Just bought a 16 1/2 inch .357 Handi-Rifle barrel that has been reamed to .357 Max, but the seller insists it still shoots .357 Mag very accurately. I'm also putting in on an SB1 receiver for now, so I have to stick with Mag. It's going to have a decent scope on it, but shots will be limited to no more than 50 yards. So, my question is, what is the best factory .357 Mag ammo for deer hunting with this set up?

Great pick up! PM me if you you want some reload info for your 357 max. I have your exact setup and it is a tack driver with 180 grain jacketed bullets. No reason you can't shoot max brass in it. Lots of info on the web, especially on graybeard outdoors. As I understand, as long as you have the small firing pin SB-1 that a 357 or 44 came on, you won't have any problems if you use good load data. If your SB-1 receiver was a shotgun receiver it probably has the larger firing pin and I've heard bad things so might want to pass or stick to the mag. It'll turn it into a 175 yard gun if you can find the right components and....It will be your favorite deer gun.

Thanks very much for the info Double B. Yes, my SB1 originally came with a shotgun barrel. I definitely want to eventually get an SB2 and try max. Barrel should be arriving today according to package tracking, I'm hoping it doesn't take much fitting. I've read it may need sanding here or there are a shim. We'll see. Since I'm staying with mag, you suggest something like Remington 180gr SJHP High Terminal Performance? When I just Google for suggestions I have to wade through a bunch of forums with people saying they wouldn't use .357 mag for deer, but I did find recommendations for Hornady XTP 158gr JHP and Federal 158gr Fusion. Thought I'd try here and see what folks are using.

I hear you TS, if I had to stick with factory 357 mag offerings, I think I would look at the Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast flat point. It supposedly chrono'd 1850 fps in a Marlin 1894 per their website. Another possibility is the Barnes 140 grain loaded by Buffalo Bore. It is even faster with a petal designed expanding copper bullet. Two schools of thought, two good bullets. I use Accurate 1680 and Hornady ssp 180's and get just under 2200 fps with the max in the short barrel. PM me any time and I will share what I know. The best part is how the little gun handles in the woods.

I've had jhp bullets fragment pretty badly from 357 rifle. I recommend either a jacketed flat point or a good cast bullet.

As Double B said, it's hard to beat 1680 powder for the maxi. Mine shoots 158 grain and 180 grain cast very well.

Thank you both for the info and input. It's much appreciated.

I have a 357 h&r....how do you know if your rig us compatible for the max upgrade?

It is, but have a smith look it over if in doubt. Go to graybeard outdoors site for specific information on frames and lots more details. You can have it reamed to max by a gunsmith who has the reamer or you can rent them and do it yourself. I had mine done by a local smith. He's done over 50 and I know several people who shoot them. Hand load w 1680 and 180 gr ssp but those bullets are hard to find now. We'll worth it, especially if you hand load, then it's a no brainer. Totally different gun with a lot more range and umph but no extra recoil.

I rented the reamer from graybeard a few years back. It was amazingly simple- so easy a preacher could do it!

Graybeard has a wealth of info on all things Handi.

X2 and the smith I took it to charged only $35 at the time. Lee will custom make you a pointy bullet seater plug for around $10 so you don't mar the tip of the bullet. Or you can drill it out yourself if you're handy. Other than that 38 or 357 dies work fine. There are lots of great tips on graybeard.