My new .357 Max really makes me smile-

[randy_68]

I bought a .357 Handi a while back and ordered a Boyd's forest camo thumbhole stock and a factory fore end to make me an ultra .357 rifle. I sent the barrel to David White of D&T custom guns to have it reamed to the "Max". After shooting 8 different loads of XTP's and SSP's with 4227 powder I found a combo that shot pretty good but should or could be better. My trigger sucked so I took it apart following the guidelines in the "101 Basics" and did my first handi trigger and  it turned out great. Next I refitted the fore end because it was too tight and I had a lot of vertical stringing. While I was waiting fo my order of 1680 powder to come in I loaded up some 180 gr XTP's over 22.5 gr of 4227. My groups went from 5-6" at 50 yards to 1 1/2" at 72 yards. I was very happy. Well I got my 1680 in and loaded up some from 26 to 28 grains and the difference is unbelievable. First group of 26 gr shot  1 1/2" at 72 yards same as my loads  over 4227. then I shot the 27 and 28 gr loads and they were basically one hole. The 28 gr loads of 1680 with 180 gr XTP shot a group that measures 3/8" ctc at 72 yards and the 27 gr went into less than 3/4 " with 2 in one hole. My buddy John brought his gun(same as mine) and was using the 180 gr ssp's but he hasn't done his trigger yet so his groups were a little bigger but still very good, right at 1 1/2" also. Both guns were chronyed and shooting the 180 bullets right at 2200 fps with about a 20 fps spread.
 Also I got my first "big game" with it while shooting the 22.5 gr 4227 loads.  I shot a blackbird at 60 yards and it pretty well exploded it. Pretty neat.
Anyway I thought I would share my joy.

[mechanic]

They are sweet little guns.  I've had a half dozen people try and get mine, but it's likely my little grandson will wind up with it.  When he's older.  And learns not to shoot his own foot with a BB gun that I gave him.................which is not good for me..........

Oh well back to subject.  I've had some very good luck with H110 as well in mine.  It will be my brush gun  this deer season....

Enjoy,

Ben

[cwlongshot]

GOOD SHOW!!! I see the makings for a long and fruit full relationship!! 

 You can begin to see why I, and many others here like ours so much!!

CW

[yukondog]

The max's are great barrels to have, I'v been smileing since I reamed mine out. But I think you might want to go a 200 gr. for blackbirds.

[randy_68]

I dunno, there wasn't much left to eat after the 180 hit him!!!

[petemi]

I agree with the 200 gr.  You wouldn't want to be charged by a wounded blackbird   Both my Handi .357 Maxis make me smile; the 22 inch and the 16.5 inch.  I just got 160 gr. cast bullets from Montana to load over H110.  If I ever get the *&%())_(&%#$#@##%%^ lawn and garden done, I'll let you know how it goes.

Randy, I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy the .357 Maxis.  The little one is on a BC carbine stock and rides on my truck seat whenever I go out back on my place.  Both Handis have Allen nine round butt stock cartridge holders with three each .38s, Mags, and Maxis.....enough to get about any job done.  I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am mine.

Pete

[Airsporter]

Alright guys, ENOUGH ALREADY!    I'm next on the reamer list.  More shot & powder on the way.  Already got 200 new Rem cases and lots of primers.

Might try the Sierra 225gr SBT GameKing for blackbirds.   

[JeffDavis]

I got mine done the other day! Just got my 100 cases (I KNOW, I KNOW! 100 is not enough, but it was all I could sneak into the house!)

I had to shoot it to see if I had done anything wrong and got a little more respect from my wife's 15 year old cousin. He wanted me to bust some
clays he hung in the trees and on the fence posts behind their house. I busted 9 in a row missed 2 and dusted the last one. He only hit 5 out of 12.

I need to load some rounds tomorrow and plan on using some 210 GC cast and some 215 GC cast.  I have AA 1680 and H110 & LIL GUN to use. Any
recipes you want to share? I also want to know if small rifle primers can be used safely.

Thanks
Jeff

[mechanic]

I got mine done the other day! Just got my 100 cases (I KNOW, I KNOW! 100 is not enough, but it was all I could sneak into the house!)

I had to shoot it to see if I had done anything wrong and got a little more respect from my wife's 15 year old cousin. He wanted me to bust some
clays he hung in the trees and on the fence posts behind their house. I busted 9 in a row missed 2 and dusted the last one. He only hit 5 out of 12.

I need to load some rounds tomorrow and plan on using some 210 GC cast and some 215 GC cast.  I have AA 1680 and H110 & LIL GUN to use. Any
recipes you want to share? I also want to know if small rifle primers can be used safely.

Thanks
Jeff

I shoot the small rifle primers, but I have had less than good experiences with heavy bullets.  I normally load and shoot 165 GC case, and 180 grn jacketed with good success. 

Perhaps your experience will be different....

Ben

[Datil]

 I will my maxie Drove 400 miles to get it I had it reamed in a bout a week after got it.
 Still happy camper! Just can not nfind enough time to shoot it. 
 
 Datil

[cwlongshot]

I got mine done the other day! Just got my 100 cases (I KNOW, I KNOW! 100 is not enough, but it was all I could sneak into the house!)

I had to shoot it to see if I had done anything wrong and got a little more respect from my wife's 15 year old cousin. He wanted me to bust some
clays he hung in the trees and on the fence posts behind their house. I busted 9 in a row missed 2 and dusted the last one. He only hit 5 out of 12.

I need to load some rounds tomorrow and plan on using some 210 GC cast and some 215 GC cast.  I have AA 1680 and H110 & LIL GUN to use. Any
recipes you want to share? I also want to know if small rifle primers can be used safely.

Thanks
Jeff

I shoot the small rifle primers, but I have had less than good experiences with heavy bullets.  I normally load and shoot 165 GC case, and 180 grn jacketed with good success. 

Perhaps your experience will be different....

Ben

Same here, SMALL RIFLE used exclusively!! 

CW