357 Max. Aka the torch

[KMK-678GC]

Had an opportunity to shoot the 357 Max over the weekend. That was a lot of fun. I was surprised at the power it felt like it has. Recoil was not bad from the 7.5" Blackhawk.

The muzzle flash is substantial and we captured a great photo of it. Imagine what this looks like at night. I know the Mag has a impressive muzzle flash, but not like this in any ammo I have fired. This was some PCI
180gr SJHP.

 

[contender]

The .357 Maxi is a favorite of mine. As for the muzzle flash, if you were to actually capture several others,, you'd see quite a few of them can have a good flash. But that also depends upon the type of ammo as well. Just try a .30 Carbine,, with military ball ammo,,,,,,,,,!

I handload my Maxi ammo, and it's a serious handgun for serious shooting or hunting. I've taken deer with the Maxi using the Bradshaw/Martin bullet. Used with the Garza front sight,, and the Wells/Garza rear sight insert,, it's a laser!

 

[KMK-678GC]

I have seen the 30 carbine at the range. The range master was concerned about flame damage to the partitions.

I will definitely be reloading for this one as time goes on. This ammo was part of a lot I picked up of both brass and a few loaded rounds. Would love to get a 1885 357 mag reamed to 357 Maxi. That would be a fun rifle.

 

[contender]

If you get into reloading the Maxi,, and have a way to have someone cast you some bullets,, seriously consider the Bradshaw/Martin bullet.
It's a cast, 194 grn, gas checked bullet designed just for the Maxi. (David Bradshaw helped Bill Ruger develop the Maxi.) David and Lee Martin got together & designed the bullet,, had custom molds made,, & went to testing. Once they were satisfied the let others know about it. Accurate Molds now offers the bullet mold. David highly recommends the bullet be deep seated, crimped over the front driving band, and the use of 4227 powder. I, along with many others can attest to the fact it'll do 3"-4" groups at 100 yds if the shooter is capable of delivery.

As for reaming an 1885 to Maxi dimensions,, I'd use caution. Steel was different in those older guns. Now,, a modern version,, that's different. But I'm assuming you mean a more modern one,, since the .357 came along well after 1885.

 

[Fox Mike]

It doesn't have to be a 357 Max to see a fireball. I have a Bearcat Shopkeeper converted to 22 Mag and had a shooter in the next lane ask me what I was shooting. He said it looked like a flamethrower each shot.

 

[KMK-678GC]

As for reaming an 1885 to Maxi dimensions,, I'd use caution. Steel was different in those older guns. Now,, a modern version,, that's different. But I'm assuming you mean a more modern one,, since the .357 came along well after 1885.

Thanks for the info! Yes, only a modern 1885 variation would work for this.

 

[flyer898]

I bought my .357 Maximum before there was any published loading data and I have never fired (or seen) a round of factory ammunition. I was an experienced reloader and WW296 was my pwder of choice for magnum handguns. Small rifle primers, heavy bullets (although the Speer 146 gr. JHP - now discontinued - was something to behold at 1900+ fps) and 100% loading density seemed to work very well. It might be time to get that old warhorse out of the safe.

 

[contender]

flyer898,, that gun was built around the idea of heavier bullets. And shooting lighter ones,, like the 146 JHP Speers is why they top strap developed a cut line. And when people complained,, as well as the article by Bob Milek is what caused Bill Ruger to get pizzed & stop production, AND scrap about 5000 guns.

There was some early experimental factory ammo as well as production ammo in the 158 grn loading. But most of the factory stuff had 180 grn bullets.

 

[rugerguy]

neat picture and reminds me of shooting the Blackhawk in .30 carbine at dusk or evening ,not for night time, as they will dilate your pupils........

 

[southernbuck101]

Thanks for the info! Yes, only a modern 1885 variation would work for this.

I have a H&R that came in 357 mag that is bored to 357 max.
Took it un a trade along with some handloads.
It would be a lot less expensive than a Browning if you were interested.

 

[dobegrant.45]

Very cool picture

 

[flyer898]

flyer898,, that gun was built around the idea of heavier bullets. And shooting lighter ones,, like the 146 JHP Speers is why they top strap developed a cut line. And when people complained,, as well as the article by Bob Milek is what caused Bill Ruger to get pizzed & stop production, AND scrap about 5000 guns.

I also shot a great many cast 192 gr. gas-check bullets at 1700+ fps and some 174 gr. plain-base bullets.
But I surely love the the performance of the Speer 146 JHP. It was quite fast for the bullet weight - I suspect it was because it had a short bearing area and a soft lead core. I am sorry Speer discontinued that bullet.
The last game I shot with my MAX was a jackrabbit at 60 yards; the 146 JHP made a 4" hole through the shoulder.
I never told Bob Milek about my experience and it is not my fault Bill Ruger had an attack of the stupids. I am not a bit worried about the flame cutting on my revolver. The 146 gr. JHP added to the ground squirrels of the mist.