Reaming a .357 Mag Handi-Rifle out to .357 Maximum?

[Landric]

I've been thinking about picking up a .357 Magnum chambered Handi-Rifle. While thinking about it, I got the idea that maybe I could have the chamber reamed to .357 Maximum. Anyone tried this? Any reason not to do it? Anyone want to suggest someone to do the work?

Thanks a bunch,

[Nobade]

I bought a chucking reamer from MSC the same size as my chamber *.381" I think) and lengthened the factory chamber. The throat is long enough that I didn't have to change it at all. Polished it out and it's good to go. Shoots paper patch bullets nearly to 35 rem ballistics and grease groove bullets very well too, just not as powerful. I also made a spacer to go under the lockring of my 38 spl dies so I can load 38 spl, 357 mag, or 357 max without changing the die setting, just swap spacers.

[Landric]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking for a way to really push our 200 grain SWC group buy boolit, and a .357 Maximum Handi-Rifle seems like a fun way to do that.

[rockrat]

It is an easy job. When it comes time to do it, PM me, I think I have a max reamer you can borrow.

[missionary5155]

Greetings
I have not tried this caliber but a 41 mag to 4141 supermag looks like a future project. Have to get my Marlin 336 done first.

[45r]

I got a custom rifle reamer and did my T/C 12 inch barrel.The accuracy improved giving 1 inch 5 shot groups at 60 yards using 185GC and 215GC boollits.

[part_timer]

It's very easy and no reason what so ever not to do it.

[Landric]

Thanks for the info folks. Now I need to call H&R and see if they can fit a .357 barrel to my .45-70 Government Handi-Rifle frame, or if I will need to buy another Handi-Rifle. The website says to call to find out if the .357 barrel can be fitted.

Rockrat, thanks, I expect I will take you up on that offer when the time comes.

[sailor]

I shoot a shortened .357 Max, 18TW, IMR4227, Rem 2 1/2 pistol primer, RCBS 200 gr for the .35 REM, on a single trigger #3 Ballard rifle. Breech seated boolit, 1:16 alloy, no gas check. Post card wad over the powder. Five times this has given me a five shot group (100 yards) you can cover with a nickel.
Pressures run higher than the .357 Mag. I started out with a standard .38 special chamber, but accuracy was terrible. As I went up in boolit weight and powder charge, heads started separating. So I went to a short .357 mag. case. Case life continued to drop. So I moved up to the .357 Max shortened to .38 special, and this works just fine.
I would suggest keeping the Mag. chamber the same and moving up to the 200 grain boolit in a short Max case.
Easy to try,
George

[Catshooter]

Landric,

Go here for all the info in the world about H&Rs:http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,142.0.html

Good luck.


Cat

[Landric]

Thanks for the link Catshooter, this seems to be a pretty popular idea.

[parson48]

I did my H&R several months back. It was a very easy and quick job. I hope to take an Indiana deer with it next Saturday.

[MT Gianni]

I did the same to a 357 handi bbl. It shoots good.

[TCLouis]

Try some of the info here

http://357maximum.com/

[rockrat]

Landric, let me look, might have a spare Handi barrel too

[Landric]

Thanks Rockrat, let me know.

[rockrat]

Landric, PM sent.

[PacMan]

Ya know i picked up a Handi inb .357 mag yesterday and was suprized to find that it may actually be .357 max chambered. My means gof measuring are very limited but i do know that the chamber is longer than the max. calls for. I seated a 200 grain LBT LFN in backards and to the lands measured 1.815. I canot seat the 200 gr bullet out far enough to contact the lands without the case of the mouth being in the bottom lube grove. I have got to come up with some 357 max. cases to explore futher.
Any one know what the normal measurnment shoule be to the lands?
Even if the chamber is a little short for the Max. i think i will need longer brass and shorten to ever get the nose close to the lands.
Dwight

[Catshooter]

You're welcome Landric.

The Magnum really comes to life in a rifle and making one a Max just adds goodness on top.


Cat

[jeepmann1]

Sign up at Graybeard and rent the 357 max from a forum member/admin. The proceeds go to support the forum
Happy Trails
George