Author Topic: 357-44 B&D problems (Read 1195 times)

unspellable · « **on:** June 21, 2005, 07:49:08 AM »

I have a S&W M28 chambered for the 357-44 B&D. No set back problems. All my problems revolve around getting the cartridge into the chamber to begin with. Chambers too small? Dies too big? 44 case mouth squeezed down to 357 makes the neck walls too thick? What have other people experienced?

45LC-Man · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2005, 11:58:08 AM »

I had the same problem a few years ago. I had a blackhawk 9mm cylinder reemed to B&D and just like you it was a tad bit shy of going all the way into the cylinder. I sent the dies back to Hornady and they trimmed a couple of thousandths off of the base and PRESTO ..........instant fix! It seemed that the dies weren't sizing the brass enough. I still have a B&D and really like it. One of these days I'm going to get a Marlin 1894 done up in B&D.

unspellable · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2005, 02:21:46 AM »

It is my understanding that there are two different versions of the 357-44 B&D which differ from each other in the shoulder angle. Supposedly at some point in its history the angle was changed to alliviate set back problems. Problem is, I don't know what the two angles are, nor if my dies and chambers match on this point.

As for the loads, we ran some loaded cartridges into the sizing die a second time and then they chambered OK. I suspect problems with neck clearance.

I have been thinking about chambering a Black Hawk for this cartridge as well.

45LC-Man · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2005, 12:36:28 PM »

I would be more than happy to send you a fired case from my cache. It is the latest version. I kind of doubt if your's is the older B&D as there were very few of them before the problems arose.

unspellable · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2005, 01:53:42 AM »

I am planning to leave for Michigan tomorrow. When I get back I'll run a few experiments to figure out what's going on. Right now I suspect that when the bullet is laoded into the case it expands the neck which is rather thick being a sized down 44 and the neck is tight in the chamber.

I had a similar problem cobverting 9.3x74R brass to 400-360 brass. Ended up having to ream the necks.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2005, 02:03:50 AM »

unspellable - I was going to ask what diameter your bullets are. Your 357 chambers may have been able to take a .358 diameter bullet for the 357 mag but necked down 44s may be a hair to thick to hold those bullets and chamber properly. I would send the cylinder back to have them open the chambers a bit and send alond a dummy cartridge that won't chamber as an example of what your dies kick out and what you want the chambers to hold. Just a thought. Mikey.

unspellable · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2005, 07:57:13 AM »

This cylinder was already chambered for the 357-44 when I acquired it. I've no idea who did the original ream job.

45LC-Man · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2005, 10:11:16 AM »

Let me repeat my offer again. I am more than willng to send a fired case, a sized case, and a loaded dummy round so that you can determine if you need to have the die trimmed on the botom like I did. Your's may have been the last in a long line of cylinders reamed with the same reamer and could be a little short. Having had three B&D firearms in the past and still having one in my collection I feel that this may be your problem. I could be wrong but I doubt it. I'll foot the postage. It won't cost you a thing.

Steve E · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2005, 09:00:48 AM »

45LC

I also have a Ruger 357 Mag with a few extra cylinders:357 Mag/38 Spl., 357 Sig., 9MM Luger and 357 B&D, my next addition will be a 9x25 Dillion(10mm necked to 9mm or 357) Now that is a hotrodded 357 Sig.
I also have a Marlin 1894 in 357 B&D and it is a ball to shoot. The conversion is very easy and not that expensive as I thought it would be.

Steve E............

45LC-Man · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2005, 02:01:10 PM »

Steve E BEWARE......... that 1894 B&D is danerous to have around the house. Send it to me and let me dispose of it for you before someone gets hurt!!!

Steve E · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2005, 11:04:06 AM »

45LC-Man

I had the foresight to cut off any danger with the 94 and keep it locked in the Safe and only take it out to feed it every once in a while away from the others. The conversion was very simple, I wish I had did it years ago. Withe the 4x scope I still have on it for load testing it is fairly easy to hit the 330 yd. plate at the range, not every time but it is hit regularly. I can't wait to get back to the 48 and try it on a deer and especially the 125 gr. JHP I have worked up for it on a Yote, I believe it is running about 2300 fps. Now that should turn a Yote inside out.

Steve E.........

45LC-Man · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2005, 03:23:02 PM »

I'm jealous

Steve E · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2005, 09:02:16 PM »

45LC-Man
You should be, cause I got one and you don't . LOL
I have a few customized rifles and this is my favorite. It is a ball to shoot. Feeds like grease through a proverbial goose. I am about ready to put a tang sight on it now. The 2 things I want to take with this rifle the most are Deer and Yotes. 180 gr. XTP's for the Deer and 125 Gr. SJHP for the Coy Dogs. I'm glad I have a box of 1000 of the 125 Gr SJHP.

Steve E.........

45LC-Man · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2005, 12:37:10 PM »

My plans are to buy the stainless 1894 and have it converted.

Steve E · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2005, 01:05:20 PM »

45LC-Man
Keep a check with Gunparts Corp for a new 357 Mag barrel, thats where I got mine. All that is needed for the conversion is:
Marlin 1894 44 Mag. Used $225.00
Marlin 1894 357 Mag barrel New $69.00
357x44 B&D Reamer and gauges New $75.00
And a Smith Labor & Shipping $175.00

I had Jim Brockman at Brockmans Custom Guns do mine, he said he probably wouldn't do any more, but it wouldn't hurt to check.

Steve E..........

45LC-Man · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2005, 04:07:26 PM »

I believe you sent me a picture of the finished product either early this year or late last year. I still have it. When I see it every so often it makes me want to go ahead and get one made up.