Handi - 357 Magnum

[Ben]

This one came home with me today from the Birmingham Gun Show.

Bore in this one is in pristine condition.

Considering all the 38 / 357 molds that I own, this one should see quite a few rounds down the tube.

Ben

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/006876.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/011-21.jpg

Here it is with the Weaver 1" steel tube, 4 X El Paso scope with post reticle ;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/004-34.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/001-38.jpg

[Goatwhiskers]

FWIW, the barrel being marked SB2 really doesn't mean anything, It's the SB2 frame that is made from investment cast steel rather than cast iron. Bad as I hate to say it, you can go to the Handi section on the graybeard forum and find out more than I can type here. That having been said, you don't have a problem anyway even if you open it up to Max. GW

[Ben]

I already own a pair of 358 Win. rifles and a .35 Ack. Imp Whelen.

I'll most likely just leave this one in standard 357 Mag chambering.
I thought that this one might be good for my grandson.

Hopefully when he is a teen, ( under close supervision ) he will get some enjoyment out of shooting and reloading for this one.

Ben

[tacklebury]

I really like the .357 mag left standard. I load them up with 180gr. XTP magnums and a book minimum load of H110. Shoots 1/2" groups at 50 yards with a 4x mildot scope. ;) I put shorty stocks on it for the wife to use, but I can still do ok with it. ;)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_OOqKLfhgG8/T2ulq9OWniI/AAAAAAAAA3U/pK9ineKKDVE/s800/357_Mag_Baby_Carbine.jpg

[Ben]

A very nice set up you have there for your wife.

Have you shot many cast loads out of your rifle ?

Ben

[bruce drake]

Ben, you get a hammer extension for that Handi and you'll be all set for everything from a squirrel to a decent sized deer with the appropriate loads.

[Ben]

Ben, you get a hammer extension for that Handi and you'll be all set for everything from a squirrel to a decent sized deer with the appropriate loads.


Yep, you're RIGHT Bruce.

1st thing I noticed with the 4 X Weaver in place is that it is near impossible to cock the hammer.

I wonder if anyone has a spare in a parts box that I could buy ?

Ben

[tacklebury]

A very nice set up you have there for your wife.

Have you shot many cast loads out of your rifle ?

Ben

Yes, I load it also in .38 special with a 125 gr. SWC and a 148 gr. WC and I have to get more of the 125's ordered in the RNFP configuration. I do a few Ranier plated also for plinking. Her pistol didn't like the plain rn bullets too much though. This little guy eats whatever I put down it though.

I don't use the thumb extensions yet, but Brownell/s has them in stock.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=7030/avs%7CManufacturer_1=HzzxzzR/Product/HAMMER-EXTENSION

Some guys find that the weight of this one can slow the hammer speed some and has caused some to have misfires. I like the traditions style and intend to anneal the tip of my hammers and drill and tap it for these:
http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/product_info.php?products_id=347&osCsid=166034d52c3c02a44ff4cd3f215c808d

[Ben]

Is the traditions style a common thread pitch ?
I assume the hammer could be drilled easily ?

Ben

[tacklebury]

The hammers are hardened steel as I understand it. You need to heat the tip red-hot and then let it air cool before trying to drill and tap it. I'm not sure on the pitch. I'll take mine to my shop and see if I can match up a thread. They are spanish, so I'm betting it is a metric. There is a couple other styles also people have used:
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=299620F&catid=7527
or
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=9036/Product/HAMMER-EXTENSIONS

[bruce drake]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/44761

In stock.

[Ben]

Thanks fellows for the useful links.

Ben

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Looks great! I've got a little of the handi bug myself at the moment. Let us know how it treats your brass. Can't hardly beat a 357 rifle for cheap and effective hunting.

[725]

tacklebury -

Thanks for that link. I've been all over looking for just that thing for my Handi's. I've had the adapted spurs and they usually fall off. I've been looking for Winchester spurs, as they sell '94 Trappers with the hammer drilled for just this thing - no luck. I'll have the credit card out on Monday morning!

Ben -

You're going to have fun with that Handi. Can't wait to see your boolit choices and the results.

[BCRider]

Oh great... this thread has me thinking of a project gun to fit alongside the .38/.357Mag wheelguns and lever gun I already have. A break action long barrel "buffalo gun". Or more accurately an "angry rabbit" style gun.... :D

To complete the conversion I'd replace or modify the stock shoulder and fore stock to more of a classic straight non pistol grip style stock with a nicely curved brass or blued steel butt plate and the fore stock to more of a classic Schanbel style.

[tacklebury]

This is the Buffalo Classic wood I have from my .45-70, but I keep it in the house except for pictures usually. ;)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EAEllfCC6l4/Ts7YJnUnUFI/AAAAAAAAAos/fuFa__XEy-o/s800/H%2526R_45-70_Buffalo_Classic.JPG

[Hammerhead]

Nice carbine. I really like the sight picture the older square front post and flat top rear give.
If you ever want to trade off those nasty old wood stocks for some genuine plastic, let me know ;)

[Ben]

excess650

I loaded 50 rounds in 5 round lots and recorded all the data.
Hopefully I can head to the range in the next few days and try this puppy out.

Ben

[JesterGrin_1]

You know Ben that rifle might be Perfect for the RCBS 35-200Gr that you have. :)

[Ben]

You know Ben that rifle might be Perfect for the RCBS 35-200Gr that you have. :)

Yes, you're correct. It is on the list right now. We'll see how this rifle likes the RCBS 200.

Thanks,
Ben

[Ben]

I'm back from the range today.
May or not prove anything ? ?
It is still early. I've only owned the rifle 3 days.........

I tried out my new rifle with my RCBS 200 gr.
plain based mold. Sized .3575"
6.0 grs. of Russian Unique with Win. small
pistol primers in 357 Mag cases.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/RCBS%2035%20cal%20200%20gr%20PB%20%20HP/PICT0007.jpg

Looks like a nice " starting place " with my new rifle :

5 rounds at 50 yards

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/Photo0725987.jpg

I really never hoped to have a " high grade target rifle "
with this little " 357 Handi - Rifle ". I only wanted a nice little training
rifle for my grand son. I just might have it...... ?

Ben

[Goatwhiskers]

Accuracy went to pot. Send the thing to me and I'll properly dispose of it. GW

[tacklebury]

Excellent bud! Once I move to the country this coming spring, I intend to really get into casting. So far I only have .457 Round balls, but seeing that, I am going to have to look for that RCBS mold! ;)

[curiousgeorge]

I just picked up the same gun but with the plastic stock and fore end at the gun shop yesterday. I haven't had time to shoot it yet, but it will stay .357 mag because I already have an older .357 Max barrel on another receiver.

Anyone got any decent loads for AA9 for the .357 Mag or Max? Just came into 4 pounds along with some AA2, 5, & 7.

Just to let everyone know, I have been reloading for about 35 years - still have all my fingers, about 1/2 my eyesight and damn little hearing left. I will take any suggestions and evaluate, just don't have any experience with the Accurate powders and can't think of any better bunch of people to ask.

Ben - NOW I have to have one of those 200 grain RCBS molds- looks like a winner for my Mag, Max, and Whelan.

Steve

[BAGTIC]

A lot of Handi-Rifle .357 have longer than standard throats. A reloader can take advantage of the extra COL length to enhance the loads sometimes considerably.

[leadman]

I used the SAECO 180gr RFN in my Marlin, before my boy got it. It shot real well and changed the character of the 357.

Looks like you are on the right track with that 50 yard group. Hope it stays that way farther out for you.