Author Topic: 357 mag or max? (Read 1090 times)

redhawksixsh · « **on:** June 08, 2009, 12:05:46 PM »

Hey guys, just would like some thoughts on what round would be the most useful for me. would be used for deer,coyote,turkey, and feral hogs. Range would be about 125 yards maximum, most shots at 75 yards. Is one round better suited for my needs? I have 2 in my sights, a 357 mag sb2 for $235 and a 357 max ultra for $265 both used but in great condition. Help me please!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2009, 01:42:29 PM »

There's not really any comparison to them, the 357Max runs just under 35 Remington performance. You can still shoot 38spl and 357mag in the Max, you may be able to shoot 360 Dan Wesson in the Mag, but my vote would be for the Max specially IF you handload, factory ammo is available, but isn't real common.

Tim

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2009, 01:49:50 PM »

The magnum will do all you posted for. The Maximum will do the same plus some. If you reload I'd buy the max without a second thought, if you don't the mag is a lot easier to find ammo for. If you can swing it I would buy both as SB 2 .357s are hard to come by and I would about garentee you can get your money back.

If it was my money talkin the ultra max would already be in my safe.

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2009, 02:56:50 PM »

I do reload, forgot to mention that. These 2 guns are from a private collection of a guy I know. Can't even see over a hundred yards on my farms, so I don't feel undergunned. The wife and kids could shoot them without fear of recoil. You see what you guys did to me, I'm addicted and I haven't even bought one yet!

wreckhog · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2009, 03:38:01 PM »

Is it a factory MAX? Read somewhere that factory MAX's are not so good, but that a MAG reamed to a MAX gets rid of the problematic forcing cone. Truth or fiction?

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2009, 03:55:13 PM »

Wreckhog, I think it is a factory max, it is stamped 357 rem max alongside the chamber. How loud are these things?

myarmor · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2009, 04:24:14 PM »

I say buy them both

These barrels are hard to get your hands on.... at least it has been for me.
Still my unicorn, I haven't been able to spot yet.

-Aaron

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:03:50 PM »

Factory Maxs are fine, all of the 357s have deep throats, CW has an original Max, loves it, I expect he'll chime in if he gets time from work!

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2009, 11:22:20 PM »

Precision Cartridge makes a 180 gr. SJHP available through ammobank.com for about a buck a pop in 50 round boxes.

I too would buy both. The Max recoil is mild in the Handi.

Pete

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2009, 04:31:27 AM »

I also say buy them both being a friend has them you might be a ble to get a better deal on 2 . Also with the mention of wife and kids 2 may not be 2 many. Kurt

Default · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:22:08 AM »

On the accuracy side , My old 357 mag was quite nice , but didnt shine its best till i worked up a 140 gr xtp over some imr 4227 ( tightest groups and flatest trajectory) i shot it with out muffs hunting and you have to allow for the mild hearing loss i have now but the report was mild .. I would say a little louder then a 22lr and not even as loud as a 2 3/4 shot shell..

Oh and mine was the coveted ejection model so yeah i kinda regret getting rid of it ... But as is life , thought i had my neices covered with a 7.62x39 single shot that ended up having more recoil then i had expected , The recoil on the 357 mag was so mild it was funny about like a 22mag and with 38 spcls. it was like a 22lr heh.

Default

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2009, 12:50:15 PM »

Thanks for the comments guys. The farm I live on is being crowded with growth, that is why I was asking about the report of these calibers. I am still legal to hunt, just don't want to frighten the neighbors with my '06. I am going over to this guys house this weekend, going to decide then on which one to take home with me. I will let ya'll know what happens. Thanks again, nice group of shooters here. Jeff in Texas.

zoner · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2009, 02:31:03 PM »

buy em both

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2009, 04:06:12 PM »

I may buy them both. These coyotes are getting brave, coming all the way up to the 1 acre fence around my house. Seeing them everyday. Can't wait to get one or both and try to lower some of the yote population.

zoner · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:01:22 PM »

you can't lose

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #15 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:08:29 PM »

If I get the max and shoot mags in it, will accuracy suffer and is it dangerous to the throat of the chamber?

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #16 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:27:02 PM »

Quote from: redhawksixsh on June 09, 2009, 04:06:12 PM

Seeing them everyday. Can't wait to get one or both and try to lower some of the yote population.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2009, 09:08:02 AM »

Quote from: redhawksixsh on June 09, 2009, 05:08:29 PM

If I get the max and shoot mags in it, will accuracy suffer and is it dangerous to the throat of the chamber?

No It shouldn't I do it with mine all the time, shoots .38s pretty well to. Good enuff to keep the tin cans jumping anyway.

wreckhog · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:23:42 PM »

Just looked at Midway, they have brass, bullets and dies in stock. Assuming that you have LR primers and powder, you might as well give the Max a chance.

Datil · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:00:52 PM »

Buy both Use SR primers, Every set dies I have for 357 Mag will also do Max.
Datil

wreckhog · « **Reply #20 on:** June 11, 2009, 02:14:46 AM »

Quote from: Datil on June 10, 2009, 06:00:52 PM

Buy both Use SR primers, Every set dies I have for 357 Mag will also do Max.
Datil

I have old Federal Max brass that takes small rifle primers, and new Remington Max brass that takes large rifle primers.

Datil · « **Reply #21 on:** June 11, 2009, 09:10:07 AM »

I have gotten 200 Remington Max brass they take small Primers. Datil
P.S. Buy Both.

redhawksixsh · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2009, 12:58:25 PM »

I found some lee carbide dies in 357 and 20 rounds of custom reloads here in san antonio. I meet with my friend on saturday morning. Coyotes are thick as molasses right now, it is so dry here that they are hungry and bold. My deer are looking pretty healthy considering the drought, but these deer are used to this climate. Thanks for the replies folks.