Ruger now has .350's

[CraigC]

There are several reasons for the .357Maximum's untimely demise. It was designed for and excelled as a silhouette cartridge. When IHMSA lifted the price ceiling, Freedom Arms moved in and cleaned house. Which is a lot of the reason for Dan Wesson's decline. The Maximum and Supermags went with them. Then Ruger recalled their .357Maxes because of morons trying to turn them into rifles with light bullets causing flame cutting of the frame, it was the death knell. Nowadays, with the .460 and .500S&W's, it seems silly that the .357/.375/.414/.445 SuperMags are not also popular but timing is everything.

 

[Elkins45]

Which is, as I said, about the extent of its usefulness. There is no logical reason for anyone else to bother with it.

It might be a fun way to shoot 35 caliber cast lead bullets from an AR. Unfortunately the inability to make brass from surplus 5.56 is a big roadblock to the kind cheapskates (like me) who like to shoot cast bullets out of AR pattern rifles.

 

[gotboostvr]

Nowadays, with the .460 and .500S&W's, it seems silly that the .357/.375/.414/.445 SuperMags are not also popular but timing is everything.

I'm just waiting patiently on a 357max X-frame. I'm kind of surprised it hasn't happened already. It'd be a handy varmit to medium game pistol. Could probably squeeze 7-8 rounds in one too.

 

[CraigC]

But the thing would weigh 9lbs!

 

[someguy2800]

I'm just waiting patiently on a 357max X-frame. I'm kind of surprised it hasn't happened already. It'd be a handy varmit to medium game pistol. Could probably squeeze 7-8 rounds in one too.

I think you'll be waiting a long long time for that one!

 

[someguy2800]

There are several reasons for the .357Maximum's untimely demise. It was designed for and excelled as a silhouette cartridge. When IHMSA lifted the price ceiling, Freedom Arms moved in and cleaned house. Which is a lot of the reason for Dan Wesson's decline. The Maximum and Supermags went with them. Then Ruger recalled their .357Maxes because of morons trying to turn them into rifles with light bullets causing flame cutting of the frame, it was the death knell. Nowadays, with the .460 and .500S&W's, it seems silly that the .357/.375/.414/.445 SuperMags are not also popular but timing is everything.

In my eyes it was always a better rifle cartridge than it ever was as a revolver cartridge. Its a shame no major manufacturer ever released a lever actions or an ecconomical single shot in it like the handi rifle. I think if someone had that would have been what it took to make it mainstream. Who wouldn't want an 1892 in 357 maximum?

 

[gotboostvr]

In my eyes it was always a better rifle cartridge than it ever was as a revolver cartridge. Its a shame no major manufacturer ever released a lever actions or an ecconomical single shot in it like the handi rifle. I think if someone had that would have been what it took to make it mainstream. Who wouldn't want an 1892 in 357 maximum?

Apparently, someone converted a Win94 to 357Max. Probably too long of a COAL (and too high of pressure) for the 92 action.

 

[gotboostvr]

But the thing would weigh 9lbs!

Oh it'd be a tank for certain.

I think you'll be waiting a long long time for that one!

I'm definitely not holding my breath!

 

[cougar1717]

I'm waiting for the single action revolver.

While we're at it - we might as well ask Ruger to make a 9mm/350Legend combo revolver.

 

[someguy2800]

Apparently, someone converted a Win94 to 357Max. Probably too long of a COAL (and too high of pressure) for the 92 action.

357 max saami pressure is 40,000 psi compared to 44 magnum of 36,000 psi. 357 will have alot of extra chamber thickness and way less bolt thrust. Don't know if the lifter could be made to work with the OAL though.

 

[25-20 WCF]

Well, the Marlin 336 was chambered in the .356 Winchester, a larger diameter case, at 52,000 CUP. I see no reason the Legend cannot be chambered in the M336, other than a potential feeding issue with the “rimless” case.

If you live in a state requiring a straight case of a specified case length, then the Legend is a godsend. If you don’t like the name, TFB - it’s marketing. No different than the term “magnum” applied to cases with capacities the same as the .30-06 (.264 Magnum, .350 Magnum, etc.). Get over it.


.

 

[dbmjr1]

On another forum there was a reamer for .357 Max making the rounds. I had a .357 Handi Rifle that was cut to 16.5" and threaded. Reamed to Max, it was a fantastic rifle that would shoot great.
That rifle is passed along to a friend now. His son killed his first deer with it.

It's a shame the Handi's aren't made anymore.

Like I already said. I'm holding out for a single action revolver.

 

[CraigC]

Personally, I'd rather have a rim in a revolver or levergun.

 

[Hookeye]

Personally I'd rather have a TC Contender than a Handi rifle.

 

[ECVMatt]

I'm waiting for the single action revolver.

I have heard, from reliable sources, that Ruger is going to come out with a Wrangler in 350 Legend next month.

All kidding aside, I am interested in this one for some odd reason. I would probably go for the Ruger Ranch as I have had good luck with those. I do not live in a straight walled state and have no real reason to own one, but when has that stopped me before. I like to play with new cartridges and interesting old ones. I have always wanted either a 351 SLR or a 357 Max in a rifle. This might get me close in an affordable package.

I am happy with all the products that have come out lately. I think it is nice to have choices, options, and opportunities. I completely understand those who are underwhelmed by this cartridge but that does not mean that it won't be fun to play with.

 

[Llama Bob]

If you live in a state requiring a straight case of a specified case length, then the Legend is a godsend.

Exactly. Even in states with no length limit, it may make sense. Yes, a modern .405win shooting Hawk spitzers will outperform it by a mile. It'll also cost $2000 by the time you set up for reloading and put peep sights on it so you can use that performance. And it'll hammer you like you're shooting some elephant rifle. And all to shoot a deer that isn't 200lbs on the hoof? Probably not worth it. For a person who already owns an AR lower or who likes the Ruger American Ranch, the .350 Legend is one of the cheapest options to get legal in any straight wall state.

 

[tallpaul]

There are several reasons for the .357Maximum's untimely demise. It was designed for and excelled as a silhouette cartridge. When IHMSA lifted the price ceiling, Freedom Arms moved in and cleaned house. Which is a lot of the reason for Dan Wesson's decline. The Maximum and Supermags went with them. Then Ruger recalled their .357Maxes because of morons trying to turn them into rifles with light bullets causing flame cutting of the frame, it was the death knell. Nowadays, with the .460 and .500S&W's, it seems silly that the .357/.375/.414/.445 SuperMags are not also popular but timing is everything.

Well the 357 max if far from dead... it is a very popular and practical cartridge for the straight wall crowd!

 

[newfalguy101]

The cartridge intrigues me, I have always wondered about a 357 mag in an AR.

Granted, this isnt the same, but, close enough for my purpose.

I kinda like using something "new" during deer season. No I am not limited to straight walls, and frankly, the rules are pretty generous as to caliber choice.

I have used both 223, and 300bo, each got the job done, neither impressed me enough to use on deer again ( I like EXIT holes).
Planning to use 7.62 x 39 ar this year.

If in the future, this cartridge lives, and I can find an upper at a price I am willing to pay, I can see adding it to the growing list of calibers I have carried to kill Bambi.

 

[someguy2800]

Personally I'd rather have a TC Contender than a Handi rifle.

I have 2 of each and like both but it can’t be ignored that you could buy 2 handi rifles for the cost of a contender.

 

[CraigC]

Well the 357 max if far from dead... it is a very popular and practical cartridge for the straight wall crowd!

It's pretty dead. No new guns in years and very few to begin with. Arguably the best platform for the cartridge was recalled and thousands of them destroyed. At least now you can get Starline brass.