357 Maximum

[RRMan03]

Anybody here load 357 Maximum. What is this ammo even compariable to. I saw a beautiful Ruger today in that caliber.

[DM1906]

The .357Max is an obsolete cartridge in almost every handgun, but an absolute monster in a TC/TE or rifle.  Every .357Max revolver should be limited to .357Mag, even the Ruger.  Perhaps if S&W introduces it with the current technology used for the .460 and .500 Mags, it may make a comeback.  The problem isn't the strength of the frames, but the flame cutting of the forcing cone and top strap destroys the pistol in as little as 100 rounds.  Sometimes, too much IS too much.

[uz2bUSMC]

The .357Max is an obsolete cartridge in almost every handgun, but an absolute monster in a TC/TE or rifle.  Every .357Max revolver should be limited to .357Mag, even the Ruger.  Perhaps if S&W introduces it with the current technology used for the .460 and .500 Mags, it may make a comeback.  The problem isn't the strength of the frames, but the flame cutting of the forcing cone and top strap destroys the pistol in as little as 100 rounds.  Sometimes, too much IS too much.

What was done differently with the .460 and .500?

[DM1906]

The .357Max is an obsolete cartridge in almost every handgun, but an absolute monster in a TC/TE or rifle.  Every .357Max revolver should be limited to .357Mag, even the Ruger.  Perhaps if S&W introduces it with the current technology used for the .460 and .500 Mags, it may make a comeback.  The problem isn't the strength of the frames, but the flame cutting of the forcing cone and top strap destroys the pistol in as little as 100 rounds.  Sometimes, too much IS too much.

What was done differently with the .460 and .500?

Later models are improvements in the overall metallurgy and reinforced top strap.  Early .460's have a replaceable insert in the top strap, and forcing cone (doesn't require barrel replacement, like the .357Max).  I had considered an insert for the .357Max, using the .460 insert as a model, but it doesn't address the forcing cone.  The WA pistol I had was traded off years ago, so went the interest.

[uz2bUSMC]

The .357Max is an obsolete cartridge in almost every handgun, but an absolute monster in a TC/TE or rifle.  Every .357Max revolver should be limited to .357Mag, even the Ruger.  Perhaps if S&W introduces it with the current technology used for the .460 and .500 Mags, it may make a comeback.  The problem isn't the strength of the frames, but the flame cutting of the forcing cone and top strap destroys the pistol in as little as 100 rounds.  Sometimes, too much IS too much.

Good to know, thanks. I knew the .460s were bbl eaters but I never looked into what the fix might have been. Good info.

What was done differently with the .460 and .500?

Later models are improvements in the overall metallurgy and reinforced top strap.  Early .460's have a replaceable insert in the top strap, and forcing cone (doesn't require barrel replacement, like the .357Max).  I had considered an insert for the .357Max, using the .460 insert as a model, but it doesn't address the forcing cone.  The WA pistol I had was traded off years ago, so went the interest.

[DM1906]

The .357Max is an obsolete cartridge in almost every handgun, but an absolute monster in a TC/TE or rifle.  Every .357Max revolver should be limited to .357Mag, even the Ruger.  Perhaps if S&W introduces it with the current technology used for the .460 and .500 Mags, it may make a comeback.  The problem isn't the strength of the frames, but the flame cutting of the forcing cone and top strap destroys the pistol in as little as 100 rounds.  Sometimes, too much IS too much.

Good to know, thanks. I knew the .460s were bbl eaters but I never looked into what the fix might have been. Good info.

What was done differently with the .460 and .500?

Later models are improvements in the overall metallurgy and reinforced top strap.  Early .460's have a replaceable insert in the top strap, and forcing cone (doesn't require barrel replacement, like the .357Max).  I had considered an insert for the .357Max, using the .460 insert as a model, but it doesn't address the forcing cone.  The WA pistol I had was traded off years ago, so went the interest.

Yeah.  The S&W .460 was the first production pistol to use progressive rifling because of this.  The bullet acceleration is phenomenal, compared to previous (and later) calibers.  The .460 is still the highest-velocity production revolver, and a close second in power, to the .500SWM.

[uz2bUSMC]

Initially I had interest in the .460 over the .500 but after hearing only a few hundred rounds the bbl was done...I dismissed it.

[RRMan03]

I saw a NIB Ruger Blackhawk for sale on GB last night for 2100.00 in the 357 Maximun. i had forgotten it was even ever made. Now I know why it did not last.

[REDLINE]

One reason some took interest in it was the ability to load jacketed and hardcast far heavier than the everyday 357MAG ever dreamed.

And of course there were those few who used it for longrange silhouette shooting.  IIRC I think Hornady made a 200gr Target FMJ just for 357 caliber cartridges/platforms like that.

[RRMan03]

Yes I just looked it up and Ruger only made it for like 2-3 years and the discontinued it. They are basically collectors pieces now it seems.

[BEEMER!]

One reason some took interest in it was the ability to load jacketed and hardcast far heavier than the everyday 357MAG ever dreamed.

And of course there were those few who used it for longrange silhouette shooting.  IIRC I think Hornady made a 200gr Target FMJ just for 357 caliber cartridges/platforms like that.

I was shooting pistol silhouette back in the 90's and got a 10" 357 Max barrel for my contender.  I shot one match with it and everyone told me if I come back, get a different pistol.  Lots of noise and flash.

I finally figured out that no matter how big a gun you had, you still had to hit the targets to get them to go over.

By the way, that barrel did shoot 357 mag very accurately even with the long bullet jump.

[REDLINE]

Recoil, blast, and flash, don't affect accuracy of an otherwise accurate round shot with a steady hand.

[sqlbullet]

I agree redline.

But, I also know that the if I shoot a cylinder of full house 44 mag as my first shots at the range, 1,3,4,5,6 will be on the paper and the #2 shot will be heaven only knows where.  First shot teaches me to flinch, and then on 3-6 I learn not to again.

[The_Shadow]

Although I don't have the 357Maximum I cast the RCBS 180grain Silhouette with gas check that I shoot from my S&W Model 19 which has a long enough cylinder to load this crimped in the normal cannelure.  This pack a good punch from this pistol.

RCBS 180 grain Sil
BTW this bullet is too long as crimped for my Marlin lever rifle cycle them...