357 Maxi velocities and questions

[Dinny]

I had the pleasure of loading for and shooting my new .357 Maxi today. I achieved the following velocities using between 25 and 26gr of AA1680.

Homemade cast bullets:

170gr: 2131, 2130
158gr: 2224, 2209  

180gr Hornady XTP: 2152, 2132, 2158, 2133

187gr Cast Performance Lead: 2018, 2105 ??  I don't understand that one, but they grouped next to each other.

180gr Hornady SSPB: 2079,2113,2107--worst accuracy  , will try other loads

I found that the most accurate bullet was the 158gr lead SWC. It shot 3/4" 3-shot
groups at 50yds.  The 170gr lead SWC shot right at 1".

Anyone ever try any Trail Boss in the Maxi?  I found this data online.  TB is listed a bit down the page for a 187gr lead bullet.

http://www.reloadammo.com/357max.htm

I really like this rifle but would trade it for one a pound or two lighter.  Not that it's overly heavy, I would just prefer one that is lighter for trekking.  On that note, can a .223 Rem chamber be cleaned up enough to rebore into a .357 Maxi?  I'm dreaming of a .357 Maxi Superlight......

Thanks, Dinny

[noyb72]

I would think that having the barrel thinned down would be cheaper than having a rebore done. Maybe take a little length off also. I wonder how that XTP will hold up at those speeds?

Ron

[Dinny]

The only thing about turning down Handi barrels is that sooner or later you either have to take the forend lug off or thin around it. Once it's off, it may be hard to reinstall. I am hesitant about re-welding it on a thinner barrel.

I think the XTP will operate fine at these velocities, at least, I hope so.  If not, I think the SSPB will settle down enough to work for hunting.

Thanks, Dinny

[bigvarmnt]

I just put a 38 special cart up to the muzzle and don't look like there would be much barrel left. Might start coming out the sides I don't know how much thickness you need but sure would be sweet if it worked.
I would want a (English) straight stocked syn for it.

[OSOK]

The other problem with thining the barrel would be fore end fit, at least with a wooden stock.
On my TALO Trapper .357 (just got it today!) I noticed that the rear sight is over the lug. The barrel could be left heavy there...just not sure how that would look.

[quickdtoo]

Wayne's minimum muzzle diameter for rebores up to .375" is .550".

Tim

http://home.earthlink.net/~oregunsmithing/id9.html

[GatCat]

Dinny;
FYI about barrel thinning:
I have a .44 mag that I wanted to lighten;, I had a gunsmith cut it back to a bit over 16", AND thin the barrel. He reduced diameter from muzzle to just in front of the barrel lug, left the original diameter from in front of the lug to a bit behind it, then continued with the reduced diameter from behind the lug to just in front of the 'scope mounting holes ( which I did not use, put a WIlliams FP on it ). Forearm fits on it like original ( as well as it should, since lug area was not affected ), and the wieght savings was substantial. For those that think the "swell" of the barrel diameter at the lug will afftect accuracy, I look at it like the pre-'64 WInchesters ( and many others ) that had the "swell" on the barrel where the rear sight dovetail was cut.
Granted, there is substantial gap between barrel and stock in front of , and behind, the "swell" at the lug, but I look at is cooling vents in the event I need to use the .44 rapid fire all day at prairie dogs, or evil invaders of some sort ( LOL ).
Also, since I went nuts on the project, I also used a titanium bolt to secute the butt. Too bad it can't be seen, it's a pretty cool piece of
hardware.
Mark

[wreckhog]

How about fluting the barrel? Reaming out the whole barrel has got to be a $300 job.

[Badnews Bob]

The XTPs work fine at those speeds, !80 work best in all my .357 and I couldn't get the SSPBs to group well at all. I use a 180gr LBT style hardcast in mine at 2000FPS useing IMR 4227.

[zoner]

I agree with Dinny....it would be great if the 357 barrel was a little lighter contour....

[jeepmann1948]

how about a stub job with a sporter couture, add some synthetic stocks and a compact light weight scope?

[MSP Ret]

I suggest just thinning the barrel on both sides of the forearm lug. A similar thing is done all the time on heavy barrel AR's. The barrel is reduced in diameter on both side of the front sight base (FSB). Much cheaper than reboring a .223 superlight barrrel....<><....

[canon6]

Dinny, just got back from our "range"  50 degrees, light wind from the 8 oclock position.Remington brass, CCI small rifle primers,and CastPerformance 187grgc,

21 grains LilGun       2086
                               2089
                               2086     this out of a 18 inch barrel.
No grouping work done(minute of rock), next time.       Doug

[Big Blue]

Remington brass, CCI small rifle primers,and CastPerformance 187grgc,

21 grains LilGun       2086
                               2089
                               2086     this out of a 18 inch barrel.
No grouping work done(minute of rock), next time.       Doug

Very consistent velocity, I can't wait to see how it groups. That load sounds like what I'm looking to achieve with the max. I can't see running light bullets or light loads in max. brass when I can get the same results from cheaper and more plentiful mag. brass. I have a box of 187gr. CPB on their way now and I don't think my .500 S+W will mind sharing some of the LilGun.
Don

[Dinny]

Dinny, just got back from our "range"  50 degrees, light wind from the 8 oclock position.Remington brass, CCI small rifle primers,and CastPerformance 187grgc,
21 grains LilGun       2086
                               2089
                               2086     this out of a 18 inch barrel.
No grouping work done(minute of rock), next time.       Doug

I have read where the H Lil Gun does just fine, but won't usually get the same velocities as 1680.  I am not hung-up on velocity so I will be trying some myself just for S&Gs.

http://357maximum.com/developing-a-load/

Thanks, Dinny

[Dinny]

How about fluting the barrel? Reaming out the whole barrel has got to be a $300 job.

Actually $365, Wayne York doesn't have a 357 Maxi chamber reamer. He has agreed to do the work. Now I will have to figure-out what I can sacrifice to fund this project.  I won't sell the barrel I have until the next one is done and I have shot it. 

Thanks, Dinny