357 / 20 ga combo

[greg916]

I take it that this combo uses a SB1 frame. Could the 357 barrel safely be reamed to 357 max??

[mike@nds]

That would not be good due to the higher pressures of the Max.

[tallyho]

Use the search feature for 357 Max and see how many folks  on the forum have one. Plenty of discussions about them, and I don't recall any threads with actual concerns about too high pressure.

FYI I have a Handi-Gun (Pre Handi Rifle) with a 20 ga and 357 converted to Maxi barrel and have no worries about it. (*note: this is based solely on my personal experience and not to be take as scientific proof, or any kind of overall approval for converting 357 mag to 357 Maximum)

The above paragraph even though an honest statement, contains the increasingly important disclaimer sentence, intended to cover my burro and hopefully head off anyone who disagrees, holds a different opinion, or has different experiences and may wish to make my life difficult.

Cheers
Keery

[trotterlg]

The pressure for a Maximum is less than 7% more than that of a 357 Magnum.  I would say if the safety margin is that small then you shouldn't be shooting the Magnum on that frame either.  Then again, like you say, I do not do stress calculations, so what do I know?  Larry

[revbc]

I kinda have the same question.  Purchased a handi 357 synthetic marked sb2 on the barrel but on the box it says sb1.  Can this rifle be reamed to maxi?  Is this the same gun as the combo of the OP?

[Badnews Bob]

I am not going to tell you to do it but think about this, The new  .44mag comes on the same reciever, Older H&Rs are on shotgun frames in .357max .30-30 and .45-70 so what do you think?

[billy_56081]

Another limiter in pressure in an SB1 verses BS2 is the firing pin hole on the SB1 shotgun frame is larger and primers will flow into it if pressure is upped. I learned this when I fitted my hornet barrel to my SB1.

[Spanky]

The new frames for the combo guns have the smaller firing pin hole like the sb2 frame so no primer flow into the pin hole.
Ream it, shoot it, enjoy it.


Happy New Year.


Spanky

[revbc]

Spanky and other Maxi folks,

Has anyone reamed to maxi one of the new 357s?  Just bought one...........would like to know for sure. I have the opportunity to return it (if I don't shoot it, got leverevolutions burning a hole in my pocket) if it can't be.


Bobby

[petemi]

I've got all my centerfires on SB2 frames. except shotguns.  I'm going keep my Handi .357 Mag. as it is and  put together a .357 Max.  It too will be on a SB2 frame.  No worrys that way about inadvertently putting a high pressure barrel on a SB1 frame.

Factory .357 Max ammo is available and runs right around what .30-30s do, If I recall correctly.  I don't think the brass will dry up as long as there is a demand, and there seems to be.

My .357 Handi, my 20 ga. single shot import beater and my Pardner .410 seem to do most of the farm work.  I'd be lost without them.  My .30-30 levergun and 12 ga. pump seem to work hard at collecting dust these days.

Pete

[greg916]

I guess I will leave it like it is.
Shot it today, first time since it came out from under the tree. 38 special 125 gr, that's all
I had.  3/4 to 1 inch groups at 25 yards. Not too bad for open sights and my eyes!