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.