Planning a SB1 Handi build- do I have this right?

[mattri]

Have read the FAQs, just want to make sure I have this right. 
 
I have an SB1 receiver NL322670. 
 
Would like to put together a rifle in 357, 45 Colt, 44 Mag etc.  Like the look/idea of the BC but don't want to go with anything that big.  Rifle will be used soley for shooting targets, 50-100 yards, 200 for fun sometimes,  no hunting or cowboy action type shooting.
 
According to the FAQs 357 and 44 mag are ok to use on the SB1, and while the 45 Colt is not officially sanctioned the pressure is below the other two rounds so as long as you don't punch it out to a 454 Casull etc it shouldn't blow up. 
 
Want to put together an intersting rifle to be as accurate as possible using this platform, an older straight-wall design and cast bullets.  That being the case which caliber, where to get the barrel, which bullets/loads? 
 
Thanks, Matt. 

[OldSchoolRanger]

Thought you might be interested in this recent discussion, regarding an SB1 receiver and the .45-70Govt. 

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php?topic=236844.0

Please note that the .45-70Govt is only safe using trapdoor loads on a SB1 receiver.

[mattri]

That was an interesting read, thanks for the link.                                                                                                                                                                               

As far as the 357, 44 mag or 45 Colt is there an accuracy advantage to one over the other?  Better components, bullet selection etc? 

Would really prefer a barrel around 24" or so- any sources to check out? 

[tacklebury]

That was an interesting read, thanks for the link.                                                                                                                                                                               

As far as the 357, 44 mag or 45 Colt is there an accuracy advantage to one over the other?  Better components, bullet selection etc? 

Would really prefer a barrel around 24" or so- any sources to check out?

I don't think any 24" barrels have ever been made in these calibers, except for the once available .44 Magnum Shikari which was 28 or 26" if memory serves.  I'm very impressed with accuracy and performance on my .45 LC barrel at 20" and I get plenty of power and velocity for up to 125 yard shots with iron sights.  Many have had great luck with the .44 Magnum and if you don't reload, this IS the route you want to go if you hunt.  The .357's are very good accuracy typically, but unless you ream it to Maximum, it can be a little weak for hunting other than shorter range shooting.  You can also ream the .45 LC to .454 casull or .460 S&W also.  These chamberings add a lot of capability that some like to capitalize on.  Mine has a PERFECT .45 LC chamber and is accurate and does all I need in that size case.  So all have good points.  I'm sure others will chime in also. 

[mattri]

Sorry to not be clear, this will just be for punching paper.  I do reload and will be casting bullets as well.  As it is a SB1 I won't be going bigger than 45 Colt. 

[tacklebury]

Then if you reload, the .45 Colt rocketh!  I've loaded 200 gr. Lead RNFP bullets down with 4.5 gr. Unique for some nice plinkers.    Of course .357 magnum will cost you less in lead too, so if not hunting, that'd probably be a better choice.  Although, those barrels will always be available, but once the .45 Colts are gone they aren't making more from what I hear.

[mattri]

Thanks for the replies.  Are there any aftermarket options for barrels?

[keith44]

I don't think you could make a bad choice between the three.  For the .357 if you can get them to seat deeply enough to chamber the 180 grain bullets make great target and subsonic loads (at least they did from my Ruger Blackhawk) As to the .44 Mag it is a great choice with cast bullets, if you oversize them a bit.  My Handi prefers 240 grain sized at .432".  I can only tell you second or third hand information about the .45 Colt.  Like the .38 special, and .44 Special there is room to warm the old dog up a bit, and plenty of power can be squeezed from the standard case.  Since you are after accuracy over power that matters little. You could get all three and work with each for a few years then sell the one that collects the most dust at the end of a predetermined time period.  I'm certain there are a few people here who would be willing to take the piece of scrap tubing off your hands for the price of shipping  

[mattri]

Thanks keith44- guess just need to find someone with a little scrap laying around- I can prob swing shipping.

[cwlongshot]

Welcome Mattri!!

 I agree with Keith, any (or all) would be a fine choice. Yes all are fine on a SB1 just look for one with a small firing pin or buy new and don't worry.

Personally I prefer the 45 Colt from the three choices. But lighter recoil and less powder and bullet weight from the 357 is a consideration.

No after market barrels are avalible. BUT you could have something stubbed to what ever you wanted.

Good luck and Merry Christmas ,
CW

[geezer56]

I have all three of those calibers.  For fun, the 357 is the way to go.  For versatility, the 44 mag.  The 45 is like finding gold, hard to come by.  If I was stuck with just having one of them, the 44 would get my vote though. 

[petemi]

I have all three.  For your use, I would go with the .357 Mag and ream it to Maximum for your 200 yard shooting.  The cost of reaming is negligible and will add to the value of your rifle.  158 gr. cast bullets from Missouri Bullet company are only 32.00 for 500.  You can load the max for just a bit more powder and a small rifle primer.  The maxi is safe on a SB1 frame if you don't hot rod it.  Personally, I don't mess with SB1s.  Except for shotguns, everything I own is on SB2s, including my muzzleloader.

Pete

[OldSchoolRanger]

Not knocking those guys that ream their .357Mags to Maximum's, but I would be happy with the .357Mag.  Especially since you only want it for printing paper, and the ammo costs would be a lot less expensive.

[quickdtoo]

Not knocking those guys that ream their .357Mags to Maximum's, but I would be happy with the .357Mag.  Especially since you only want it for printing paper, and the ammo costs would be a lot less expensive.

That's not necessarily all there is to it, rechambered with a good rifle reamer like the PTG GBO reamer that cuts a 6º leade that improves accuracy of the 38 Spcl and 357mag as well as allowing the use of 360 Dan Wesson and Maxi ammo, if you want the most accurate 357, the Maxi is a good way to go. 

H&R 357mag barrels already have a long jump to the rifling as they come from the factory, many are long enough to chamber 360 Dan Wesson or almost chamber Maxi ammo without using a reamer, all the Maxi reamer does is cut the chamber wall slightly longer and cuts the beginning of the rifling to a 6º ramp.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,125780.msg1098446320.html#msg1098446320

[mattri]

Great replies and thanks for the links as well.  Couple of questons:
 
1) If there is no other source for barrels than the factory units, can a barrel be re-chambered?  Obviously not as easy as cutting back and re-threading a Rem/Savage barrel but could you for example use a longer .308 bore barrel to re-chamber to a .35 cal etc? 
 
2) For those shooting the 357 maximum how is brass selection and are any shooting cast bullets- how is the accuracy? 
 
Thanks, Matt. 

[cwlongshot]

Great replies and thanks for the links as well.  Couple of questions:
 
1) If there is no other source for barrels than the factory units, can a barrel be re-chambered?  Obviously not as easy as cutting back and re-threading a Rem/Savage barrel but could you for example use a longer .308 bore barrel to re-chamber to a .35 cal etc? 

Again, NO, on other barrel makers. YES, on rechambering to other calibers. Your asking about re-BORING to other bore diameters, YES it has been done.
 

 
2) For those shooting the 357 maximum how is brass selection and are any shooting cast bullets- how is the accuracy? 
 
Thanks, Matt.

Brass selection??  Winchester made it as did Federal at one time. Now the only show is REMINGTON. But its only offered "seasonally". Accuracy is excellent.  I haven't shot much cast form mine...
 
CW