357 maximum ???

[rdh]

I am wanting a 357 maximum barrel for my other contender frame. I already have a 14" 223 and a 14" 30/30 barrel and belive this would be a good addition. I plan on shots out to a max of 100yards on central nc deer. Since I already  hand load for my other 357 pistols  so wouldnt have to buy maybe some brass is all. Just wondering what you all think about your 357 maximum barrels. I had thought about maybe 14" 7-30 barrel but think the maximum will be cheaper to shoot and enough gun for my style of hunting . Thanks for any ideas

[handi243]

I had one in a 10" barrel i really liked it the only thing i can tell you is for recoil try for a 12" or 14" barrel it is a very good round for deer in your area it should work just fine. I've taken alot with a 357 mag in a revolver didn't have the max long enough to get a deer with it if your inside 100 yrds with the right bullet (i like the 180gr) you should be just fine.

[7-30 Waters]

I have a 12" barrel and feel this is the perfect length.  Winchester 296 is a super all around powder with 180 grain and heavier bullets.  I prefer to shoot a 200 grain cast lead w/gas check for deer.  Excellent accuracy out to 100 yards.  I can hit a 12" steel plate at 200 yards off the bench every time.

[tn_junk]

I have a 15" .357 MAX Encore and love it. What surprised me is that it is quite accurate with both .357 Mag and 38 Spcl loads. I have heard of a lot of problems with bad accuracy using lighter loads and bullets but have not seen that. My favorite load so far is a 180 grain JSP over a middle load of H110.

alan

[Kurt L]

I was wanting one also.
I called SSK and they said to shoot 38/357 also i need a factory barrel with a forcing cone type throat.
he said they do the 357max wit a normal throat for top accuracy and don't recommend shooting the 38/357
out of the barrel they build.
So i am back to just thinking on I would like one ,but i also want to shoot 38/357 and I am just undecided
at this point.

[poncaguy]

had one for years, 15 inch, shoots inch groups at 100 yards, one of my favorite barrels
'

[Catfish]

I`ve got a 15 in. Bullberry barrel on an Enocre. A 100 yrd. shot is a give me. If I ever get around to working up a drop chart for mine I would not hesitate to shoot it out to 200 yrds. I have a 27 in. by-pod on mine and rest the grip on my knee. It also wears a 2 1/2 x 8 X Leupold scope. I never shoot it off hand. I did not hunt deer last year as I still had to much in the freezer, but in the previous 3 years I took 3 deer with it, and a couple more with a muzzle loader. Great little round.

[giturgun]

Used to shoot one in 10 INCH production using 357 loads, It would every now and then not quite topple a ram. But we never did shoot any Max in it , the 357 mags worked just fine.

   Have a friend that just purchased a super 14 in 7 - 30 waters and I think a 12 inch Max barrel . He wants me to help him start loading for them . So guess I will be buisy for a while there

[7-30 Waters]

rdh:

I bought a 12" 357 Magnum barrel from Ed's Contenders and had it rechambered to a 357 Maximum with a long throat.  I prefer the 12" barrel for tree stand hunting.  Just my personal choice.

I wouldn't mind a 15 inch barrel for silhouette shooting and hunting off the ground with a bi-pod.  I think Eds Contenders has 14" Contender barrels for sale.  You could have the gun rechambered and throated for the Hornady 180 SSP (Single shot pistol bullet).  Great bean field pistol in my opinion.  I think a 200 yard shot would not be out of the question.

7-30 Waters

[doc-and]

I've enjoyed my 357Max, it's accuracy is excellent.  I've even shot 357mag loads out of it with great results at 100yds.  Don't think you could go wrong.



docand