Author Topic: Which .35? (Read 1777 times)

ctrout · « **on:** July 13, 2009, 06:20:05 PM »

I am considering a pre-G2 EO contender that is for sale at my local dealer's. He has several barrels and stock sets available and said that I could get any configuration for the same price. I could get it with the 14" 35 Rem barrel with open sights or with a 10" 357 Max barrel with scope. Don't remember what the scope was but that wasn't really a huge selling point for me anyway. What would you all consider the better barrel? I kind of like the sound of the 357 myself. I like the ballistics plus it looks a lot handier to carry. The scope would be nice but like I said, not a deal maker/breaker.

Czech_too · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:38:07 PM »

One question I have to ask here is, do you reload? If so, then I would go with the 357 Max. If not, then the 35 Rem.

I have a 10" 357 Max. barrel w/scope and really enjoy shooting it.

ctrout · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:58:33 PM »

Been reloading for almost 15 years. 9mm, 38spl, 357 mag, 45 colt, 338-06, 270 win, 7.62 x 39, 380 auto, 45 acp, 45 super, 10mm auto, and soon to be 338 Edge. I'm guessing the Max should be pretty straight forward. Why is the max a better option for the reloader?

Czech_too · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2009, 12:47:29 AM »

Reason I asked if you reloaded or not, was that factory ammo is not available, that I'm aware of, for the Max. whereas it is for the 35 Rem. You can occasionally come across some factory ammo from the days when it was mfg., but you'll pay a premium for it.

So say that you're 'new to the game', and get a Max. barrel from a dealer who just want's to make a sale. Maybe he has some old stock of ammo on hand. He sells it to you and then when you go through the ammo, what do you do? Don't know if I'm making myself clear or just muddyin the waters. I'm only on my first cup of coffee.

deeregunner · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2009, 02:22:41 AM »

The 35 rem is readily available and is an excellent hunting round..The .357 max is a neat round, but just because of the fact that you must reload or buy from a custom reloading shop I'd tend to stay away if you plan on shooting any volume through this piece

wreckhog · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2009, 03:18:51 AM »

Factory Max barrels are supposed to have throat issues leading to accuracy issues. Max can shoot Mag and .38 Special.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2009, 04:02:41 AM »

35 remington is a rifle load
357 max was designed for a hand gun

except for the barrel difference i bet the power levels will be the same

357 mag is a good round too and is factory available every where
38 special in your 357 max and you are ready for small game

i like 10 inches
at 14 get 2 more inches and get a rifle stock

what is your carry gun 38/357
357 max...........no brainer

wreckhog · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:28:39 AM »

I just bought a box of Max 5 minutes ago. Box of 20 Remington 158 jhps. R357MX1. Was in a big fun store and looking at the dust covered TC Hotshot loads and noticed a box under them. For $30 ($6 more than a box of .35 Remington BTW), it goes on the shelf and stays there.

Reed1911 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2009, 04:00:56 AM »

Quote

ted by: Czech_too
Insert Quote
Reason I asked if you reloaded or not, was that factory ammo is not available,

Really?! Huh. Wonder why I'm one of 8 companies that I know of that load the .357 Max, and the .35 Rem, and the .357 Herrett, and.....

blhof · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2009, 10:44:48 AM »

About the throat issues for the Max; that was for the revolvers and concerned people using 100 to 125gr bullets and driving them at 2000+ which destroyed the forcing cone and caused major flame cutting of the top strap. Not a problem with the Contender. I have both a DW max and a 14" Contender in max; they both prefer heavy bullets; 180 to 200gr for best accuracy out to 200yds. As for 357mag and 38's; you're better off loading down the max cases, as the shorter cases wil result in a carbon ring build-up that unless well scrubbed will result in tight fitting of the max cases. My DW had over 15 years of hot handloads and I just sent it in for a tune up and recut of the original forcing cone. It was still shooting great, just a little loose for my taste.

spinafish · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2009, 02:02:52 PM »

I have a 14" barrel in .35 Remington and a 12" barrel in .357 Max. Really enjoy both of them. Since you load of .357 Mag, you already have your dies. I think it is a situation where you need to determine what your needs are and make your decision based on that.If you need a more compact easy to handle gun or maybe one alittle longer for hunting from a blind overlooking a field. the Max is more versatile in that it will handle the .38 Special and the .357 Mag. the .357 Mag out of a Contender is altogether different animal to the .357 mag out of a revolver. A very good deer round itself. My .35 Rem. barrel really likes the Hornady Leverrevolution ammo..might offer alittle more reach.

ctrout · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2009, 02:12:52 PM »

I went back today and looked again and am faced with a pretty tough choice. The G2 opens and closes VERY smoothly and easily and locks up as tight as a my Browning gunsafe

Only issues are that it has the open sighted 35Rem barrel and the forend is kind of messed up because some hack tried to install a swivel stud and chipped the wood and installed the stud off center (looks like crap). The Old style gun as it turns out, is the clown face model (I hate the clownface) and it is considerably stiffer to open and close. Plusses are the 10" max barrel, Pachmayr grip and forend, and the scope is a Burris 4x (I'm a Burris fan). What to do? Get the G2 and trade the barrel off? Get the Contender and have to look at the ugly engraving every time I open the safe? Keep looking for a different Contender, or just move on to something easier to find? I have a rifle that I don't need that I'm trading for whatever it is that I end up getting.

securitysix · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2009, 06:29:30 PM »

Quote from: ctrout on July 15, 2009, 02:12:52 PM

I went back today and looked again and am faced with a pretty tough choice. The G2 opens and closes VERY smoothly and easily and locks up as tight as a my Browning gunsafe Only issues are that it has the open sighted 35Rem barrel and the forend is kind of messed up because some hack tried to install a swivel stud and chipped the wood and installed the stud off center (looks like crap). The Old style gun as it turns out, is the clown face model (I hate the clownface) and it is considerably stiffer to open and close. Plusses are the 10" max barrel, Pachmayr grip and forend, and the scope is a Burris 4x (I'm a Burris fan). What to do? Get the G2 and trade the barrel off? Get the Contender and have to look at the ugly engraving every time I open the safe? Keep looking for a different Contender, or just move on to something easier to find? I have a rifle that I don't need that I'm trading for whatever it is that I end up getting.

Ask him to put the Max barrel on the G2 frame and buy that?

ctrout · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2009, 02:02:40 AM »

Already asked, he won't because then he'll have a 35Rem barrel and no gun to put it on. He does have a 45 Colt and 357 Mag barrels for the old style though but that doesn't help. I'll just get the G2/35Rem and see if he'll throw in a box of shells to see if I like it. If not, I'll probably send it in to have made into a 358JDJ.

David D. · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2009, 02:36:03 AM »

Quote from: ctrout on July 16, 2009, 02:02:40 AM

Already asked, he won't because then he'll have a 35Rem barrel and no gun to put it on. He does have a 45 Colt and 357 Mag barrels for the old style though but that doesn't help.

Any one of the three barrels will fit eighter frame. Three barrels two frames = one barrel with no frame? Does he know barrels are interchangable between the two frames.

ctrout · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2009, 01:24:31 PM »

So any and every G2 barrel will fit an original frame and all original barrels will fit any G2 frame? I've seen differing opinions on this here at GBO.

Keith L · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2009, 03:20:45 PM »

All original barrels fit G2s. G2 muzzleloader barrels will not fit original Contenders and at least one of the aftermarket makers has a barrel or two that will only fit G2 frames. All TC barrels with the exception of the muzzleloader barrels for G2s fit. You may have to polish or replace the locking bolts, but they will work.

Are you sure that it is a G2 and not an Encore. Encore barrels will NOT fit any Contenders. They do look alike, but the G2 is smaller and lighter.

ctrout · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2009, 05:19:48 PM »

Yes it is a G2. This whole process is really stressing me out. A gun acquisition shouldn't be this way. I just don't want to end up with something that I can't enjoy or use for my intended purposes. Maybe I should look for an Encore in 7mm-08? My 1911s aren't this difficult, 45 or 10mm are the only calibers that matter and a scope would be absurd. I have both a 10 and a 45.

I think I'll just roll the dice and go with the G2 in 35 Rem. Looks like it would have a slightly better trajectory and I know that the G2 will take any barrel I happen to find. (Except Encore barrels of course).

Keith L · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2009, 09:22:05 PM »

I have some of each and like them all. 35Rem is a good old round and works great in a Contender (G2 included). There were some barrels that were trouble a few years ago but TC stood behind them and replaced them. I haven't heard of trouble in any of the G2 barrels.

No matter what you get someone will be willing to tell you of a better choice. I guess I will tell you that it is hard to go wrong with any type or style of Contender, or any caliber or length barrel. And if you pick one that turns out not to be your cup of tea, then it is normally easy to sell the one you don't like and get another one. Or if you are like most of us keep the one you have and get a few more just for the heck of it.

Good luck with your decision.

spinafish · « **Reply #19 on:** July 18, 2009, 10:15:22 AM »

yeah, what Keith said..you can always trade or buy another barrel down the road..you probably will, we all do!! Shoot the .35 Remington some before sending it off the be rechambered, you might find its all you really need.

ctrout · « **Reply #20 on:** July 18, 2009, 11:37:41 AM »

Hunting in Idaho, I worry that it may not have the range that I may require. I would like to be capable of 200 yard shots with confidence. I know that some will say "get closer" but sometimes you have a reasonable opportunity at greater distances out here and it's nice to have equipment that's up to the task. Almost every meat animal I have harvested has been within 100 yds. One may have been 150ish and then there was last year's elk at over 400. It was the first shot I have ever taken at over 200 and I'm glad I had my 338-06 for that shot rather than the 270. I don't think I would have taken the shot with the .270 and may not have harvested last year. My 338-06 had meat on the ground in less than 50 yards with one shot. Now coyotes on the other hand, I like to take them at 400+.

sbhg · « **Reply #21 on:** July 19, 2009, 07:10:07 AM »

Quote from: ctrout on July 13, 2009, 06:20:05 PM

I am considering a pre-G2 EO contender that is for sale at my local dealer's. He has several barrels and stock sets available and said that I could get any configuration for the same price. I could get it with the 14" 35 Rem barrel with open sights or with a 10" 357 Max barrel with scope. Don't remember what the scope was but that wasn't really a huge selling point for me anyway. What would you all consider the better barrel? I kind of like the sound of the 357 myself. I like the ballistics plus it looks a lot handier to carry. The scope would be nice but like I said, not a deal maker/breaker.

Get the .35 Rem. barrel, you can always load it to cast bullet velocities. I've never had that good of luck w/ my Max. barrels. Brass might be a little hard to find also.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #22 on:** July 19, 2009, 07:15:46 AM »

Remington just made a run of Max brass, get it whilst you can.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=1601729225

Lone Star · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:38:23 AM »

Good choice with the .35 Remington, especially if you ever have to 'stretch' the range. 200 yards is a long handgun shot, but with practice and a good rest it is doable. I used my .35 Reington barrel on 200 meter silhouettes and could hit the shoot off chickens (when my eyesight was still good). The "best" hunting bullet IMO is the 200-grain RN Core-Lokt. Accurate and a positive expander, it can be driven to near/over factory rifle velocity in a T/C. The BC isn't that impressive but it is the only rifle bullet I'd count on to give some expansion at long range.

.

Dezynco · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2009, 07:11:51 AM »

Yea, I'd go with the G2 and the 35 Remington, even though I'm a 357 Max fan. If the guy won't swap barrels, and the G2 is what you really want, then go for it. The 35 Rem is a fine cartridge. Besides you'll probably add at least a half dozen more barrels for it anyway!

Oldshooter · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2009, 08:23:28 AM »

35 REM 200 gr FTX LEVERevolution
Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd
2225/2198 1963/1711 1721/1315 1503/1003

Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd
-1.7 3.0 -1.3 -17.5

Can the 357 max ballistics beat these ? I am curious

Dezynco · « **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2009, 03:03:57 AM »

I don't have a ballistics table in front of me, but I'm pretty sure that the 35 Remington will have better ballistics than the 357 Max. Nothing wrong with the 357 Max, like I said I'm a 357 Max fan. Couldn't go wrong with either one for deer sized game out to 150 yards or so.

ctrout · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2009, 09:19:45 AM »

I went with the G2 35 Rem. Shot a box of factory 200s through it at 50yds to see how it shoots and was not impressed with accuracy (2"). Got it home and cleaned it to find the rear sight loose. Guess I need to get it out and try it again now that the sight is tight.

securitysix · « **Reply #28 on:** July 25, 2009, 10:12:27 AM »

Quote from: ctrout on July 25, 2009, 09:19:45 AM

I went with the G2 35 Rem. Shot a box of factory 200s through it at 50yds to see how it shoots and was not impressed with accuracy (2"). Got it home and cleaned it to find the rear sight loose. Guess I need to get it out and try it again now that the sight is tight.

2" groups with a loose rear sight is actually pretty darned good. I think with the sight hunkered down, you'll probably be pretty happy with it.

KYODE · « **Reply #29 on:** July 25, 2009, 10:15:53 AM »

2" at 50 yrds with iron sights?.....i'd say fair enough. to realize the best accuracy you need a nice scope. you can't hit what you can't see.

the 35rem is a real hammer on deer, especially with handloaded ammo. mine has a bushnell trophy 2x6 and i shoot h322 with the 180gr hornady ssp at 2150fps er so. it will work out to 200yrds if you are up to it.