357 Max to 356 Win.?

[rockrat]

Anybody done this conversion?  I have a factory 357max. gun that has a real long throat.  I have been thinking of getting one of the 357mag. barrels and rechambering to 357max. with a shorter throat.  I have a 358 reamer and debating on running it in the max. chamber in my current barrel and getting a different extractor/ejector for this 356 Win. rimmed cartridge.  I shoot it in a converted Marlin and it is a nice cartridge.  That way I don't have to buy one of the new Whelen barrels!!  Thanks

[knight0334]

the slower rate of twist of the .357mag/max might pose a small problem with the .356 Win..

but then again, some guys have done well with the really slow twist rate of the .44mag Handi's rechambered to .445 supermag and .444 marlin.

Hopefully one of the ballistics gods here can provide you with better info.

[Smokin Joe]

rockrat, I did it to my MAX last year and it works fine. I made the rim cut with a .30-30 reamer (.35 pilot)and then used the .358 reamer to finish the job. It works fine with all weights up to the Speer 220.............I haven't tried any 250's yet, but suspect that a 250 RN wouldn't be a problem.
 If you can find a .356 reamer it would really simplify things.

Try 4-D Products:
http://4-dproducts.com/chamber_reamers.html

Reamers@4-dproducts.com

[rockrat]

smokinjoe:
thanks for the info.  I have a metal lathe and I will probably just cut the rim recess on the lathe.  I know I won't get the velocities that I do out of the Marlin (24" bbl and 180's @2700fps), but it shoud do well.  Will try cast out of it also.  Thanks

[Smokin Joe]

Mac11700, I never checked the velocity with a chronograph, but the book says 2400 with a 200 about 2600 with the 180 and about 2300 with the 220.