Author Topic: 357 max ultra  (Read 380 times)

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Offline redhawksixsh

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357 max ultra
« on: May 18, 2009, 04:44:01 PM »
I saw a 357 max at a gun show last weekend.  It had laminate stocks, and the barrel was marked 357 rem max.  The gun was in like new condition and the guy wanted 265 for it. I forgot to note the serial number, wondering if NEF still makes this gun.  Thinking I should have bought it!

Offline GatCat

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2009, 10:01:32 PM »
I am far from an expert, but since no one else has chimed in....I am pretty sure that the only .357 Max. made were the old "Topper" series, back before the original H&R went broke. I think that for the price you mentioned, if it locked up tight, and looked good, it was fair. It'll be interesting to see what other opinions are.
Mark

Offline LaOtto222

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2009, 11:58:47 PM »
Many variations have been made over the years. As noted they have not made a 357 Max for many years. Today you can only buy a 357 Mag - if you want a Max you have to ream it. I know that some gunsmiths have over stamped the G with an X after reaming. You can buy laminated stocks and put on guns or you can buy the laminated sets and put them on. I believe that today you can only get a 357 MAG with a SB1 frame, but you can send in a SB2 frame and have it fitted for a 357 MAG barrel and have it reamed to 357 MAX. As far as used gun prices and for that matter new gun prices, a good deal is in the eye of the beholder. If the one you were looking at was a modern SB2 frame with the laminated stocks, I think it is a good deal. A new Ultra costs some where between $350 - $400 in these parts. I am sure you will find someone that will say that they bought one for $275 or what ever. But again the is only my opinion, you have to decide if it is a good deal or not. I do not care how good of a deal I make, there is always someone that has made a better one - cheaper price for the same model gun. So I do not beat myself up too much - as long as I do not think I got really taken, but that has not happened yet, because I walk away from those. Good Luck and Good Shooting 
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2009, 02:00:26 AM »
They did make a Max with laminated stocks after the Toppers and they were fine guns. I saw one and regretfully passed on it as well a few years ago at Kittery Trading Post in Maine. IIRC at that time they were asking about $175 for it. I should have bought it, just to have an original....<><....:)
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Offline redhawksixsh

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2009, 02:26:49 AM »
This gun was stamped sb-2.  It had a straight stock, no pistol grip.  It was marked rem max on the barrel from the factory I presume.  He will be at the next show. I am going to talk him down to my budget! Thanks guys, Jeff in San Antonio.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2009, 04:27:12 AM »
As MSP said, the Max was factory available from H&R1871 at one time,  CW has one. I don't know if the straight lams came on them, but they were available until Remington discontinued them, I have a set on my 357mag.

Tim

I too have very good accuracy with 38spl full wadcutters in my factory Maxi barrel.
 I dont shoot many 357 mags..no picitular reason.

 I have found my barrel likes 1680 powder, at max levels. Never shot any game with the 180 XTP. I have shot a couple does with the 357 mag in my marlin lever using the 158FP XTP. That works very well!! I couldnt get that bullet to shoot well in the maxi? I used the 180 HORNADY SSPB for some time with good results. Until last year.

I shot two deer and neither bullet exited the animal. Doth had the bullets literally explode inside the deer. Both dropped in their tracks. I switched to SPEERS 180 FP made for the 35 rem. Same load almost same accuracy.

While I cannot call it a bad bullet, it is bullet failure. Its too lightly constructed for my taste. At least at the velocities my barrel shoots best.

 Good luck with yours!!

 CW
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Offline petemi

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2009, 04:45:42 AM »
Thats a sweet rifle, Tim.  I wish I could still use a scout mount.......now go ream it to max :D ;D

Pete
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2009, 04:49:31 AM »
Thanks Pete, still a maybe on the reaming, I haven't shot 360 DW in it yet, just some Hornady gummy tipped ammo which shot terrible!! ::)

Tim
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Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: 357 max ultra
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2009, 05:08:40 AM »
The bbl being stamped SB2 would make it after  the H&R not for sure when NEF started to stamp bbl's with the SB2 stamp(don't really get why they stamped the bbl and not the frame either) Kurt
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