Modifying a bolt face for the 357Max?

[2ndAmendmentNut]

As some of you may know by recent threads of mine, I have the desire to acquire a rifle in 357Max. Not being a huge fan of break barrels that makes the only two rifles currently offered in the Max out (H&R and TC). That leaves me with the option of re-barreling the action of my choice. At first my heart was set an old style action such as the Sharps or 1885, but forum members here pointed out that there is some doubt as to the strength of these actions, and also what appears to be a lack of “clunker” actions that can be obtained at a reasonable price. I have been watching Gunbroker and other websites for a Ruger #1 or #3 but so far have not turned up any real deals. Seeing all the used and fairly cheap bolt guns on the various auction sites got me wondering what would it take to modify a bolt face for use with the 357Max (Mag/Special) rim? I am okay with a single-shot, just would like to know what sort of rifle or perhaps what sort of caliber I should look for that could be modified to the 357Max without it being excessively cost prohibitive.

[Mk42gunner]

Get one of the bolt actions that is chambered in 7.62x39. The rim diameter is close enough that it will work without modification. Most of these little rifles are also available in .223 Remington, so a little mix and match of magazine parts and you should be up and running.

My Charles Daly (Zavasta) Mini-Mauser will feed .38's from the mag, but I don't know if a .357 Max cartridge will fit for length. One of the CZ 527's with a detachable mag might just be the best and easiest optiuon.

Please keep us posted on your progress,

Robert

[2ndAmendmentNut]

The 7.62x39 is that close? Wow, thanks for the info.

[colonelsanders]

357 Maximum
Rim diamerter = 0.44"
Rim thickness = 0.060
OAL 1.990

7.62 X 39
Rim diameter = 0.447
Rim Thickness =0.057
OAL 2.2"

Seems like re barreling a mini mark x or a Remington 799 (same action) would be your match made in heaven.

[rockrat]

You could also have JES reboring, bore out the 223 mini-mauser, and chamber it for 357max.

Another option, would be to find a Savage 223 and get a replacement bolt head in 223 and get it opened up for the Max case and rebarrel, or get that 223 barrel rebored. You could also have an extra barrel in 7.62 x 39 fitted to the same action.

[Molly]

Another option to consider might be a 6.5 Carcano rifle, or at least an action. I once made up a Carcano in 357 Mag, mostly because the rifle was so cheap and the bolt head fit the 357 rim perfectly.

By the same token, one of the 6.5 Manlichers should work too, and be a more elegant action to base the work on.