1873 reproduction rifle in 357 mag.

[35 shooter]

Just wondering what the general concensus is on these type rifles in 357 mag. Tried to do a search on it tonight but came up short with that. Computer's running slow tonight, got a lot of nothing or either proxy errors. I was wondering how they hold up with mag. loads long term? I'd probably shoot more 38 special level loads than anything kind of taking the place of a 22 long rifle type thing and for small game, but interested in the mags for deer or hogs. Actually i'm pretty torn between the mag or a 44/40.

[jmort]

They work real good, but they cost a bundle when race-tuned. Hope to own one or two someday in .38/.357

[ReloaderFred]

I've seen bent toggles from shooting full power .357 Magnum loads through them. I have a friend who makes a good living working on Model 66's and 73's, and he recommends not shooting full power loads in the 73.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[35 shooter]

ReloaderFred what does your friend that works on them recommend? Only 38 special or maybe just cutting 357 mag loads by a grain or two?

[Greg in Malad]

I bought a new Winchester '73 last month so my experience with them is pretty limited, but I wont be shooting any full power loads in it. Actually, using it to replace a 22 rimfire makes sense. I'm loading 5 grs of unique with a 125 gr Lee flat point for about $6 a hundred. If you want to hunt deer and hogs, then the 44/40 would be a better choice, although more time consuming to load. Whichever one you choose they a hoot to shoot, I just wish Winchester would have used a longer stock.

[ReloaderFred]

He recommends .38 Special, but his main line of work is SASS competition. Here's a link to his website: http://www.pioneergunworks.com/home.php

We had dinner with him and other friends last night. I should have asked him, but I forgot.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[35 shooter]

Thanks for the link on pioneergunworks, looks like he could fix anything that goes wrong with em.Plus getting em competetion ready if you so wanted. Good to know!

[dverna]

I have two. Both tuned. They are fast and slick. Wear a brimmed hat or suffer hot brass down your neck (down the front on a lady is fun to watch). Great little guns and fun to shoot.

I have two Marlins too. I think the 73's are faster but the Marlins are better all-round guns. Easy to scope and side eject. My Marlins will group 1" at 30 yards for 10 shots with cast.

Don Verna