Which .357?

[rollmyown]

My addiction had lead me to 2 357 boolit group buys (yes 2) and as yet I don't have a rifle chambered in 357 mag. (The Mihec 140gn HP just gone active and the NOE 180 gn on the milling machine as we speak).

At some point I had better fix this ;)

I'm thinking either an older Marlin or a new Ruger. I'm leaning toward the Ruger.

Which one would you choose and why? Will one likely have an accuracy advantage over the other? Is there a difference in twist rate in the two rifles?

Use will be plinking, small and medium game (up to goat or pig at biggest).

[Ben]

The little Ruger has really caught my eye. I feel that eventually I'll own one.

Ben

[excess650]

Marlins are 1-16" twist and seem to prefer heavier boolits (like 180gr). Marlins made after 2000 or so have conventional rifling, so are more apt to shoot plainbase faster than their microgroove siblings. I have both varieties.

I've not seen or handled a Ruger, so have no comment. I DO have a Browing Low wall in 357, and its very accurate.

[Blammer]

Good grief man! Go to the nearest gunshop and get ANY 357 mag rifle they have! You MUST have something before the moulds arrive! Hurry ! Hurry!


:D

If I didn't have a 357mag rifle I'd most likely pick up the Ruger rifle. :)

[rollmyown]

There are a couple of youtube reviews on the Ruger. Groups are pretty average. I was hoping for better. Maybe some load development and different operator will produce some tighter groups.

[bobthenailer]

I have about 7, 357 bullet moulds from 148 to 200 gr + some lighter 9mm/38 super moulds will cast large enough to size @.358 to use as well
I only have one rifle in 357 mag a newer Marlin with ballard type rifleing, it weares a aimpoint red dot sight and is super accurate with cast bullets. I usually use the GB lee 180 gr gc wfn without the gas ck for loads @1,100 fps with 4.5 Gr of TG. Its really fun to plink with
With the marlin COL is important for proper feeding @ 1.605 as max or with a bullet with the nose length @.315 or shorter . Unless the carrier is modfied

[Old Ironsights]

Why not the Rossi 1892 clone?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/MrMisanthrope/IMG_6767.jpg

(It's the one on the bottom)

It's my "go-to' "PC Urban/Hillbilly Assault Rifle"

[chris12]

i have a handi rifle in .357 and love it. if you don't mind a single shot.

[nanuk]

Good grief man! Go to the nearest gunshop and get ANY 357 mag rifle they have! You MUST have something before the moulds arrive! Hurry ! Hurry!



I was told a long time ago by an ODG that if you bought a NEW mould, and there was NO rifle to shoot it in upon arrival, it just would NOT shoot well EVER. Something about VooDoo magic or sump'n.

that only applies to new moulds never been shot. Used moulds new to you are fine to buy without rifles to shoot them in.

I've been luck so far, been able to get a rifle in before a new caliber, but I certainly Won't be pushing my luck again!

GET THE RIFLE!