Paydirt with the .357 Max

[mag41vance]

My friend Tony scored his first NEF Buck with the .357Max that LeftoverDJ reamed for him. Dropped him in his tracks with a single shot at about 80 yards.
  Good job Tony!!

[Ct Kid]

The one shot drop is always nice. Congrats.

[tonyc]

Good cartridge in a good little gun. Thanks Mag41. :grin:

[cwlongshot]

Congratulations!!!!    

[hellacatcher]

I do belive the 357max have carried the day.

[jeff223]

:toast:
good job on that buck.sure looks like the ones i shoot up here in Michigan :shock:

[jbtazgrabber]

what bullet weight are you using??reloads or factory?i had 1 big one run off with 158 xtps,,,,,,thinking of going to 180 in my boys 357 max...like some info....jb

[.308]

Would you look at that smile. Betcha a plastic surgeon couldn't remove it. That is great. Good job, yes indeed.

[mag41vance]

what bullet weight are you using??reloads or factory?i had 1 big one run off with 158 xtps,,,,,,thinking of going to 180 in my boys 357 max...like some info....jb

 I know the load he was using because it is the same one I use.
 180 XTP
 20.5 gr H-110
 Fed SRP GM
 Seated at the deepest cannelure with a firm roll crimp.
 Shoots under 2 inches at 100yards.
 right at 1,900-2,000 fps if memory serves.( I'll chronoy it again to be sure.)

[bluebayou]

How do 38's and 357 Mag's shoot once you ream it out to Max?  I did a search and someone mentioned the POI problem but other than that.... are they accurate?

I have $300 to spend and have always dug the idea of the 357 Max (that and one of the new fast twist 223 barrels would get me set for the year).

[mt3030]

tonyc;
Nice buck. And welcome to the forum.

Wally

[mag41vance]

How do 38's and 357 Mag's shoot once you ream it out to Max?  I did a search and someone mentioned the POI problem but other than that.... are they accurate?

I have $300 to spend and have always dug the idea of the 357 Max (that and one of the new fast twist 223 barrels would get me set for the year).

 I would expect POI to be different with just about anything you try in the max chamber that varies even the slightest.
 I shoot 148gr HBWC with 2.7gr Bullseye with good results in a .38 sp case despict the long jump to the lands.
 Mine also shoots 180gr xtp over 16 gr w296 with SPM primers, seated out to the second cannelure, in a magnum case with groups around 1.5 inches at 100 yards.
 My  NEF .357 is my favorite gun by far. Alot of options and fun in the process.

[cwlongshot]

I too have very good accuracy with 38spl full wadcutters in my factory Maxi barrel.
 I dont shoot many 357 mags..no picitular reason.

 I have found my barrel likes 1680 powder, at max levels. Never shot any game with the 180 XTP. I have shot a couple does with the 357 mag in my marlin lever using the 158FP XTP. That works very well!! I couldnt get that bullet to shoot well in the maxi? I used the 180 HORNADY SSPB for some time with good results. Until last year.

I shot two deer and neither bullet exited the animal. Doth had the bullets literally explode inside the deer. Both dropped in their tracks. I switched to SPEERS 180 FP made for the 35 rem. Same load almost same accuracy.

While I cannot call it a bad bullet, it is bullet failure. Its too lightly constructed for my taste. At least at the velocities my barrel shoots best.

 Good luck with yours!!

 CW

[bluebayou]

1.5 inches at 100 yards!! Sweet.  I am getting a 357 barrel.  I figure being straight wall brass that it should last a long time.  I should have a rifle to play with loads for a good long time.  I had trimmed some 44 brass a few months ago.  I figured out last week that I didn't need to.  I had measured them wrong.  

Anyway, thanks for the followup from both of you.