Looking for input on single shot breech loading rifles for primitive weapons season

Goatwhiskers said:

One thing to keep in mind about the Handi. If your initial purchase is .44Mag, .357, or any of the shotgun calibers, they are built on the SB-1 frame which is made of ductile cast iron and cannot be fitted with any of the rifle calibers. They usually have a larger firing pin which often causes primer flow problems. It is "possible" to home fit rifle barrels on these frames but a very poor idea as cast iron doesn't stretch, it fragments rather violently. These frames will only be fitted by the factory with the above calibers. Rifle calibers come on the SB-2 frame which is investment cast heat treated steel and has a smaller firing pin. These can be fitted with any caliber the factory makes EXCEPT magnums, the frame won't take it and the factory doesn't make 'em. Get a rifle caliber as your first purchase and you can go most anywhere from there. GW

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Goatwhiskers said:

One thing to be aware of with the Max, it's pretty much a hand load proposition. No big manufacturers load it, there are at least a couple of smaller loaders that do. Remington makes a run of brass about once a year, so you stock up when you find it, tho case life is great. It's a very good game cartridge a limited ranges, say 200yd or so, I know of one fellow with a contender using a 180gr bullet that took an elk one shot at a lasered 225yds. Haven't tried mine on game yet. It's a 24" barreled SS, 16" twist, that puts 3 190gr WFN cast PP in less than 1/2" with heavy charges of A1680, I don't publish my loads on forums. A1680 seems to be the powder of choice tho others are not quite as good, such as 4227, 2400, and Lil Gun, I believe that the pressure runs a little too high to suit me. One other thing, if you're gonna convert a Handi, make sure you use a Rifle reamer, not the pistol type, there is a difference. GW

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Win1917 said:

The 357 max brass is a pain to get but ammo is available http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=357maximum Buy a couple boxes to tide you over for brass and put out a few alerts. When Remington does a run, jump on it and stock up. It's too bad there isn't more interest in the max, it's a great little round in the right application.

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