357 MAX

squirrelbait · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:27 am Post subject: 357 MAX

OK, I don't get out in the field or to range 1/10th the time most of you folks do so maybe some feedback from the pros here.
I used to shoot a T/C contender with several barrels. One of my favorites was the 357 MAX (10 inch barrel). Couple of reasons: I could hold 2" groups at 100yds and could shoot 38s also (also reloaded as easy as 38s).
Now I gave up the contender several yeare ago because I just couldn't shoot enough to keep my field accuracy where I wanted it. I now shoot a T/C encore.
I have a win model 94 30-30 which becomes an "odd man out" round as far as I am concerned. BIG QUESTION: Has anyone ever seen/had modified a lever gun in 357 MAX.? Seems like relatively easy machining operation to convert 357 mag. with possibly some feeding issues to resolve. NH Whitetail hunting is a < 50yd thing most of the time and the kids like the look-n-feel of the lever gun.....it's also just fun to shoot at the range.

515034s10ring · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 7:41 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

No haven't seen it although the question of modifying and ease of machining is not what you may think.

A few things to consider is you would have to re-barrel and find someone to cut that size for you. Then you would have to find a competent Smith specializing in lever guns to shorten your action (receiver, bolt, and lever) by roughly a 1/2" then either a custom firing pin or searching for one that fits.

It would be way cheaper to buy another T/C with a bunch of SSK barrels than it would be even finding a Gunsmith that would attempt the job or do it for under a few $$$$.

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:06 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Hey 515034s10ring (10ring for short)..Me thinks he wishes to drill a .357 magnum lever gun to .357 maximum. Right Squirrelbait? Now that could be done and there might not be that much of a problem with feeding either.

squirrelbait · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:11 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Bushmaster, you got it. It seems feeding would be more of an issue due to the .3xx inches longer col.

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:26 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

One way to find out is to load up a dummy .357 max and insert it in the tubular magazine of a .357 mag and work the lever to just before it chambers. If it will start to enter the chamber then it is likely that it would extract the fired case also. Just an idea...Then you could have the chamber reamed. I don't see why it wouldn't be strong enough to handle the maximum round...BUT I would check with a compitent gun smith to be sure...

515034s10ring · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:29 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Bushmaster wrote:

Hey 515034s10ring (10ring for short)..Me thinks he wishes to drill a .357 magnum lever gun to .357 maximum. Right Squirrelbait? Now that could be done and there might not be that much of a problem with feeding either.

I guess i read into it too much. Cool

But considering the OAL of 1.990, i believe you'd still have to rebarrel?

And btw, i like the 10ring. Very Happy

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:43 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Aah 10ring. Now ya gone and dunnit. I opened the safe and pulled out my trusty Ol' "Jack Handle" and got me a .30-06 loaded case and measured the case and the chamber of this ol" "thutty-thutty" Winchester. Ya know, if it wasn't for the fact that the lever throw wouldn't be long enough and I doubt that the gun would be able to withstand the pressures...........There's room for the .30-06 in there. What I'm saying is I believe that if the lever throw is long enough to handle the Maximum round then I believe that it could also be reamed from .357 magnum to .357 maximum. Again. Only a competent gun smith could tell you for sure...

515034s10ring · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:56 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Well then..... Cool

Yeah, there is no question about the room, but adequate feeding and extraction....'maybe'?

And i totally agree with you about the competent Gunsmith doing the work! While i never had to ream (or lengthen) a basic pistol caliber (or even actually work on more than 10 lever guns in my life, besides basic repairs), i have done a few 'improved' caliber reamings and i have seen what happens when the reaming was done wrong! Shocked

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 11:05 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

There you have it. Squirrelbait. Now what do you do next. Let us knw what you find out.

Good Morning 10ring...

squirrelbait · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 11:06 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

See, 10-ring/Bushmaster, it is a wonderful thing to be able to take advantage of someones else experience etc. Looking at the Marlin and Winchester offerings, it looks like the same barrel blanks were used? If true then it seems you are both correct......it is a proper reaming (youch) and lever throw issue........that just sounded bad!

515034s10ring · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Bushmaster wrote:

Good Morning 10ring...

Good afternoon... Mr. Green

roklok · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

I dont know how easy this conversion would be but I do have some thoughts.First lever actions(centerfires) are more picky about overall cartridge length than most other actions.On the Win model 94 the carrier(elevator)is different for each cartridge length.It wouldnt let a 357 max load clear the magazine tube for lifting in line with chamber on a 357 mag.Maybe you could get it to work by substituting a 30-30 carrier.The cartridge guides would also need to be modified or switched. I dont know about the 1894 Marlin,it might be simpler with one. I recall reading a letter in a magazine,Shooting Times I believe, where a reader asked about a similar conversion.He wanted to convert a lever action 44 mag to 445 super mag. The answer was that almost anything was possible if willing to spend a lot of money but it was not going to be an easy conversion.But certainly dont let me discourage you from checking into it further,Id be interested in what you find out.

Flint54 · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 1:13 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

About 6 years ago I inquired to a custom gunsmith that worked with Win 94s. He stated that you would have to use a standard 30-30 size 94 and that the internal parts would have to be made for the .357 Maximum Cartridge. He stated that the .357/.44/.45LC 94s did not have the required legnth to operate properly. The estimate that I got was in his words around $600 - $800 depending on how many times the parts had to be machined. This was due to having to fit each part by trial and error as noone had any standard drawings for the parts to go by. This may have been done by someone since then.

I was cheep so I got a replacement 18" .357 Magnum barrel for my Contender and had it chambered for the Maximum. I still long for a lever action .357 Max. I think I'll get back to that this year. Cool

squirrelbait · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:47 am Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

Ok, I was out yesterday but it is great to get some thoughts on this. Now that I see some of the issues I'm thinking this may not be such a good idea. I just happen to think the 357MAX is a great cartridge.
Marlin has 35 rem. available. It seems taking the 35REM action and mating to a 357mag barrel reamed to 357MAX could be close? Great feedback.

roklok · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: 357 MAX

The Marlin 336 in 35 Rem is a great gun but a lot heavier than most 357 lever actions.If you dont mind the extra weight and if you handload you could simply load .357 diameter pistol bullets in the 35 remington case to 357 maximum velocitys.Essentially you would have a 357 maximum,but this would take the fun out of building and having a custom rifle.