Author Topic: .357 Mag or .357 Max? (Read 806 times)

Keith L · « **on:** January 17, 2004, 10:37:34 PM »

I am close to pulling a bonehead move. On two auction services I bid on two barrels at the same time. I got one already and may get the other as well. One is a .357 Mag and the other a .357 Max. I don't think I need both, so I am wondering which one to keep.

Most of my shooting with this barrel will likely be .38 special. I have a revolver in 357 and already have lots of brass for that. I plan to keep iron sights on this one and may want to use it for deer hunting. One of my stands only allows about a 30 yard shot.

I am concerned that I will loose accuracy with the longer chamber. Assuming condition is similar how much larger are groups from the Max barrel likley to be?

Thanks in advance for advice. Until I found this site I had never heard of .357 Max. Just proves that an old dog can learn new tricks.

MAX HUNTER · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2004, 12:03:46 AM »

Keith L , You said you plan to use your T/C for deer hunting. I'd go with the Max, it's a much flatter shooter. With more knock down power. Buy some Max brass, 180 grain XTP, with 20 grains of H4227. Then you have a great recipe for putting venison on your table. Your groups should be touching or at least 1/2'' at yards you are speaking of. Besides it's much faster than the .38 Special & .357 Mag. MORE POW'R
MAX HUNTER :wink:

clodbuster · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2004, 04:38:40 AM »

In the Max I have a prctice load with hard cast 158 gr over 7.5 gr of universal clays that shoots lights out and no recoil. Then jump up toa case full of AA1680 over the 180 XTP that will easily down a deer out to 100 yds. It work for me. My Max barrel simply won't shoot mag brass. No such thing as a group with short brass more like shoots "areas".

Pie-bald · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2004, 09:51:49 AM »

Pick the MAX and don't look back. I use H110 and 180xtp's and it's a real deer stopper. The 357mag doesn't even come close if your looking to take out a couple deer. Besides my Max is a very accurate cartridge, even at 100 yards.

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2004, 11:53:17 AM »

Kieth

I purchased an Armour Alloy Contender some years ago, at a very good price, that came with both a 357 Max and 357 Mag barrel. I figured I didn't need the 357 Mag barrel so sold it off.
Then I contacted TC and found out they don't recommend shooting 357 Mag or 38 Specials out of a Max barrel, they said it may cause barrel ringing, and then when firing 357 Max cases they may fail. I'm not quite sure why this would be any different from shooting 38 specials out of a 357 Mag, but that's what they said.

So anyway, I wish I'd kept the 357 Mag barrel for practice loads. For deer hunting, my 357 Max is my top pick.

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2004, 01:04:38 PM »

The Max is one the most accurate barrels made for the Contender and has plenty of umph for deer hunting. I usually shoot 20 grs of powder in mine, but have recently dropped down to 18 gr. With the 18 gs the thing kicks like a 357 mag and I did not even need to adjust my scope at 50 yards. Maybe that is the answer for your lighter practice loads.

I do not shoot my max as much as I used to, but it will always be in the safe, it is just to good of a round to not have a barrel for. Too bad it might someday be obsolete, terrible shame. It is like a lot of other great rounds that go by the wayside even though they are more accurate than a lot of their competition, they just never become mainstream.

Keith L · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2004, 02:45:18 PM »

Looks like the 357 Max is the winner. I am currently outbid on the Max, and waiting for delivery on the Mag. I will watch and see what it gets up to. I have to be a little careful at the moment. Between the cost of the Mag barrel and the price of a new G2 frame that will be here next week the fun budget is a little stretched. I may have to keep my eyes open and get the next max barrel that I can.

Thanks for your help, folks.

buckweet · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2004, 05:00:05 AM »

keith..if you won the .357 mag barrel, ??
rechamber it to the max !!
with a custom chamber the MAX will really shoot !!!
and the rechamber dont cost that much..
lots of people will rechamber for you.
i did mine.love it
buckweet

Keith L · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2004, 10:22:33 AM »

There's a thought. I still have no reloading equipment so that would have to get here first. But that will be starting shortly...