Why is the .357 Max so popular?

[wreckhog]

But an even longer varient, the SuperMag, never mentioned? Because the barrel won't stabilize the longer slugs? Either is a handloader cartridge at this point. It seems that all you would need to do is turn the correct reamer a couple more times.

[LaOtto222]

.357 SuperMag

Based on the .357 Magnum cartridge, a revolver or single-shot pistol designed for the .357 SuperMag can also fire .357 Magnum, and .38 Special rounds. The .357 SuperMag is essentially the same cartridge as the later-named .357 Remington Maximum that was jointly developed circa 1982-1983 by Sturm, Ruger & Company and Remington, the .357 Max brass being only 0.005" shorter than the .357 SuperMag brass, but identical in all other dimensions. Ruger, as well as Dan Wesson, introduced revolvers in this cartridge, followed shortly later by Thompson/Center in their single-shot Contender. Due to flame cutting of the top strap of revolvers when shooting cartridges loaded with 125 grain bullets, Ruger discontinued their revolver in this cartridge after a short production run. Dan Wesson provided a second barrel to customers, but this failed to address customer fears, and the cartridge remained popular only in the T/C Contender. Remington then dropped this cartridge from production, although brass is still manufactured for reloaders every few years. The next run of new unprimed brass by Remington for reloading this cartridge is expected in 2009.

Because there is so little difference - practically none - they are the same.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

[quickdtoo]

What's not to like about the 357Max?  Easy hand rechamber from 357mag, near 35 Remington performance in a rimmed case, factory ammo is available. The only caveat is brass availability which can be seasonal at best when Remington decides to make some.    250gr cast bullets shoot fine in the 1:18¾" twist, I've shot 240gr gas checked WFN in my 35 Rem Handi at ~2000fps into 1" groups at 100yds. 

Tim

[cwlongshot]

Lets count the ways...
1) Its a efficient, accurate caliber.
2) It was factory chambered.
3) Its easily made by lengthening the 357Mag chamber AT HOME!
4) It produces near 35 Remington/30-30 ballistics.
5) Offers little recoil and good trajectories.
6) Shoots 38 Spl, 357mag AND 357 Maximum cartridges interchangeably.
7) Makes for an excellent medium range deer harvester.
Easily hand loaded
9) 357 is one of the most popular diameters  with a wide range of bullet weights available
10) Shoots lead and jacketed bullets with equal a plum...

Its my favorite handi caliber..

CW

[Graycg]

Y'all left out one more good thing about the 357 max....Carbide reloading dies! No case lubes needed!

regards,
 Graycg

[tykempster]

Yeah and the 30-30 is a girly cartridge anyways!