357 max

[steve708]

I have a 357 magnum barrel, 10".  I am thinking about having SSK rechamber to 357max.  Should I do the rechamger or sell the barrell and try to find a factory max barrell.

[luckydawg13]

call foxridge outfitters 1800-243-4570 they can make you one cost $300 do you reload? cant by them i have one 14" contender 44 magnum way better

[Hopalong7]

    It's not uncommon for 357Mag rechambered to Max to be more accurate than TC barrel(factory or FRO) because you can have the throat cut to your specs instead of the so called "toliet bowl" found in many TC Max's. Walt

[David D.]

I have a 357 magnum barrel, 10".  I am thinking about having SSK rechamber to 357max.  Should I do the rechamger or sell the barrell and try to find a factory max barrell.

SSK certainly does quality work.

Rechamber or sell the barrel? For what the barrel may sell for and the cost of the rechamber from SSK you could put a little more with and get a custom Max made by MGM (Match Grade Machine)

Thats what I would do!!!!!

[WayneS]

I have a 357 magnum barrel, 10".  I am thinking about having SSK rechamber to 357max.  Should I do the rechamger or sell the barrell and try to find a factory max barrell.

WHAT are your goals by going to a MAX ?
WHAT do you intend to use it for ??
MAG brass is easy to fine and once fired is easier
MORE power can be had by long seating your bullets for more powder capasity

[bosterr]

I would opt for either a MGM barrel or re-chamber a .357 mag. by SSK.  The throat on a TC mag barrel is atrocious! I own a 10' MAG, 10" MAX, .222, 309 JDJ, .375 JDJ,  .44 MAG, 444 Marlin, all SSK. Also a .358 JDJ, and a .50 B & M Alaskan all re-chambered by SSK in TC barrels. I'm always cruising the internet for SSK stuff, so I can vouch for their work. If you want to shoot lead, stay away from a TC, it leads like crazy! I have a TC magnum barrel also.

[steve708]

I am going to use it for deer hunting, in the woods, shots not over 100 yds.  My thinking is that the 357 max would be better than the 357 mag. 

[WayneS]

Deer Hunting
OK I see your options as in order of the least amount of  hassle;WITH HUNTING IN MIND
1. get a MAX case, seat the bullet you plan to use, and it dosen't have to be seated down to the canalure
2. Contact SSK & MGM and see what the turn around time will be, deside  "bag & tag" your bbl & case and
    ship it off.and collect reloading supplies.
3.   Read the topics  below on the 30-30, then ponder on a trade for a 10" 30-30 barrel
4. Reshearch the MAG. and see if anyone has data on 170-180 gn bullets that were long seated, like only 1/8 to 3/16 on the bullet in the case, and the increased case Cap. filled with powder.
 If you go with the MAX, contact Wolfe Publishing  and see if you can get a copy of  Jim Wilkins article
357 MAX Hunting loads, HANDLOADER MAG.March-April 1986 "357 MAX LOAD DATA" Nov.-Dec. 1986
 

[steve708]

I have a 30-30 barrell.  I wanted a straight wall cartridge for a possible trip to Ohio.  Thank all of you for the info so far.  Any further info or opinions appreciated.

[pab1]

I would go with the rechamber. I picked up a 357 mag barrel here on GB that was rechambered (seller did not know who did the rechamber) to 357 Max and its a shooter. The .357 mag has never interested me, but the 357 Max opens up a lot more possibilities. Unless you have the funds for a new barrel, why not get a new round to play with for a lot less $$$.

[Lager]

Pab1, im interested in your 357 max,you call it a shooter.
I too have considered converting my mag to a max, but Im concerned about accuracy.
I believe a well placed shot with a lighter weight bullet is better then a heavier bullet spreading the group.
Right now, Im putting a  158 grain @1400 fps, 5 round groups 50 yards, 3/4 inch.
In your experience in useing the Max, will I get better if I rechamber?

[pab1]

I can't say whether or not your accuracy will improve. My barrel is very accurate with 180 gr Hornady XTPs over W296. I have not tried lighter bullets in it and since I have a large supply of 180s, I probably won't for a while. I have not hunted with this barrel yet, but I prefer a heavier bullet for hunting.

[Rutin2tin]

First,

From which era is the TC .357 barrel? Does Your TC have the easy open update?
If not, and Your TC is an older model, I'd think twice before modifying that barrel.

FWIW: I'm thinking that TC pistols built after March 1981 ? or a similar date, will be the easy open models.

[Alaska Dave]

First,

From which era is the TC .357 barrel? Does Your TC have the easy open update?
If not, and Your TC is an older model, I'd think twice before modifying that barrel.

FWIW: I'm thinking that TC pistols built after March 1981 ? or a similar date, will be the easy open models.

Why don't you believe in modifying an older made barrel? Has nothing to do with an easy open frame or not. You can use older barrels on easy open frames but might have to change the bolt lugs which is easy. I've seen rechambers go for as little as $75. Custom barrels to $500.  Try selling your barrel and adding $ to your pot and look foe a nice used barrel or go with MGM.

[Keith L]

I think he is thinking a pre-easy open frame won't hold up to the Max.  I guess they aren't the strongest Contender but I think they are strong enough.  I shoot heavy 45 Colt and 30-30 loads in my older frames and they hold up well.

[Alaska Dave]

I think he is thinking a pre-easy open frame won't hold up to the Max.  I guess they aren't the strongest Contender but I think they are strong enough.  I shoot heavy 45 Colt and 30-30 loads in my older frames and they hold up well.

I'm using an older pre-easy open with a 338JDJ, 7x30 and a 357 max barrels 

[steve708]

The frame I have is easy open, this barrell works great on it.  I got this barrell for a steal, I have decided to send it to SSK after the holidays.  I will post the results after I get it back and have a chance to test fire it.  Thanks for all the information.  After rechamber costs and shipping I will still have less than $200.00 in it.  Thought about trying leverevelution in it, but as much as they cost, figured I could reload 357 max cheaper in the long run.

[blhof]

I've got a 14" max barrel that came with my frame, older pre easy open, and it works fine, shoots great.  The gun was a bargain, because as the pawn shop clerk told me; they don't make the bullets for it anymore.  I already had a DW supermag and enough brass to last nearly a lifetime.  I can load it up or down for plinking, loaded down, it's like firing a 22 and still accurate enough for rabbit and squirrel.

[shot1]

There is nothing wrong with the 357 mag for deer hunting out to 100 yards or so. Load up 13.5 grs H-110 and a 180 Hornady XTP. I shot a deer with my 10" 357 mag last year at 107 yards and I could not have asked for better performance. The bullet smashed the center of the deers right front shoulder as it quartered toward me. The bullet went through the lungs and the edge of the liver and was found with a text book mushroom under the hide at the edge of the left ham. Deer ran about 50 yards and piled up. If you do your job the 357 mag tinder will do it's job.