357mag rifle options

Marlin 1894, Rossi 92, Winchester 94, Ruger 77.

Most of these are available new.

I have an oddball IVI Timberwolf pump takedown.

It is light, easy to carry, holds 9 rounds and is good for deer out to 75 yards (for me using the irons). It's especially good for pre-season scouting when you want to carry a light carbine.

What's not to like?
 
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No they don't suck... what is your intended purpose? There are a number of companies making .357 lever actions... the Ruger 77/357 bolt action and a couple single shot .357's also... which one depends on your use. I had a single and a lever but sold them both in favor of .44 Mags.
 
No they don't suck... what is your intended purpose? There are a number of companies making .357 lever actions... the Ruger 77/357 bolt action and a couple single shot .357's also... which one depends on your use. I had a single and a lever but sold them both in favor of .44 Mags.

Good to know that people like them. I see via google, that 150yards is absolutely the max range for deer. Is this correct?? What kind of groups @ 100 are you guys getting? Not sure of my intended use just yet, mostly thought that since I reload for revolver in that caliber, I could load for a rifle as well. But it may not be the best choice. I get better range from my muzzleloader.
 
For hunting the handgun bullets tend to slow down quicker than the skinny, longer and more pointy rifle bullets. So you'll want to be closer in. Typically 100 to 120 yards maximum to ensure a clean kill from what I've read. For smaller game and varmints the bullets will still be moving along well enough out to 150 to 160 yards but generally if you're using the plain iron sights seeing well enough for a good hit becomes an issue.

If I were going to use this rifle for regular hunting I think I'd opt for a .44Mag instead. It only increases the useable distance a little but it lets you use it against bigger game and still get the bullet passing fully through.

Using lighter loads in reloaded ammo gives you the option of plinking loads or small game loads where you don't want to vaporize the critter.

For plinking there's nothing better than a lever .357. And if you get a smith or do it yourself the basic cowboy action slicking up work and a spring kit smoothens the guns up to where they feel slick as warm butter. I've had more than one person ask to buy my Rossi after they tried it. One was dead on serious and offered me full price plus more to pay for my time. THAT'S how nice they feel when slicked up right.

The Rossi's in particular fall into the same sort of category as Norinco guns. Namely the stuff is all there and it works. But both benefit greatly from some detail tuning and de-burring. But then again look at the price. You might complain that you have to detail the insides of a Rossi but the next step up to where the rifle needs nothing is twice the price or more.
 
I would not go beyond 100. But that is me.

I have the same IWI timberwolf in 357. I would love to get my 44 mag back from whoever I sold it to. Hint Hint.
 
I agree with the 100 yard limit for .357... I can push my .44 carbines to 150 with good accuracy.
 
You can also get 357 magnum barrels for the TC Contender/encore. Or, if you hand load, you can look for a 357 Max barrel. Much better for deer (and can also shoot 357 mag and 38 special).
 
Henry Big Boy .357.

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does any one know about reaming a 357 to 357 max. who can do it? or can i buy a reamer and have a machinist do it where i can get one
 
I have a Pedersoli Rolling Block "Baby Carbine" (20" barrel) and a Rossi Trapper .357
I get 158 grain bullets going 2000 fps out of the rolling block using L'il gun powder. Haven't chronographed the loads from the Trapper yet
I'd definately use either of them for hunting up to 100 yds
 
I like the .357 mag. cartridge rifles as well,....my Marlin 1894c

My latest Ruger 77/357

I like them both, for target shooting & hunting because they are light, short, making for
an easy carry rifle with a sweet shooting cartridge loaded light or heavy & a ton of fun....

I highly recommend any rifle in this calibre that turns you on!
 
I have a 1894 marlin and a ruger 77/357 both are great. depending on what load I am running and whether it is scoped or with a peep 100yard groups are between 1.5" and 4" benched.

a fun caliber
 
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