Author Topic: .357 Max Conversion  (Read 811 times)

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Offline petemi

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.357 Max Conversion
« on: September 16, 2008, 02:40:27 AM »
I'd like to have a .357 Max.  My .357 Mag is a dream rifle.  Should I risk possibly screwing it up by converting it or should I just buy a second one to convert?
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
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Offline LaOtto222

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2008, 03:25:38 AM »
IMHO - I would try to get the second barrel. However - I really do not think it will mess up your present barrel. Most people say they get better accuracy after the ream job. I am not so sure about shooting 38 specials and 357 Mags in it after wards. I think some have reported better accuracy, but I think they had issues before the reamer. Wouldn't be nice to have a good shooting 357 and a 357 Max?
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Offline petemi

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2008, 03:57:17 AM »
Thanks LaOtto, That's kind of what I was thinking.  I think I'll just hoard up some gun money and buy the whole rifle so I don't have to switch barrels back and forth......fore end issues. >:(
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

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Offline tn_junk

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2008, 04:29:29 AM »
I'd like to have a .357 Max.  My .357 Mag is a dream rifle.  Should I risk possibly screwing it up by converting it or should I just buy a second one to convert?

My accuracy using 38 spcl and .357 mag ammo with a reamed MAX barrel has always been good. Never saw any fall off from
reaming the chamber.
If you're going to a MAX, just check the serial# on the frame and be sure it is a High Pressure frame. A MAX loaded
hot creates a lot of pressure, and the older SB2 frames aren't rated for it, nor is the new SB1 Handi in .357 Mag.

alan
Common Sense Ain't Very Common

Deceased May 20, 2009.  RIP Alan we miss you.

Offline petemi

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2008, 04:39:02 AM »
Thanks for the input, Alan.  It's a new high pressure frame.  The only old one I have is on my huntsman.
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline sooter

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2008, 06:09:50 PM »
How do you know if you have a HIGH PRESSURE frame or not and what is the difference?


sooter

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2008, 12:09:24 AM »
My MAXI also shoots 357/38spls very well. The 38's are a hoot and quite quiet to boot. Great for tin can shooting off the porch at deer camp!!!

 I don't remember targets shot with the 38's but like I said it hits tin cans at 10-40 yards easy enough. The MAG, has shot just about as good as the MAXI, but I never worked on any loads for it. i just shoot what ever I had on hand or had loaded/bought that day. My MAXI now that's a diff story, my hand loads with 1680 powder & Hornady SSP's or SPEER GD's shoot as good as almost any caliber I ever owned. 1 - 1.25" touching hole groups are easy!!

 Your gonna LOVE the MAXI!!!

 CW
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Offline LaOtto222

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2008, 12:50:01 AM »
Sooter - Look in the FAQ section. It has pictures of the types of frames so you can tell the difference.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: .357 Max Conversion
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2008, 01:05:13 AM »
If you buy a NEW .357 Mag it will most likely come on a shotgun frame (the new .357's and .44 Mag are reported to come on shotgun frames) so be careful changing a NEW one to .357 Max. I think te way to go would be either buy an older .357 rifle on a high pressure frame or get a new barrel fitted to a rifle frame....<><....:)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley