.357 Maximum H&R Model 258 Handy Gun II

[26Charlie]

I got this out of the closet and shot three 3-shot groups with it, just for fun, at 25 yards off the back porch. .38 Special Fiocchi 158 gr. JHP, .357 Magnum PMC 158 gr JSP, and then the one that counts:
.357 Maximum cast load (loaded 2 July 2002)
Lyman 358627 215 gr. Gas check sized .358,
19.5 gr. WW 296, CCI 450 primer.
Three shot group was 0.7 inch, from wrist rest at 25 yards.
U-notch and post iron sights (reading glasses helped).

The rifle has a brushed nickel finish. H&R did not change the caliber stamping die, it is .357 Magnum, although it really is chambered for .357 Maximum.

[koger]

Sounds like a good shooting rig.

[Shawlerbrook]

Sounds like a very versatile rifle.

[26Charlie]

Yes, versatile. It has one of those elastic cartridge holders for 10 rounds on the buttstock. I call it my "fully semiautomatic break-open single-shot assault rifle, with high capacity fabric magazine".

[Rapier]

I use the 200 grain RCBS FP with about 20 grains of H-110/296 or 4227 with small rifle primers. Have both moulds, the plain base and the gas check versions. The plain base mould was discontinued by RCBS, but is now offered by Saeco and is the bullet I prefer for powder coating.
I have two 357 SM rifles, both are Martini Cadet conversions and are very accurate. The 180 JHP Power Pistol and 180 Hornady spire point bullets also work well.

The 357 Super Mag (Max) makes a handy little carbine style rifle for 200 and under. Well worth putting a scope on.