Talk me into the 357 MAXimum

[35Rem]

OK, I'm a 35 Remington guy.  Unfortunately that caliber is not available.  It seems that the 357 Max is an easy conversion, based on what I've read.  The big question is:

Why should I do it?
also
What am I going to gain?
If the 35 Remington rechamber works for Krochus, I think I would like to go that route.  Would this still be possible with the Max?
What kind of velocities will I get?
What bullets can I shoot?  I like to 200 gr Rem Core Lockt
Where is good loading data for rifles available?
Is there any Factory Ammo out there?

I know thisis lot of questions, but I didn't really find them in the other posts.  Please try to answer all of them, if you can.  Tell me bout your Max!

Thanks

[quickdtoo]

Reeds Ammo, a GBO sponsor lists ammo for it. Dan Wesson ammo is listed by Bullseye Guns...

http://bullseyeguns.com/danammo.asp

[R.W.Dale]

I can sum it up in saying that the MAX is nice but it is no 35rem.

[JPH45]

OK, I'm a 35 Remington guy.  Unfortunately that caliber is not available.  It seems that the 357 Max is an easy conversion, based on what I've read.  The big question is:

Why should I do it?
also
What am I going to gain?

The 357 Max will give you FACTORY 35 Remington ammo performance. The 357 Max is also a straight case and uses carbide dies, no lubing nessicary.
 
If the 35 Remington rechamber works for Krochus, I think I would like to go that route.  Would this still be possible with the Max?

Yes

What kind of velocities will I get?

1800 fps with 200 grain bullets, 2000 fps with 180 grain bullets

What bullets can I shoot?  I like to 200 gr Rem Core Lockt

It handles that bullet just fine, and the bullet will perform with the available velocity, but I believe the case is at it's best with 180's

Where is good loading data for rifles available?

Practically none exists for rifle/carbine length barrels. On average you will gain some 300 fps over available pistol data.

Is there any Factory Ammo out there?

I know thisis lot of questions, but I didn't really find them in the other posts.  Please try to answer all of them, if you can.  Tell me bout your Max!

Thanks

Most 357 Max rechambers begin life as an attempt to resolve the ridiculous throat of the factory chamber. Others rechamber simply to get higher velocity performance from their barrel. The 35 Remington is very similar in usable case capacity of the 375 Winchester and can be handloaded to a level of performance far and above that of the factory ammo, and obviously well in excess of anything the 357 Max can do. My suggestion would be to rechamber to the Max and work with it for a while. It does everything the 30-30 Winchester will do, and you may find it has all the real life performance you need. SEveral of us have used the 357 Max rifle to take deer, I shot mine with the Hornady 180 XTP, and must say that it was one of the most impressive deer stopping performances I have ever seen. I have a preferance for throwing heavier bullets, and have since moved to the 38-55, for my hunting rifle, but the 180 XTP from the 357 Max is a load I would take anywhere for deer where shots were not greater than 150 yards, 'bout the same as that of the 35 Remington.

[35Rem]

Thanks for the Info, guys.  I've PM'd LeftoverDJ about the reamer and I'm gonna pack up my receiver for a 357 barrel and a trigger job.  I can't believe I haven't even shot it yet (45-70) and I'm sending it off for another barrel.  You guys are a bad influence.  I can't let my wife see this website, she'd kill me.  :-D Not really.  If she likes the Max more than me, it'll end up her's. :wink: Then I'd have to get another...

Where can I get a T-handle?

[quickdtoo]

That's alright, we warn everyone that buying a Handi is very addictive....and nothing's changed!! :grin:

[JPH45]

She'll like it plenty, you can trust me on this. Sounds like you need to send in another frame for a 357 fitting so you'll have one to shoot :-D  :grin:  

[Haywire Haywood]

I'm shooting a 180gr LBT style gas check flat point at around 1900 for deer hunting and you can get 2650 from a 145gr Winchester Silvertip.

Ian