Rifles in .357 and .44 magnum

[VancMike]

Seems like there's a bunch of posts on this subject. But here goes again: I own a Uberti Mdl 1873 in .357/38 Special. The only issue I've had is that it jams if one tries to chamber Keith-type bullets, but factory jacketed or lead RNFN bullets work fine.

It's available in 44 mag for a few configurations. http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1873-rifle-and-carbine.php

And now, I see Miroku is making them for Winchester as well, but only in .357/38 Spl.

And yeah, they're pricier than the options above. But there's no smoother lever action ever made, and they're a cool piece of history.

Uberti also makes a copy of the Colt Lightning (pump), but I've never shot nor handled one.

 

[Krogen]

I am thinking of picking up a Rossi to shoot cowboy silhouette. Does anyone know if the receiver is drilled-and-tapped for a receiver peep sight? Or even better is the tang tapped for a tang sight?

 

[dagger dog]

Krogen,

If it is a Braztech Rossi it is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. Mine is a 24" octagon barrel rifle it has no holes for a receiver sight.

The factory sights are minimal at best.

 

[Krogen]

Thanks, dagger dog. I'm seriously thinking of that 24" octagon. How's it shoot for you?

 

[dagger dog]

It's a 45 Colt ,only shot my handloads 260 gr RNFP 6.5 grs Trailboss can ring the 4" spinner, out to 50 yds offhand.

I replaced the factory sights with a Marbles full buckhorn and a 3/32" ivory bead front, later added a Lyman #2 tang modified to fit the Rossi. Haven't had much trigger time with the tang sight.

The Rossi's are a good buy IF you are lucky , mine functioned and shot well out of the box, it shot RNFP, LSWC, Winchester Silver Tip HP's with out any problems, but I found out it doesn't treat the brass very nice.

The "feed ramp" is enlarged at the chamber mouth and bulges the brass at that point near the rim at the base of the case, don't expect the brass to last very many loadings, and they are not hot loads.

 

[Krogen]

Sounds like a nice rifle. I'm thinking of the .357 so I can shoot the 170 gr Sierra bullets. They will probably shoot flatter out to the 100 m rams. I've heard, though, the Rossi doesn't like heavier bullets in .357, but prefers 125 gr. I'll need to do some more sleuthing on that.

 

[Uniquedot]

If it is a Braztech Rossi it is drilled and tapped for a tang sight.

Mine is a current Braztech and it is not drilled and tapped for a tang sight, but it is the carbine version. I've seen the rifles that were drilled for tang and receiver sights. Oddly enough mine is tapped for a scope mount. Holes are hidden under the rear sight.

The "feed ramp" is enlarged at the chamber mouth and bulges the brass at that point near the rim at the base of the case, don't expect the brass to last very many loadings

This is my only gripe with the rifle...so far anyway...well except for the ridiculous plastic magazine follower which I promptly replaced.

 

[Upstater]

Mine is a current mfg. and I've shot 158 grain consistently out to 100 yds very accurately, also mine is a 20" carbine and it isn't tapped for a tang sight either but one can still be added. Check out Steve's gunz website for many different options and the DVD will also show in detail how to slicken up the action very nicely.

 

[MCgunner]

Sounds like a nice rifle. I'm thinking of the .357 so I can shoot the 170 gr Sierra bullets. They will probably shoot flatter out to the 100 m rams. I've heard, though, the Rossi doesn't like heavier bullets in .357, but prefers 125 gr. I'll need to do some more sleuthing on that.

Mine's 25 years old, but it shoots my 165 grain (158 Lee mold weighs 165 with gas check) into 4" at 100 yards. It also does well with a 180 Hornady XTP. I use Lil' Gun, great powder for this caliber in rifles. It has a rep for forcing cone errosion in revolvers, so I just load those for my rifle, 16.8 grains behind that 165 cast bullet. It gives me 1850 or so FPS and does it at lower pressure than 2400 as it's a half grain off max. The gun can handle a LOT of pressure, but mine's relieved at the feed area, too, and brass also bulges a might in my gun, so I like the Lil' Gun load in it. Gives great velocity without pushing the brass's strength.

 

[RainDodger]

In my mind, it would be a tough choice! I had a hankerin' for a lever a while back and really wanted one, but I satisfied that itch when I found a Winchester, albeit in .30WCF. It was too good a deal to pass up.

But then again.... I recently saw one of those little stainless Ruger 77 bolts in .357. It just plain handled really well! I wanted it bad, but didn't have the $700+ in my pocket at the time. It would be really handy with a little stainless scope on it I think.

The thing is, I don't have a "need" for any rifle in .357, as there are other, better calibers in a rifle... but then again (once again)... what does "need" have to do with it?!

I've removed that word from all my firearms-related phrases.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[rbernie]

Its not real reliable when shooting .38's though, and you tend to get rim lock tie ups with the mag, which require you to pull the mag and fiddle with it to get them undone. Most of my .38s are 158 grain LSWC's for my handguns, and it doesnt seem to like them as far as accuracy goes. If I load them with 125 grain JHP's, its better.

With the Ruger 77/357, do you get rim lock with 357 Mag and 38 Special, or only with 38 Special?

 

[AK103K]

Ive only got rim lock with the .38's. The 357's work fine. I think the problem with the .38s is, the mag is sized for the 357's, and the shorter .38's, can move fore and aft just enough under recoil and working the bolt, that the rims can jump over each other, tying things up.

To free things up, you have to drop the mag, and usually push the second round down a little so the round on top can move forward.

It doesnt happen all the time, but its enough to be annoying.

 

[Panzercat]

Obligatory 'Buyer beware' on Rossi .357s. While I can't speak on the rifles of old, Rossi these days is a crap-shoot. You may get a good one. Maybe not. I think, however, you're taking your chances when it comes to Rossi multi caliber leverguns (ie; 38/357,45/454).

I don't see nearly as many complaints on the rifles designed to only feed single calibers (.45lc, .44mag, etc) so you'll probably be safer there.

 

[budman46]

Obligatory 'Buyer beware' on Rossi .357s. While I can't speak on the rifles of old, Rossi these days is a crap-shoot. You may get a good one. Maybe not. I think, however, you're taking your chances when it comes to Rossi multi caliber leverguns (ie; 38/357,45/454).

my experience is limited to 2 recent rossi 92s, mine and that of a pal who got his a few weeks after me, but both will feed .38 wadcutters...i can't think of a tougher test.

 

[MCgunner]

I actually haven't tried WCs in mine. I should do that.