.357 Max. Accuracy ?

[JSLHandgunner]

I just got my .357 Max together today. I completely free floated the barrel. I did not add a o-ring though. I made sure the lock up was clean. Installed a Nikon Omega 3-9x40 BDC scope. I loaded 2 different loads- 21gr H110 with 180SSP which shot 1937, 1952, 1981, 1996fps and produced a 3" group at 50yds. 2nd load- 21.5gr IMR4227 with 180SSP which shot 1885, 1912, 1915, 1937fps and produced a 1 1/2" verticle group with the first 2 shots touching. My question is what causes the verticle groups? Also, will the 180gr XTP bullets hold up and stay together shooting velocities of this or higher? I'm using this rifle for deer hunting deer of 150-200lb wieght. 

[wallacem]

With limited info, I would make sure, buy shooting at least three grougs of 5 shots. If it is still stringing vertical, I am thinking, try a rubber washer, Watch what you torque it to, somewhere around 20"pounds, and try it again. Someone with more knowledge might want to Change my plan or add to it.  Good luck.  Wallacem

[gcrank1]

Verticle stringing is often caused by the shooter not getting the buttplate into the same spot on the shoulder and leaning into the rifle different shot to shot. This changes the lever effect of the recoil, thus elevation (stringing). If you had a repeater where you could get into position and not change yourself so much, as you must do with a tip-up or break-action rifle, it might not be so noticable.
There are other reasons for it, of course, but pay attention to how you place the buttpad next time and see what happens.

[quickdtoo]

If the forend is too tight, vertical stringing can result, see forend fit in the FAQs, real simple to correct on a wood forend, Handi Basics 101. 

Tim

[OBXPilgrim]

How tight is the fit between the frame and the forend hanger stud?

I've free floated mine, that's a good start.  If it's a tight squeeze to push the forend up against the stud, try shooting groups without the forend on.  If the vertical stringing stops, that was your problem.

I bed mine to free float the barrel, contact points against the barrel on either side just above the hinge pin, and gas bed the forend stud.  It's easy enough to float the barrel and bed the stud at the same time - wrap two layers of thick tape around the barrel at the location the end of the forend contacts the barrel, then bed the stud, then remove the tape after it all dries.  I always prep the stud with wood filler or clay around it into any recessed areas, or else you'll never get it apart.  The big radius of the forend doesn't need to touch the frame when closed - a very small gap there will keep any vertical-up pressure (from the forend pushing against the frame).  The forend should not rock in any way - with 3 contact points ONLY it won't, but it can still be loose to the frame.  When the action is opened up, the forend is only for keeping the rifle from falling apart.

Vertical stringing can also be from loads with inconsistent ignition or big extreme spreads in velocity.  Your 4227 load doesn't look too bad, got any 2400 or 1680?

[dpe.ahoy]

The Hornady 180gr XTP is listed to perform at speeds of 900-1700 fps by Hornady.  Unless yer burnin the hair off the animal from the flame outa the barrel,  I think they will work for ya.  Not sure but I think CW has used them as well as the 180 SSP's.  Haven't seen any posts from him for a while, when he gets back maybe he can chime in.  You heard anything from him Tim?  DP

[quickdtoo]

Not for a while, but he was online Friday, he's probably just busy Jeepin! 

Tim

[Big Blue]

2nd load- 21.5gr IMR4227 with 180SSP which shot 1885, 1912, 1915, 1937fps and produced a 1 1/2" verticle group with the first 2 shots touching. 

I can't see getting the opportunity to shoot more than two shots at a deer. My biggest concern is that the first shot from a cold barrel can be depended upon and with your first two shots touching I would think your all set.
Don

[cwlongshot]

I'm not too far guys...

Tim's correct, summer is Jeep time for me. I try to check in every couple days, but haven't seen anything to comment on. It gets slower here and busyer on the jeep forums, SO. 

Anyhow, The XTP will be fine at speeds to 2000fps. Same for the SSP, higher is OK just avoid the major bones. Broad side lungs are perfect, much destruction of the lungs and probable exits. I found the SSP will break apart on bones at 2300fps muzzle and an estimated 2200+fps impact.

I agree with the for-end being the first place to look for vert stringing. Where is your front hold/rest? Rest as close to the hinge as possible. Tite or loose is a "feel" kinda thing. Falling off on its own is too loose, tapping it on too tite, somewhere in-between is usually just rite.

Keep playing with the powder and charges. Once I found AA1680 and my load, I have had zero need to try other powders.

Good luck,
 CW

[jbwell]

Check out this site
http://357maximum.com
Lots of good info for the 357 Max rifle.
I'm building one myself, my 24" barrel from Ed's should be here any day.
That's a really nice looking stock.
I'm going plain jane with a black composite.