357 Maximum ?

NorCal · 08-14-2006, 10:54 PM

I have a combo gun, 357 maximum over a 20 ga., It's been collecting dust in the closet. I'd like to use it late in the deer season when quail and grouse are also in season. I'm going to the range and zero it at 100 yards. Anyone have any experience with 357 maximum. Also, i've been thinking about getting rid of it and getting a more mainstream, 30/30 over a 20 ga.

DANTHEHUNTER · 08-15-2006, 06:38 AM

Try this reloadingbench.com/cartp.html They seem to have good info on that round.

James B · 08-15-2006, 09:41 AM

I don't know what is available for factory ammo for the 357 Maximum. However as a hand loaded round, it gives up very little to the 30-30 and in some cases in more versitile. I don't know the length of your barrel but the Max is capable of 1800-1900 fps with a 180 grain bullet from the 14 inch barrel of the Contender. This rivals the 30-30 big time and it will do it with less recoil. Its a very efficient cartridge which deserves much more popularity. I shot one for years (Contender) for steel silhouettes and as a deer round. Its a good one and if you reload, its a shame to leave it idle.