.357 Maximum or .30 Herrett

[Miller]

If you had to pick only one of the two which would you choose and why?

[Johnly]

If you had to pick only one of the two which would you choose and why?

 

I have both, plus several other Contender barrels.  The best choice really depends on what your primary use is going to be.  The 357 Maximum has the  advantage of being a factory round and capable of firing 357 Magnum ammo in the same barrel.  The throats on the 357 Max Contender barrels are really long, which often results in poor accuracy unless you're shooting long(heavy) bullets. Another plus is that you can load 357 Max ammo with 357 Mag carbide dies.

The 30 Herrett is a wonderful cartridge if you're willing to form the cases and realize that if you forget or run out of ammo your only choice is the long drive home. Accuracy wise, I've found my 30 Herrett to have the edge over the 357 Maximum. It also shoots flatter and packs more enegry at the longer ranges.

[Bullseye]

357 max.

1.  No forming of brass.
2.  Very good deer round.
3.  One of the most accurate calibers in a Contender.

[PaulS]

I just have to agree with Bullseye here, the 357 Maximum is an extremely accurate round in the contende and in my (modified) SKS in the same caliber. I will caution against using 357 magnum brass in the maximum. The pressures of the 357 magnum is high enough to form a ring in the chamber of the weapon and if it gets deep enough it will damage the maximum brass by "cutting" it at the groove. I ruined my first contender barrel in 357 maximum doing just that. I did salvage the piece by using it to make another barrel for my brother but have decided that only 357 maximum cases will be fired in my barrel. (I went from 10" to 14 when I replaced it)

PaulS