Author Topic: Finally got to take my .357 Handi out... (Read 1125 times)

PhillB · « **on:** March 29, 2011, 12:03:11 PM »

It took a while to sight it in as I don't have a bore sighter. I tried a couple shots at 30yds and didn't even hit the paper.

Tried it at 50ft and realized it was shooting way to high. I'm using a reflex sight my son bought me for Christmas and the only ammo I had available(158gr SWC loaded in the 70's). After a few more shots I moved the target out to 30yrds again and managed a 5 shot group about 2in diameter. I was really pleased since I was shooting offhand and with macular degeneration my eyesight isn't what it used to be. I'm sure when the barrel gets broken in and I get better ammo the group size will improve. Gonna have to make a trip to the gunshop and get some jacketed bullets to try. This is strictly a plinking gun for me so I will be using cast bullets for all my shooting at least after I get the barrel broken in.

dave29 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2011, 12:06:56 PM »

You don't need a bore sighter for a Handi. Just open the action up, point it at a target or other point of interest and dial the optic to match.

That's how I do it, and I hit paper every time on the first shot.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2011, 12:32:45 PM »

WELCOME Phil!!

Good to hear you got out with the handi!! Find the ammo the barrel likes and I'm sure it will shoot better!!

CW

Spanky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2011, 12:50:11 PM »

I love my 357 Maxi so much I got rid of my 30-30 Handi. I didn't think I'd ever part with my 30-30 but the 357 is really a better all around gun for me. Fron red squirrels to black bears I'm covered with the Maxi.

Spanky

briannmilewis · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2011, 04:14:47 PM »

Spanky...wow!

Antietamgw · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2011, 03:02:28 AM »

Quote from: briannmilewis on March 29, 2011, 04:14:47 PM

Spanky...wow!

That was my first impression too. After trimming way back I figured .357 and .30-30 were 2 I couldn't part with, ever. 'Course I haven't done much with the Max version. It must be good! Time to rent that reamer I guess...

ratdog · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2011, 11:20:48 PM »

i took my new scoped 357 out a while ago it shot better at 30 yards with 38 special reloads i had 158 grain wad cutters. the 357 groups opened up quite a bit jacketed 158 gr hollow points.not that impressed with this handy looks like barrel has micro grooves don't know if that makes a difference.my high point 9mm carbine is more accurate.going to try some different loads may be some hot 38's with jacketed bullets. what loads do you guys use. have plenty of time to tinker just fun.

Spanky · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2011, 02:27:35 AM »

I shoot everything from 130gr. 38 specials to 200gr. hardcast maxi ammo and it all shoots great. I always said I would never part with my 30-30 Handi but I did. I WOULD NOT part with my Maxi... it's that good.

Spanky

Slowhanddd · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2011, 02:49:33 AM »

ratdog ream it out.My buddy's 357 was the same way.After I reamed it to maxi,it shoots any thing except lead great.We both had that problem,but i think we didn't use large enough cast boolits.They shoot jacketed bullets just fine.

petemi · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2011, 03:19:42 AM »

Quote from: Spanky on March 29, 2011, 12:50:11 PM

I love my 357 Maxi so much I got rid of my 30-30 Handi. I didn't think I'd ever part with my 30-30 but the 357 is really a better all around gun for me. Fron red squirrels to black bears I'm covered with the Maxi.
Spanky

Plus one on what Spanky said, but no, I won't get rid of my tirty tirty. I had two .357 mags, both shooters, and I figured I'd risk one to reaming to Max. I had it cut to 16.5 inches at the same time and put it on a BC Carbine stock set. It shoots everything well from 130 to200 gr. also. I sold the other barrel because I didn't need it. I had my Handi, super versatile little truck gun.

Pete

Spanky · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2011, 07:21:08 AM »

I've been thinking on getting another 357 and cutting it to 16.5". It'd be perfect on the ATV or in the truck.
Your maxi shorty has a red dot on it doesn't it Pete?

Spanky

yukondog · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2011, 09:41:41 AM »

Others may come and go but the maxi will allways be here.

Herb in Pa · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2011, 10:17:44 AM »

I just took delivery of my 357 mag Handi and run a couple of 357 mag revolver loads through it. It's sure got a long enough chamber in it.......I can seat a 158 grain semi wadcutter waaaaay out there. I'm toying with the idea of taking a chamber cast and perhaps trimming 357 maximum brass to fit......sorta like a Dan Wesson 360. Gotta wait a couple of weeks though......it's off to the smith for a barrel chop and thread job (9mm suppressors work just fine with .357 diameter slugs).

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2011, 10:23:52 AM »

You wouldn't be the first to do that, many have, but while it's at the smith's, you might consider having it rechambered to Max if he has a rifle reamer, those that have done so with my reamer report excellent performance due to the better throat it cuts, see the Max sticky.

Tim

Gohon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2011, 05:50:28 PM »

Quote

I'm toying with the idea of taking a chamber cast and perhaps trimming 357 maximum brass to fit......sorta like a Dan Wesson 360

That's what I do. I trim the Max brass to 1.448 inches which is .028 inches longer than the DW brass and it works great. Sure I could ream the gun out to a Maxie but right now I just don't see the need.....maybe someday. With the Ranch Dog bullet I get 2016 fps for 1726 fpe. That's not shabby at all........

petemi · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2011, 02:08:52 AM »

Quote from: Spanky on March 31, 2011, 07:21:08 AM

I've been thinking on getting another 357 and cutting it to 16.5". It'd be perfect on the ATV or in the truck.
Your maxi shorty has a red dot on it doesn't it Pete?
Spanky

Not any longer. It wears glass now. I had cataract surgery and my eyes changed. The only Handi wearing a red dot now is the .45 Colt.

I'm a morning hunter because I like having all day to process the game and not have to track in the dark if necessary. I'm home by about 4 - 4:30 if I haven't gotten anything. I know, most of my buddies kill their deer at dark thirty, but I don't go there. I've killed quite a few deer around noon.

Pete

gcrank1 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2011, 06:26:33 AM »

Big double + on that, Pete!
I may be old and lazy now to some, but that same system makes too much sense for me to ignore it anymore.