model 97 .357 magnum

[makilly]

Looking at buying a .357 model 97, and would like info on how everyone likes theirs. Also if anyone is shooting cowboy loads? I know you cannot shoot .38 specials. Thanks, makillt

[doghawg]

 I sure like this one....have only tried one load in it since I got it in June. A starting load of Blue dot under 158 JHP's with a standard primer gave terrific accuracy right off the bat. 

[paul105]

I got one earlier this year.  Messed around with the JPoint reddot sight for a while, but really didn't care for it. 

I've shot 158gr SWCs (plain old bevel based, hard, volume cast) with 3.8gr of HP38 in .357 Mag cases.  This load shoots pretty good, and should be in the cowboy action load category.  My best load is 15.0gr of A2400 under a 158gr Horn XTPHP with new Starline cases and Federal standard (not mag) primers.  This load is more accurate than I am. 

I've also tried 125gr Horn and Speer, 170gr Keith's, and 180gr Horn XTPs.  I didn't spend a lot of time trying to develop a load for any of these, and they all shot OK (say less than or equal to 2" at 25 yds).  I'm sure with some additional work, I could optimize loads with any of these bullets.  Of the bunch, the 125s appeared to be the most finicky.
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Oh, one final thought -- I wouldn't bother with the trigger over travel screw option.
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Paul

[Graybeard]

Don't have one in .357 Magnum but do in .45 Colt. I will say that .44 Special and .357 Magnum are on my short list of additional M97s I hope to one day pick up. They are as finely made and accurate as revolvers can be made. You'll be happy with one I'm sure.

[HAMMERHEAD]

I have a 4.25" model 97 .357 that I paid a lot of money for, but it seems like one of the best gun buys I've made. The quality, handling, accuracy, it's all there in spades.

My standard load is a Hornady swaged 158 grain SWC at about 1,000 fps. My target load is a HBWC at about 800 fps.

If you like the .357 caliber, you'll love a model 97.

[Wiking]

About a year ago I bought a M83 Premier Grade, and haven't regretted it for a second. The first time a held a FA I was on the verge of passing out! Everybody at the range love it and want to shoot it, and everbody loves talking about how beautiful and powerful it is.....

I've been trying a bunch of different loads, just for the heck of it. My favourites are:

180gr Hornady XTP & 15gr Bludot
158gr Hornady XTP & 17gr 2400
125gr Hornady XTP & 20.5gr 2400

Please take into account that a M83 is a five shot, and the M97 is a six shoot. I can't tell you if these loads are to powerful for a M97, but I'm sure the experts will chip in on that!?!?!

I got 5 pages of loads that a kind soul here on Graybeard Outdoors was kind enough to send me, so I'd be happy to pass them along if you like.

[Graybeard]

The M97 should be safe with any SAAMI spec load and likely some well above. BUT the cylinder is shorter than the M83 so loads set up for the M83 might not be safe or even physically fit into the M97. So long as the over all length is within SAAMI specs and the pressure is as well the M97 should do just fine with it.

BUT I do know for a fact some folks load long for the M84 and some folks go well above SAAMI pressure limits when loading for it. Those might not even be truly safe in the M83 and for sure shouldn't be used in the M97.