357 max carbine

[257roberts]

I'am thinking about getting a 20 inch 357 max barrel for my contender. Was wondering if I should spend a few more dollars and get a MGM or TC custom barrel. This combo whould be used for deer hunting, any suggestions on what bullet whould be good. Will the 35 cal. 225 gr. noslar accubond or partition work.

[sportsman223]

  I have one built by MGM 20inch on G2 frame with a .358 bore. I shoot 180g Hornady SSP bullets
   It will shoot one ragged hole @ 100yds opens up a bit @ 150yds with handloads hits deer like a hammer
   

[Kurt L]

I was thinking on getting one also.I think you would like it.
I reload for a neighbor guy and he shoots 35 whelen with 158
rem jacketed hallow points(pistol bullets). He loves this setup.
He shoots about 100 yrd max in the woods and loves how these blow up
on impact, when he shoots a deer in the lungs and stops them in their tracks or if they
do go they don't go far and leave a huge blood trail.the 357 max would be very
close to what I reload his 35 whelen to(again reduced loads with pistol bullets)
Kurt

[Graycg]

I have a  19 inch Coyote Arms Barrel, use it for a different task....treat it like a miniature 45-70 or 38-55, I load with 200-250 grain lead bullets with black powder replacement loads and reduced smokeless  at about 1300 fps....lots of fun with a peep sight set up.

regards,
 graycg

[David D.]

Some day I need to get one. Does look like a fun round! Seems ever one that has them likes them.

[Hopalong7]

I shoot a 21" standard carbine barrel and it's all I need for deer hunting, not that there's anything wrong with custom barrels.  I also shoot a 10" pistol barrel and in both my favorite bullet is the long discontinued Rem 150 SP.  Fortunately I had a stash of them.  My second favorite(and it's close) is also a Remington bulk bullet, the 180 HP.  In my barrels it will do anything the Hornady 180 SSSP or 180 XT will do and cost considerably less.  Go for it, I love mine!!! GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[gewehrfreund]

I picked up a 24" TC Custom Shop barrel at a gunshow last year and haven't really had time to play with it much yet, but it should be a dandy. I'll try the Rem 150 SP and a variety of 180gr. bullets along with with some cast bullet loads (174 - 200 gr).

[tn_junk]

My 15" Encore really likes the 180 Grain Remington over a hot load of Lil'Gun.
Am thinking about getting a 20" carbine also.

alan

[Muddyboots]

Sportsman223 - do you have any velocities on the 180 SSSP? I am looking at it as potential rifle for IN since they now allow handgun calibers in rifles.
Thanks,
Muddy

[sportsman223]

   2275 fps  with no pressure sign's yet.

[tn_junk]

  2275 fps  with no pressure sign's yet.

What powder are you using? I am getting about 250 fps less than that using a near max load of H110.

alan

[sportsman223]

Lil Gun

[encore58]

Ordered a stainless custom shop barrel 16 1/4" standard bore today. FYI, all the powder is burnt long before it hits 16 inches so unless you like the balance of the longer barrels save yourself the weight and get them barrels cropped. I like a light gun myself. A standard barrel shortened to 16 1/4 inches will be .715 diameter at the muzzle. Like a heavy sporter or close to a light varmit dia.

[hicard]

Good advise.  I have a 16+ inch 30-30 contender SS barrel and it is so light and handy to pack around.  Right now I am loading the lyman 173 gr FHGC bullet that was modified by Buckshot with a HP pin and recoil is very manageable.

[Buck O Bob]

Spend the extra money for an MGM barrel it's well worth it! I've sent to many T/C custom barrels back due to machining flaws!

[Keith L]

Spend the extra money for an MGM barrel it's well worth it! I've sent to many T/C custom barrels back due to machining flaws!

There are plenty of great shooting TC Factory and Custom Shop barrels out there.  Aftermarket barrels are an option, but lots of us would argue with this poster that you need to spend the extra money.

[LaOtto222]

The Hornady 180 SP SSP is an excellent bullet for the 357 MAX. If you can launch it at 2200 fps (with Lil'Gun) it will still have 1000 fp of energy @ 1600 fps at 200 yards. Another option would be to get a barrel from the Custom Shop in 357 Mag and send it to Mike Bellum to ream out to 357 Max. He cuts a better throat than comes with T/C barrels. He does it at a reasonable cost. It would be a little cheaper than a MGM barrel, some where in the $300 range for the barrel and his cost.

[Buck O Bob]

No reason to get defensive Keith--- 257 Roberts asked a specific question! Thought I was well within your forum rules with my reply. I won't argue with you or anyone else. Does make you wonder why aftermarket barrel makers found such a demand!  BOB

[Keith L]

No reason to get defensive Keith--- 257 Roberts asked a specific question! Thought I was well within your forum rules with my reply. I won't argue with you or anyone else. Does make you wonder why aftermarket barrel makers found such a demand!  BOB

You stated your opinion, and I disagreed.  Simple as that.   Well within my rights.  There are plenty of good factory barrels.  Not all of us have found a strong need to spend the extra money.   If you want to then go ahead.  If 257 Roberts wants to then he should go ahead.  If I need a barrel that I can't get from the factory then I will go ahead.