Range report .357 Mag Trapper

[je265]

I got to the range today with my new .357 trapper with 18.75" bbl. I changed the stock set out to a synthetic montecarlo set and mounted a Leupold 2-7x scope on it. I plan on getting a fixed 2.5x scope but wanted the extra magnification for the range session.

I only had Remington UMC 125 Gr JSP ammo in .357 and I also brought some Remington .38 Special 130 Gr FMJ to help break in the rifle. I shot 5 rounds of the .38 Special first and then got down to shooting groups with the .357 ammo. I shot all the groups off a Caldwell rest and waited at least 2 min between shots to let the barrel cool down.

All the groups were shot at 50 yards and it was a good day at the range with little wind. My first few groups wern't that impressive but by the third group it started to settle down. My best group of the day was under 1" with most groups around 1 1/2". I'm going to go buy some more ammo to include some 158 gr loads and see how they shoot.

I bought this rifle as a close range predator rifle as most of the coyotes I shoot are within 50 yds. I usually hunt with a shotgun and get frustrated when they hang up between 50 and 100 yds. I've shot a few with a 17 HMR and a .22 Mag but have not been impressed with the results. I've lost a few with close range shots with the rimfires and think a .38 or .357 round will be just about right. This rifle is nice and compact and I think it will be my go to weapon this upcoming predator season.

[je265]

Pics of rifle and best group of the day

[fyrepowrx]

That combo is exactly what i have been thinking of....been trying to decide whether to order a new .357 or find of the older 158 or 258 rifles. my goal is light weight, and i wasnt sure about how the new barrel profiles compare to the old "step-down tapered" handy-gun barrels.

Do you happen to have a scale? curious as to the the weight of your rig....that scope is about the perfect glass to have on there too.

i'm betting some coyotes are really going to get hammered, 110's or 125's would be really explosive at those speeds...

[Big Blue]

Looking at your targets, I know if I was a coyote around your place I'd be real nervous about now. Can't wait to get some range time with mine. I also added a 2-7 scope, seems like the ideal size for that cartridge. I modified the original stock to a straight stock configuration and maximized the chamber. I'm hoping to use mine for some close range, 75 yards and under, whitetail hunting.
Don

[je265]

Fyrepowrx

I just weighed the rifle with my fishing scale and it comes in at 7 lbs on the dot with the scope and rings.

Jim

[fyrepowrx]

Jim...Thanks for weighing it; very helpful.

My plan was to go with the lightweight synthetic straight comb stock and a rear peep, this one probably wont get scoped, and with that light stock & no scope/rings/mounts had thought it might even come in at under 6#.

[mrcoolid]

je265

I have the trapper also.. it likes the 180 grain lead wfngc boolits..

they are fun to shoot!  Looks like yours will put the smack down on some yotes.

good shootin...

mike