Found a .357 MAX...worth the $$

[drdougrx]

Hi All,

I have a hankering for yet another ruger SA and found a 10.5" in .357MAX for $749.  Is it worth that much for a used gun and would I really gain over a "standard .357" when hunting??

[Badnews Bob]

I paid about the same for mine, What a cannon, that thing really launches rounds down range, I haven't chroned mine yet but I would say your into .44 mag teritory.

[blhof]

I lucked into a Dan Wesson 357max back in 1992 and have shot it alot, as it's my favorite pistol.  The advantage of the max is to propel 170 to 200gr bullets at the speed of the 150gr 357mag rounds with a relatively flat trajectory out to 150+yds.  Ues the heavier bullets as the lighter bullets fired at 2000+fps damages the forcing cone and causes flame cutting of the top strap, which is why Ruger discontinued the 357max, making them more collectable.  Ammo is limited, but if you reload; there are many sources for brass and plenty of the 358 heavier bullets around.  Mine's sighted in at 100yds and aiming for the top of the gong at 200yds; I can ring it with all six rounds from a rest. I've also taken whitetails with it out to 100yds with cast bullets.

[DennisB]

Doug:
I paid $100 less for a 7.5" version a month ago.  Already have BH's in all the usual calibers, but like you say, ya get a "hankering" for a new Blackhawk... That one's hard to find, esp. with the 10.5" tube.  I still like my 41s and 44s, and the 45 Bisley goes hunting when I do; the Max is just another "option."  I only yesterday got brass loaded up (162SWC/GC and 180Sil/GC) so the shootin' starts soon.

[drdougrx]

probably not a great idea...but I was thinking of getting a 6.5" bbl for it and keepin the 10.5" in case I wanted to sell it.   OR....buy a BH in 357, again 6.5" and have Gary Reeder put a 356GNR cylinder on it and have a convertable....though I know the 357MAX will hold its value.

Either way....I'm in it for a few bucks!!!

[jcn59]

I bought a 7.5" LNIB one 4+ years ago for $600.

Verrrrry accurate, around an inch at 25 yds., and yes, it's a bigggg hammer!

It aint fer sale.