Author Topic: Certain barrels preferable for cast 357 Maximum? (Read 890 times)

Brian P. · « **on:** October 09, 2012, 08:34:56 AM »

Good day all!,
A year or so ago I bought a hb 223 and was shocked how well it shot especially with reduced loads and .45gr hornady hornet bullets. I consider it my poor man's 218 Bee

Anywho's, I was going to get a 44mag barrel just for a short range thumper but then decided to go the 357 Max route. Is there certain barrels that do better with cast bullets; maybe new barrels are better? Also, I want sights, but don't have a problem installing Williams (or others) if the new barrels are the best for cast.
Any recommendations for barrels? Anyone have favorite sights? I'm partial to gold bead on post but am open to suggestions. Thank you!

----bp

Dinny · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2012, 08:59:42 AM »

Brian,
I shoot a 230gr cast bullet and Trail Boss powder in my Maxi. It's very accurate and quiet. The barrel is relatively new, made sometime in the last 5 years.

https://www.pennbullets.com/38/38-caliber.html

Thanks, Dinny

Brian P. · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2012, 02:27:51 PM »

Thanks for the quick reply, Dinny!

Do used 357 barrels come up for sale around here very often or is it better to just send the stuff to the factory to get fitted up? I plan on doing the chamber in 3-4 months when the day highs are -15F

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2012, 02:53:10 PM »

Quote from: -Dinny on October 09, 2012, 08:59:42 AM

Brian,
I shoot a 230gr cast bullet and Trail Boss powder in my Maxi. It's very accurate and quiet. The barrel is relatively new, made sometime in the last 5 years.

https://www.pennbullets.com/38/38-caliber.html

Thanks, Dinny

That's an interesting bullet Dinny, have you tried it on any small game?

Dinny · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2012, 03:01:38 AM »

Used 357MAG barrels do become available from time to time. I wouldn't say it's often nor would I say they last long. It may be better to have the factory fit one to a SB2 receiver. You just never know when you might decide to have it re-chambered again to .356/358 Win.

I have yet to use that bullet on any game. It shot literally one ragged, fat hole at 50yds with Trail Boss powder and roughly 760fps. I initially thought it was key-holing and missing the paper with following shots. Shooting to different spots on the paper revealed it's true accuracy.

I hope to try this load on squirrel sometime next year. I hope it has enough power to know one out of a tree.

Thanks, Dinny

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2012, 07:25:27 AM »

Depending on your funds and how far you want to let the addiction go, I'd watch the classifieds for a newer sb2 receiver for a good price and send it in to be fitted with the barrel you want. Don't know if they have the Talo barrels, shorter with sights available. Or find a complete gun somewhere. Pretty much what Dinny said but I don't fit barrels. You may be better qualified for it.
If you haven't already, read the faqs about the year receivers to look for and a bunch of other stuff.
I should add I don't know much about cast and if one barrel likes them better. I too like downloading the 223, can do about anything with better low cost brass

Dinny, just aim a little low on them squirrels and knock the branch out from under them.
Be sure to bring a net

I didn't know they had 230 gr bullets for the .357. Thanks

Airsporter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2012, 10:33:34 AM »

Thanks for the link Dinny. I've been looking for some heavy 357 lead handgun bullets for a while.

Dinny · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2012, 07:00:49 PM »

Try around 3.5 grains of Trail Boss with those bullets and see where that gets you. You can adjust higher or lower, but watch case capacity. I measured an empty case with a bullet seated to see how much room was left afterwards. Then I followed the 70% rule.

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Trail%20Boss%20Reduced%20Loads%20R&P.pdf

Thanks, Dinny

gcrank1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2012, 10:33:04 AM »

And keep in mind the 70% is a starting load, you can go all the way up to the bullet base (this according to Hodgdon) for 100% without pressure issues.

Brian P. · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2012, 03:44:23 PM »

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I spose I'll probably go for a new barrel. Is Williams the best value for adjustable peepsights nowdays? Has anyone tried combining a rear peep with a front fiber optic? I think it might be nice in low-light.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 11, 2012, 05:12:29 PM »

I have that combination on an air rifle and in spite of the glow worm front it does shoot surprisingly tight.
You might also consider the Express style rear blade on an open rear sight with a bold white vertical center line so visually you put the front glow bead on the 'white post'. I have shot a friends revolver with just that and it worked for me too.

Brian P. · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2012, 06:24:19 PM »

Thanks gcrank1, that's an interesting combination. I like peeps but sometimes I have trouble picking up the tip of the post in the thick brush and dirt on the river banks. Geez, now you guys got me thinking of doing 356win instead . . . which can always be downloaded. Hmmm . . .

Dinny · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2012, 02:37:01 AM »

Brian P,
The .357 Maxi and .356 Winnie are both great in their own realms. IMHO, I think everyone needs one of each.

That combo along with a 30-30 and 45-70 Handi is the ultimate Handi collection.

Thanks, Dinny

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2012, 04:56:56 AM »

Quote from: Brian P. on October 11, 2012, 03:44:23 PM

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I spose I'll probably go for a new barrel. Is Williams the best value for adjustable peepsights nowdays? Has anyone tried combining a rear peep with a front fiber optic? I think it might be nice in low-light.

They work fine for me, H&R sells the WGRS for less than $30 shipped last I checked, it's all I use on my sighted rifles, works great as a ghost ring without an aperture, Williams also makes a $5 ghost ring aperture that replaces the aperture carrier, it works perfect with a Williams Firesight, see Peep and Firesights in the FAQs. You have to pay extra for front sight drill and tap tho since H&R 357mag barrels don't come with sights, they'll D&T for the front sight if you ask.

Tim

Brian P. · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2012, 12:45:48 PM »

Tim, you say Marlin will drill and tap a front sight when a barrel is ordered?

Does anyone know if SR4759 can bring 180gr 356Win down to the 1600fps range safely? I got a lot of SR4759 for use in my 223.

Thanks everyone!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2012, 01:10:00 PM »

Quote from: Brian P. on October 12, 2012, 12:45:48 PM

Tim, you say Marlin will drill and tap a front sight when a barrel is ordered?

H&R does in the Ilion NYplant where H&Rs are made, also home of Remington Arms, some Marlin firearms are made there also since Marlin closed the New Haven plant, Marlin does make most H&R barrel blanks tho.

Tim

Brian P. · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2012, 04:31:59 PM »

I can't seem to find peep sights for sale on the h&r website; stocks either for that matter . . .

quickdtoo · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2012, 05:07:24 PM »

They're listed on the retail parts page in the FAQs sticky above.

Tim

Brian P. · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2012, 05:15:30 PM »

Gotcha! Thanks Tim

* Does the WGRS have fine enough adjustability for 150 yrd sight in? Is it more course than a FP?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #19 on:** October 12, 2012, 07:41:29 PM »

I would think so with the right front sight. The FP-TK is a target sight and has lots more range of adjustment and is a much better sight compared to the WGRS which is a fair hunting sight that isn't intended for making field adjustments, it's best left alone once zeroed.

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #20 on:** October 13, 2012, 01:04:43 AM »

Quote from: -Dinny on October 12, 2012, 02:37:01 AM

Brian P,
The .357 Maxi and .356 Winnie are both great in their own realms. IMHO, I think everyone needs one of each. That combo along with a 30-30 and 45-70 Handi is the ultimate Handi collection.

Thanks, Dinny

I've gotta agree with Dinny on that one. You're set for everything from chipmunks to the big bears. With the right loads, the Maxi and the .30-30 are fine for deer out to 200 or so and the .356/.358 and the .45-70 have you easily covered to 300.

Pete