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Offline kevinsmith5

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.357 mag questions
« on: November 26, 2011, 03:36:17 AM »
Two questions, one just about current production guns and one about the Maxi conversion.

The current production .357's come with no sights mounted. Are they drilled for aftermarket sights to be mounted? Thinking about getting one for myself.

On the Maxi, how is accuracy with .38's and Magnum loads after the conversion? The coyotes at my brothers farm are smart enough to stay out of .357 mag range, he doesn't want to lose the accuracy he has in mag when he converts. He also would rather not have to carry two rifles to deal with pests (the raccoons, possums, rabbits, and rats do not stay out of range).
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Offline mnh2obuff

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2011, 03:46:21 AM »
I don't know about the Maxi, but when I was checking in on my Talo .357 the factory told me that all the rifles were taped for scope mount. They were out of the package with the hammer extention at the time, but had them in a short order.
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Offline Jimbo47

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2011, 03:57:33 AM »
When I rechambered mine it didn't effect the accuracy at all that I could notice of the .38's or the .357 mag. and all three shot really well.
 
Don't know about the difference int he latest models, since I just haven't compared them.
 
As for the range you are talking about, how far is out of range?
 
If it's way beyond 150 yards, you may have to look at a different caliber, and that statement might raise some hackles, but you'd be pushing it.  ;D   
 
The maxi will reach out there, but it does have it's limitations.
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My culled down Handi's are the 45-70, and then I have a few others to keep it company...357 Mag/Max. .45 LC/.454 Casull Carbine, .243 Ultra, and 20 gauge Tracker II.

Offline Fred McIntire

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2011, 05:10:22 AM »
I just reamed a 357 Mag to Maxi. I don't feel like I lost any accuracy at all. I went to the range with it yesterday. When I did my part, was able to cloverleaf 357 Magnums at 50 yards, These were hand loads of 180 grain Hornady XTP's over 13.7 grains of H110, and 180 grain flat nose, gas checked cast bullets over 16 grains of H110.    ;)
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2011, 05:40:50 AM »
Although it would cost him a significant amount more, he could get a custom .357 Max barrel made with a 1-20" twist rate. These barrels have reportedly shot tiny little bug hole groups at 100 and 200yds. That twist rate is optimal for bullets weighing between 110gr and 160gr. That turns the Max into a 300yd coyote gun or a 200yd deer gun with the right loads. I think Dave29 still has one for sale in the classifieds. ;) 


Thanks, Dinny
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Offline ibgp3

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2011, 06:53:02 AM »
I just got an accessory barrel (F357) this week.


No sights and not drilled and tapped for sights.
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Offline Jimbo47

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2011, 07:38:40 AM »
Quote from: -Dinny on November 26, 2011, 05:40:50 AM
Although it would cost him a significant amount more, he could get a custom .357 Max barrel made with a 1-20" twist rate. These barrels have reportedly shot tiny little bug hole groups at 100 and 200yds. That twist rate is optimal for bullets weighing between 110gr and 160gr. That turns the Max into a 300yd coyote gun or a 200yd deer gun with the right loads. I think Dave29 still has one for sale in the classifieds. ;) 


Thanks, Dinny

You don't even have to go the custom barrel route to shoot coyotes, so how about just get another Handi rifle or accessory barrel that will reach way out there in like a .222 .223, .243, 25-06 etc. etc. etc.
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My culled down Handi's are the 45-70, and then I have a few others to keep it company...357 Mag/Max. .45 LC/.454 Casull Carbine, .243 Ultra, and 20 gauge Tracker II.

Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2011, 08:37:35 AM »
Quote from: Jimbo47 on November 26, 2011, 07:38:40 AM
You don't even have to go the custom barrel route to shoot coyotes, so how about just get another Handi rifle or accessory barrel that will reach way out there in like a .222 .223, .243, 25-06 etc. etc. etc.


Now what fun would that be? ;) 




Kevin,
  If you get one without holes drilled for sights, most gunsmiths will drill and tap holes for around $15 each hole. Give them the sights you want and they'll prolly even mount them for you while they're at it.


Thanks, Dinny
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2011, 08:54:48 AM »
Quote from: kevinsmith5 on November 26, 2011, 03:36:17 AM
Two questions, one just about current production guns and one about the Maxi conversion.

The current production .357's come with no sights mounted. Are they drilled for aftermarket sights to be mounted? Thinking about getting one for myself.
They are only drilled for a scope or rear peep. No provisions for front site on current production guns. BUT any GS or machinist or handy guy with a drill press can drill and tap a home for a front site. You might be able to silver solder one on as well.

Quote from: kevinsmith5 on November 26, 2011, 03:36:17 AM

On the Maxi, how is accuracy with .38's and Magnum loads after the conversion?
Both of mine shoot mags just as well as the Maxis. One of mine is a factory maxi the other was bought as a re-chamber, so how one shot before hand is unknown to me. Many who re-chamber calim the mags even shoot better then the factory chamber for 357 mags. Both of mine are good for better than 2" at 50 yards with 38's.
 
Quote from: kevinsmith5 on November 26, 2011, 03:36:17 AM
The coyotes at my brothers farm are smart enough to stay out of .357 mag range, he doesn't want to lose the accuracy he has in mag when he converts. He also would rather not have to carry two rifles to deal with pests (the raccoons, possums, rabbits, and rats do not stay out of range).

Even a mag shooting lighter bullets is capable for close to 200 yards on a varmint. (If the shooter is capable) Once re-chamberd to Maxi you don't really gain any appreciable distance. More because of accuracy than power. If you get a good accurate load it will be easier, but simply said, these are pistol bullets, ballistically they do not do very well at distance. They dont retain energy and drop like a stone, partially because the case simply doesn't have the HP to get it moving and also because its a short, blunt projectile. there is a happy medium, but when dealing with this caliber the "window" that bullet lives in is very small.
SO, I say, learn to work with in these limitations or get a real long range caliber.
 

CW
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Offline ratdog

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #9 on: November 26, 2011, 10:58:50 PM »
my 357 barrel i just got back from remington is a shooter the one i sent back with barrel was really messed up i tried reloads- factory- cast the barrel was junk but remington fixed it good shoots 357's like it should also had the fit with a 44mag barrel and it is a nice shooter i have all my handy's shooting great. i have to many but what the heck i am having fun. ;D
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Offline kevinsmith5

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2011, 03:54:02 PM »
As far as the ranges I'm talking 150 yards would be the max he'd go. He keeps the .357 on the tractor with him and carries it around the farm while he feeds, fixes fences, gathers eggs, and milks the goats. In that circumstance having to carry a second rifle just isn't a good idea. He shoots enough rabbits, rats, and raccoons to make sticking with regular 357 loads for critters desirable.

I'm still on the fence on the new .357 for me. I really want a swamp gun for around my house (I can deer hunt 200 yards form my house in a swamp) that is lighter than my 45-70 (it gets kinda heavy when wading). I may look for an older style one used.
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #11 on: November 28, 2011, 04:08:51 PM »
Quote from: kevinsmith5 on November 28, 2011, 03:54:02 PM
I'm still on the fence on the new .357 for me. I really want a swamp gun for around my house (I can deer hunt 200 yards form my house in a swamp) that is lighter than my 45-70 (it gets kinda heavy when wading). I may look for an older style one used.


Kevin,
  It's a a whole 'nother subject buuuuut, I would recommend an old Topper in 30-30. They're lighter guns and shoot very well. Also, pointy bullets have the advantage in a Handi rifle. ;)


Thanks, Dinny
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Offline kevinsmith5

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.357 mag questions
« Reply #12 on: November 28, 2011, 04:32:13 PM »
I have a 30-30. The area in question is shotgun/pistol caliber only.
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Offline kevinsmith5

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.357 mag questions
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2011, 04:38:09 PM »
Besides, I have loads for the 45-70 that I carry in other swamps where I can swap out a "rabbit load" (145 grain collarbuttons over Trailboss) quickly. Inreally haven't been able to do the same for a 30-30 load. Whereas the .357 gives me the option to use 38 specials over Trailboss....
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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2011, 04:38:47 PM »
Quote from: kevinsmith5 on November 28, 2011, 04:32:13 PM
I have a 30-30. The area in question is shotgun/pistol caliber only.


What about shortening the barrel for a weight reduction? I hear the Talo Trapper 18 3/4" is lighter and Handier.


Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

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Offline Dinny

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #15 on: November 28, 2011, 04:52:39 PM »
Kevin,
  Lately I have had really good luck shooting 230gr cast bullets in 357 Max brass with TB. The first 5 I shot at 50yds and the group could be covered with a dime. In fact, a few of the shots didn't even make the "thump" sound as they hit the target board. Examination of the target shows they flew through the same holes that were made before them. No other reasonable explanation, I didn't miss...


So there's always the Max ;)




Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline rdlange

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #16 on: November 28, 2011, 05:15:14 PM »
My 22" 45-70 is noticably lighter than the 357 maxi because there is way less metal in the barrel.  My lightest Handi is the 454 Casull 20" carbine.  So just going to a smaller caliber will actually give you a heavier gun for the same barrel length.

My 20ga 26" slug gun is lighter than all three rifles.  Just fyi...
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Offline kevinsmith5

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.357 mag questions
« Reply #17 on: November 29, 2011, 07:00:42 AM »
But I already load .38 and .357. Not having to buy new dies and moulds is a factor.
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Offline ratdog

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #18 on: November 29, 2011, 09:16:03 AM »
kevin that is no excuse one handi is not enough. ;D
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Offline rangerwillie

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #19 on: November 29, 2011, 10:57:24 AM »
Kevin, I reamed mine to max and found that the little 38's seem to shoot better than before. I don't have much use for the 357 mag but the 38's and max do all I want.  I kind of hung up the 45-70 and the max gets the call.

                                                                            Dan
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Offline Lon371

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #20 on: November 29, 2011, 12:12:32 PM »
kevinsmith5
 
  Why do you resist, , , it is calling your nameeee. Just doiiiiiiiitttttttttttttt. LOL  ;D ;D
 
 
Lonny
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Offline kevinsmith5

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.357 mag questions
« Reply #21 on: November 30, 2011, 03:40:48 AM »
It's not deciding WHETHER to get a .357, it's deciding whether to get a new one and scope it or look for an older one with iron sights. With my brother it's deciding on a ream to Maxi or a second gun. And as far as one handi not being enough.....2 45-70's, a .223 ultra varmint, a 30-30, a .357 for my brother, a .308 for my dad, a .22 LR sportster, a 12 gauge pardner, a 20 gauge, pardner, and a Huntsman in .50 cal lead me to believe I agree with that statement...
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #22 on: November 30, 2011, 05:07:07 AM »
The Trapper 357 accessory barrel has sights, another option.  ;)

357mag 18¾" blued, w/sights, drilled & tapped for scope base, part# F403635

Tim
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Offline ibgp3

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #23 on: November 30, 2011, 07:19:10 AM »
Is there a place that lists all of the barrels that are available?
The Trapper is not listed on the accessory barrel page.
They would probably sell more if we knew all of the choices.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .357 mag questions
« Reply #24 on: November 30, 2011, 07:31:37 AM »
They're listed in the new accessory barrel sticky, only real way to check availability is PM Brian.  Madison Customer Support isn't very reliable for inventory inquiries.

Tim
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