-30 yards and my gun kills have ranged from 20-75 yards. BUT I have passed up farther shots because of what gun I was shooting at the time (mainly slug gun or older .50 cal M/L). I like the idea of this .357 Max being able to shoot farther as well as my .35 Rem contender and my new CVA Apex M/L. I intend to do a lot of shooting this spring and summer especially since I got into reloading now. I have been shooting/hunting for 40 years so I'm not a novice  but I just got into the centerfire shooting this past year since some calibers are now legal in Indiana. I have been lugging my 10 lb Ultra slug 12 ga around for the last 10 years and while it is accurate it is a lot of gun to lug around, plus I'm getting older.LOL This Handi Max is going to be a nice fairly compact rifle that will still shoot as far as I want. Plus I like trying new guns out. I've only been thru around 30 Air guns or so in the last 3 or 4 years and I shoot them all the time. Hope my wife doesn't read this.!!

I like your setup a lot!

I live and hunt in Southeastern Indiana. I am expecting  the reamer t his week for my .357 handi.

Do you have any info on proven hand loads for deer hunting out of the Max?
Logged

Offline randy_68

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 206
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2010, 12:17:20 AM »
sorry, but no loads yet. I have to wait for my barrel to get back so I can load some up and shoot.
I am going to use IMR 4227 and Hornady XTP 180's to start with. I also have some Hornady SSP 180's that I use in my .35 Contender and may try them as well.
Logged
NRA Life Member since 1976

Offline dave29

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (93)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1256
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2010, 09:03:03 AM »
Quote from: randy_68 on March 11, 2010, 12:17:20 AM
sorry, but no loads yet. I have to wait for my barrel to get back so I can load some up and shoot.
I am going to use IMR 4227 and Hornady XTP 180's to start with. I also have some Hornady SSP 180's that I use in my .35 Contender and may try them as well.

I am planning  on using the XTP 180's as well.
Logged

Offline Daman

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 716
  • Gender: Male
  • Me and Papa's first double!!!
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2010, 09:57:01 AM »
Quote from: petemi on March 10, 2010, 10:03:37 AM
Quote from: randy_68 on March 10, 2010, 09:25:34 AM
Hope my wife doesn't read this.!!

Ya know, if our wives got together and formed a "GBO Watch Organization" and had one member monitor the NEF Forums each day, and report monitary infractions to the appropriate lady, we'd all be in deep doo doo. :o ??? ::) :'( :'( :'(

Pete


Nah, you just gotta let 'em know who wears the pants in the family! That being said I bought a nice skirt the other day!!!! LOL!!! ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: Catshooter45 on March 10, 2010, 01:53:48 PM
Pete!  How can you even joke like that!?!   :o ;D

Probably none of them would thought of it . . . now we could all be in big trouble!

 ;D


Cat


Come on Pete you really shouldn't joke like that!

Daman
Logged
Live simple. Hunt Hard. Love Life.

I thank God everyday for my loving wife and all the fond memories of hunting with my Papa from a child until now.

Please take time to take a kid hunting, it will be a life long memory and blessing for both of you!

Offline cwlongshot

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (158)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9907
  • Gender: Male
  • Shooting, Hunting, the Outdoors & ATVs
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2010, 11:22:38 AM »
4227 powders are good choices but if they don't get you 1" groups don't stop there!!  H110, Lil'Gun and my favorite AA1680 re also good maxi powders...
 As for bullets, you have two of the best choices IMHO...

CW
Logged
"Pay heed to the man who carries a single shot rifle, he likely knows how to use it."

NRA LIFE Member 
Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

Offline randy_68

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 206
  • Gender: Male
Re: my new .357 Handi deer rifle
« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2010, 01:18:40 AM »
I was going to pick up some 1680 also but the gun shop didn't have it. My buddy has some 110 so we should be good to go. Man I'm itchin to start shootin
Logged
NRA Life Member since 1976
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »