Rechambering a NMBH

[Casull]

I might not go anywhere with this, but was just pondering.  I traded for a like new NMBH in .357 last year.  It's only had about 20 rounds of .38 special through it (not by me, I've yet to shoot it).  It's blued with a 6 1/2" barrel.  I'm not really enamoured with the .357 mag as a cartridge.  Just wondering if there is some fairly easy rechamber that might blow some smoke up my skirt.  Your thoughts?

[drdougrx]

Not really without at least a new cylinder.  Maybe a 5 shot bottle neck of some kind. Check out Garry reeder custom guns for ideas.

[Goldstar225]

If you're wanting a different caliber, your least expensive option would be to sell the .357 and apply the funds to what you want.  If you're committed to rechambering, the 357 blackhawk could have the chambers reamed for a round such as the .357/44 Bain & Davis  (necked down .44 mag) or similiar round.  It wouldn't be cheap though.

[Ranger99]

you can swap it off for what you
want for less nickles than you can
dally with that unwanted one.
someone else somewhere is pineing
for the one you have.

[Casull]

All reasonable responses.  Probably what I needed to hear.  Maybe I'll just try to work up some heavy cast loads and take a deer or two with it (might make me a little more attached to the cartridge).  Thanks guys.

[Ranger99]

the .357 magnum is a great cartridge
everywhere except in the pages of
gun magazines, where it is " an
anemic 1930's era cartridge" 
hoo-rawed by gun writers who have
probably never hunted with one.
the real-world users love and
appreciate it.


good luck

[drdougrx]

I'm using 187gr wfngc over a healthy dose of 2400 or h110 in mine ( I have the same gun as yours).

[Casull]

Thanks for the heads up drdougrx.  I'm a fan of h110 anyway (using it in my .44 and .454).  What kind of velocity and accuracy are you getting with the heavy slug?  Do you cast your own, or is it a commercial bullet?

[gcrank1]

FWIW, I REALLY like my NMBH ,357, and all I shoot are 38Spl. equiv. in the maggie cases, but.....I know I can stoke it up or buy factory and be good to go, no matter what.
Heck of a gun, enjoy it for what it is......ifin you get bored with it you wont have any trouble selling it to buy a 44 or 45.

[drdougrx]

Hey Casull,
 
I use the Cast Precision bullet, don't cast any more.....I haven't sent it through a chrono yet but will when I remember to bring it to the range.  Accuracy is as accuracy does, I can keep all shots in a six inch bull at 50 yards.