357 Max versus the 357 Magnum

[glenwood]

I have a 357 magnum barrel. I can load a 200 grain lead bullet and with 12 grains of blue dot drive this bullet 1200 fpm. I hear that the 357 max is better than the 357 magnum in that it is more accurate and better for knocking down the rams. I can understand that because the velocity is higher. But outside the velocity  and 1200 fpm will do the job coming from the 357 magnum what is the advantage of the max. and why would it be more accurate, It is a little bit longer than the magnum, has the same twist and I would not expect any difference in performance other than gaining another 150 fpm in velocity which would not make much difference  in knock down power. Would some one explain why the max is so much better than  the magnum. I am considering buying the max barrel but  I  can not understand the advantage it would give me over the magnum.

[thomas]

If you are looking for more FPS or more killing power and Energy Yes
A 357 Max is the same as the Mag just longer.
Accuracy will be the same which is Good if you have a good barrel.
The Max is more versital.
tom

[Paul H]

I don't think the max is inherently more accurate then the magnum, I've never heard that assertion.  The preference for the max is that in a 10" contender, it offers tremendous performance, 200 gr cast @ 1800+ fps, and more speed still with lighter bullets, that is why the max is so favored, lots of whomp in the short tube.

Some factory 357 max barrels have been very accurate.  I could never get my factory 357 mag barrel to group worth a hoot, and I tried many different bullets and loads, only one load did better then 1" at 25 yds.  A few aftermarket companies offer re-chambering of mag barrels to make up for the sloppy factory chamber.  I would have had my mag re-chambered, but ended up taking advantage of a Virgin Valley shorty sale, and got a stainless 357 max for what I sold my 357 mag and leupold scope.  

My 357 max VV will put most any load into 1" at 50 yds, and one load was one ragged hole @ 50 yds.

[Bullseye]

I think it was Elgin Gates that developed the max and he did it by lengthing the mag until he found the optimum velocity and accuracy for the caliber.  I believe the max is more accurate, it always has been in my experience.  It has a lot more power, 1600 fps with a 180 gr. bullet.  And I have read a article written by someone that has about every contender caliber made and he stated that he did not believe in inherint accuracy, but that if there was such a thing the max comes closer than any other cartridge he has seen.  I would quote the author, but a friend has my book and I canot look it up.

Guess it depends on personal preference, and I have both but I will take the max anyday if I had to choose one.  Mine is a 10" factory Contender and it will send golf balls flying at 50 yds all day long.

[PaulS]

Glennwood,
Over my chronographs I get 1464 fps with a 140 grain bullet and 1240 fps with a 158 grain bullet (all in my 6" 357 mag) If you are getting 1200 fps with a 200 grain bullet you are doing real well. From my 357 maximum (14") I get just over 2000 fps with 158 grain bullets and 1840 fps with a 180 grain bullet. The 180 grain bullets just tear a ragged hole at 25 yrds, clover-leaf at 50 and at 100 yds produce groups normally under 2 inches. I am doing well to get 2 inch groups from my revolver at 25 yds on the average under the same circumstances as with my Contender. My brother has a Seville (revolver) in 357 maximum (10 1/2 inch) and produces clover-leaf groups at 25 yds consistantly. It is my learned opinion that the Maximum IS more accurate both in revolvers and single-shots.

When I was shooting Hunter's Pistol I used a 357 mag in a 10" Contender and groups suffered beyond 75 yards due in part at least to the trans-sonic barrier. (I was getting 1600+ with a 146 grain half-jacket) It has been my experience that the 180 grain Speer rifle bullet is THE most accurate bullet in any 357 Maximum - (the two that I have and the two that my brother has).

PaulS