Jeff,
I shot my 10" .357 Mag barrel for quite a while with a Leupy 2X. At 100yds I had to haxe at least a 6" aiming point to get a good sight picture. That notwithstanding, I did shoot several 2" groups at a hundred.
Then I changed to a Burris 3X. I honestly couldn't tell that much difference.
Now it wears a NC Star 2-7X. I figured for <$50, I'd give it a try. So far, I like it. The recoil isn't that bad on the .357, so I expect it to hold up. The variable is nice, but the eye relief changes a LOT from 2X to 7X. Most of the time, I leave it on 4X.
Would I like to have a nicer/more expensive scope? Sure, but I just haven't been able to justify the $200-$300 price tag on a Leupold or Burris... YET!
BTW, Are you going to rent or buy the max reamer. I might be interested, after you're done!