357 barrel on older shotgun frame, will it punch primers?

[rc51kid]

I wan to build up a 357 Handi. I can find some older shotguns for less then $100. I figure if i sent the frame in for a new barrel i could still come out under $200. Also i could sell the old shotgun barrel for a few bucks. I know the 357 will work on a shotgun frame. But are people having problem with primers getting peirced? I dont really want that.

[quickdtoo]

Yup, it's a common problem on the 357 Maxi and sometimes on the 357 Mag, discussed many times lately, but the usual solution is to use small rifle primers that have thicker cups, CCI450 or BR4 and Rem7½.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,26264.msg525466.html#msg525466

[rc51kid]

Thats what i was afraid of. I dont want to use different primers. I want to be able to use the same lode i use in m pistols and i have a lot of pistol primers for 38 spl. I guess i will have to find a center fire frame.

[quickdtoo]

Or a small pin SB1, they work too, yours may even be one of em, push the firing pin forward with a screwdriver tip and measure the diameter, small will be ~.060"-.065", big will be ~.085"-.090" with some in between, the larger hole in the standing breech of the shotgun frame is the key, it can allow primer flow which causes the problem. You may only get cratered primers with the Mag if you have a large pin, that's what I got with the Hornet on my USH frame(large pin) with Larry's insert using pistol primers, but they worked just fine. 

Tim

[wileynet]

just a question but if he sends in the frame for a new barrel would they not put in the correct firing pin prior to shipping it back?

[cwlongshot]

just a question but if he sends in the frame for a new barrel would they not put in the correct firing pin prior to shipping it back?

Doubtful as the pin size is only half the problem... The large hole in the standing breech being the other.

One could "bush" the standing breech and fit a rifle firing pin. BUT unless you can do this yourself it's cost prohibitive.

CW

[wileynet]

i have 2 shotgun handi one in 12 and 20 had thought about putting 44 and 357 barrels on them as i use them as shotguns rarely would i need to modify the firing pins also

[Spanky]

i have 2 shotgun handi one in 12 and 20 had thought about putting 44 and 357 barrels on them as i use them as shotguns rarely would i need to modify the firing pins also

Depends on how you load them (if you load your own). Use harder primers like Tim said and don't hot rod them and you'll be fine.
 
 
 
Spanky

[gendoc]

i have 2 shotgun handi one in 12 and 20 had thought about putting 44 and 357 barrels on them as i use them as shotguns rarely would i need to modify the firing pins also

Depends on how you load them (if you load your own). Use harder primers like Tim said and don't hot rod them and you'll be fine.
 
 
 
Spanky

that isa fact !!! and one can bout reach max velocities if the right propellant, bullet, primers and load technique is chosen... takes a lil' home work... but it can be done. 

[mechanic]

Before you buy a shotgun thinking to send it in, check the serial # against the FAQ's.  H&R won't fit older receivers. 
 
The firing pin issue can be resolved by using rifle primers as already stated.  I load close to max. with no problems in the 357 max.
 
Ben